On March 27, 1980, Maurizio Gucci, the last member of the famed Gucci dynasty, was assassinated in Milan. The hitman responsible for the murder was named Benedetto Ceraulo.
The Gucci Family
The Gucci family is one of the most prominent fashion dynasties in history. The company was founded in Florence, Italy by Guccio Gucci in 1921 and quickly rose to international fame. The brand became a symbol of luxury and sophistication, with their iconic GG logo and signature designs.
The Murder of Maurizio Gucci
Maurizio Gucci was the grandson of the founder and had a tumultuous relationship with his family. He sold his shares in the company to Investcorp in 1993 and was forced out of the business. In 1995, he filed a lawsuit against his cousin Paolo Gucci for threatening to kill him.
On March 27, 1980, Maurizio was leaving his office in Milan when he was shot by Benedetto Ceraulo. Ceraulo had been hired by Patrizia Reggiani, Maurizio’s ex-wife who had been convicted for orchestrating the murder.
Who Was Benedetto Ceraulo?
Benedetto Ceraulo was an Italian hitman from Palermo, Sicily. He had a lengthy criminal record and was well known in organized crime circles. Ceraulo had been hired by Patrizia Reggiani to carry out the assassination of her ex-husband.
The Trial and Sentencing
After a lengthy trial that captivated Italy, Patrizia Reggiani was found guilty of arranging her ex-husband’s murder and sentenced to 29 years in prison. Benedetto Ceraulo received a life sentence for carrying out the assassination.
Conclusion
The murder of Maurizio Gucci was a shocking event that shook the fashion world. The involvement of the Gucci family and organized crime made it even more sensational. While Patrizia Reggiani and Benedetto Ceraulo are both serving time for their roles in the murder, the legacy of the Gucci family lives on.