Joseph "Joe The Animal" Barboza was a notorious hitman for the Patriarca crime family in 1960s Boston, known for his brutal and public killings. Originally a boxer, he became deeply involved in organized crime, earning his violent nickname. Barboza's career took a dramatic turn when he became one of the first major mobsters to turn government informant, testifying against the Patriarca family and helping to convict several members. However, his testimony, particularly in the Edward Deegan murder case, led to wrongful convictions, later revealed to be based on coerced and false statements. Despite entering witness protection, Barboza continued his violent ways and was ultimately assassinated in 1976 in a mob-ordered hit. His legacy is a mix of infamy as a feared enforcer and controversy over the misuse of his cooperation by law enforcement, culminating in a $102 million settlement to the families of the wrongfully convicted men. (commercial at 8:32) to contact me: [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.