Contract killing

What is Contract Killing, and Why Does It Matter?

Contract killing, a term that sends shivers down the spine, is essentially when one party hires another to take someone’s life for money. This dark practice has been around for centuries, often associated with organized crime, government conspiracies, dictatorships, and personal vendettas. But have you ever wondered how common it really is or who exactly pulls these strings?

The Motives Behind Contract Killing

According to a study in Australia, insurance policy payouts were the most frequent reason for hiring hitmen, with payments ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. That’s a hefty sum, isn’t it? But what drives people to such extremes?

A Closer Look at Notable Contract Killers

Let’s dive into the world of notorious contract killers who have left their mark on history. Names like Vincent ‘Mad Dog’ Coll and Elmer ‘Trigger’ Burke are synonymous with cold-blooded murder. But do you know about Alexander ‘Sasha-Soldier’ Pustovalov, a Russian mafia hitman known for his 22 confirmed kills? Or how about Julio Santana, the Brazilian hitman who is believed to have killed over 500 people?

The Victims of Contract Killing

Contract killing doesn’t just affect the hired killers; it also impacts their victims. From Griselda Blanco, a Colombian drug lord gunned down in 2012, to Walter Liggett, an investigative journalist assassinated in 1935, these individuals were targeted for various reasons. But what makes them so vulnerable?

Notable Victims

Victims like Harry Greenberg, a Mafia associate killed in 1939, and Danny Hogan, an Irish mob boss assassinated in 1928, were key figures in their respective criminal organizations. Their deaths often had significant impacts on the power dynamics within these groups.

Who Hires Hitmen?

The list of individuals who have hired hitmen is quite diverse. From Diana Lovejoy and Weldon McDavid, who hired men to kill her husband’s business partner, to Flordelis dos Santos de Souza, who murdered her pastor husband, the reasons for hiring a contract killer are as varied as they are disturbing.

Notable Cases

In one case, Pamela Smart hired teenage lover Billy Flynn and his friends to murder her husband. Another chilling example is Thomas Bartlett Whitaker, who hired people to attack his parents and brother in a home invasion. These cases highlight the lengths some individuals will go to protect their interests or eliminate threats.

Conclusion

The world of contract killing is a dark one, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and violence. It’s a reminder that behind every headline, there are real people whose lives have been irrevocably changed by the actions of others. As we continue to grapple with these issues, it’s crucial to understand not only who hires hitmen but also why they do so.