Bugsy Siegel's Death Mystery Unveiled: Discovered with Three $50 Bills on Him
Bugsy Siegel, the notorious gangster who played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas, was assassinated on June 20, 1947, in Beverly Hills. However, one persistent myth surrounding his death is the claim that he had three $50 bills in his pocket at the time of his death.
This myth, popularised in modern lore, lacks historical support and is not backed by any credible evidence or reputable sources. The idea of mobsters leaving $50 bills in the pockets of victims as a ritual or desert burial custom is also unverified.
Official accounts of Siegel's assassination focus on the circumstances surrounding the event rather than the contents of his pockets. Investigations into Vegas mob myths have explicitly addressed and debunked this claim, highlighting it as part of popular lore rather than fact.
Contrary to the myth, police found $408 in cash on Siegel's person at the time of his death, not just three $50 bills. The myth of the $50 bill being associated with bad luck in Vegas casinos persists, originating from the 19th and early 20th centuries when counterfeiters targeted the bill commemorating President Ulysses S. Grant.
The murder weapon used to kill Siegel was a .30-caliber military M1 carbine rifle. Despite numerous potential witnesses, including Allen Smiley, Charles Hill, Jerry Mason, and Eung S. Lee, none were wounded by the targeted gunfire. The murderer did not return to the crime scene to plant anything in Siegel's pockets.
The rarity of $50 bills among circulation makes them more unusual and suspicious to the superstitious, perpetuating the myth of their bad luck. However, it is important to note that the myth of Wild Bill Hickok being killed with a $50 bill on him is also unfounded. Hickok had $50 worth of checks (poker chips) on him at the time of his death, not a physical bill.
The case of Bugsy Siegel's murder remains open, and the identity of the assassin remains unknown. For those interested in debunking more Vegas myths, visit VegasMythsBusted.com every Monday on C*asino.org, or visit the website directly to read previously busted myths. If you have suggestions for myths that need busting, you can send them to [email protected].
- Virginia Hill, a prominent figure in Bugsy Siegel's life, was not present during the murder, as the event transpired in Beverly Hills.
- Despite the myth, there is no evidence suggesting that Bugsy Siegel had three $50 bills in his wallet at the time of his murder in Las Vegas.
- Contrary to popular belief, the police found $408 in cash, not just three $50 bills, on Siegel at the scene of the crime.
- The .30-caliber military M1 carbine rifle was used to assassinate Bugsy Siegel, but none of the potential witnesses were harmed by the gunfire.
- The myth that mobsters leave $50 bills in victims' pockets as a ritual or desert burial custom is unverified and lacks any credible evidence.
- Investigations into Vegas mob myths have debunked the claim that Siegel had $50 bills in his pocket at the time of his death.
- The rareness of $50 bills in circulation contributes to the myth of their bad luck, but there is no factual basis for this belief.
- Wild Bill Hickok's death did not involve a physical $50 bill, as he had $50 worth of checks (poker chips) on him at the time of his death.
- The case of Bugsy Siegel's murder remains unsolved, and the identity of the assassin remains unknown to this day.
- To debunk more Vegas myths, visit VegasMythsBusted.com on Casino.org every Monday or directly at the website to read previously busted myths and send suggestions for myths that need addressing.
