Vincenzo Colosimo, known as James "Big Jim" Colosimo or as "Diamond Jim", was an Italian-American Mafia crime boss who emigrated from Calabria, Italy, in 1895 and built a criminal empire in Chicago based on prostitution, gambling and racketeering. He gained power through petty crime and heading a chain of brothels. From 1902 until his death in 1920, he led a gang known after his death as the Chicago Outfit. Colosimo was assassinated on May 11, 1920, and no one was ever charged with his murder. Johnny Torrio, an enforcer whom Colosimo imported in 1909 from New York, seized control of Colosimo's businesses after his death. Al Capone, a close associate of Torrio, has been accused of involvement in Colosimo's murder but was not yet in Chicago at the time.
James Colosimo, Italian-American mob boss (born 1878)
On May 11, in the year 1920, James Colosimo, Italian-American mob boss (born 1878). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of May 11, a notable event in this corner of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Big Jim Colosimo. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 11, 1920 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 5 March 2026.
On This Date in History
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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