George Cornell
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George Cornell (c. 1928-March 9, 1966) was a British mobster and member of the Richardson Gang.
A childhood friend of the Kray Twins, Cornell was a prominent criminal in London's East End during the 1960s and, upon moving to South London, was enlisted by Kray rivals Eddie Richardson and "Mad" Frankie Fraser and primarily used by the Richardson's in conversations with the Kray's. In 1965, Cornell was approched in The Windows (or Blind Beggar pub) by Ronnie Kray who shot him in the forehead, killing him instantly. Although he was identified by several eyewitnesses as he calmly left the public house, no one would agree to testify against him and police were forced to release him from custody.
Reasons for Cornell's death may have been attributed to a recent gangland shooting of Dickie Hart, a cousin of the Kray's, where Cornell was placed at the scene at the Mr. Smith and the Witchdoor bar. Another reason may have been a dispute between Ronnie and Cornell, originating from an alleged insult regarding Ron's rumored sexuality.
[edit] References
- Devito, Carlo. Encyclopedia of International Organized Crime. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. ISBN 0-8160-4848-7
