Episode 79: Antonio Neroni -Part 2
In Part 2 of our deep dive into the chilling story of Antonio Neroni — also known as “Bava” — we pick up right where we left off: three bodies discovered beneath his cabin floor, one man still missing, and Neroni locked in a battle of wills with Colorado law enforcement.
This episode unravels the dramatic final chapter of one of Colorado’s most sensational crime stories. From the accidental discovery of Joseph Monticello’s body just 30 feet from Neroni’s cellar, to Neroni’s violent outbursts in jail, to the tense courtroom packed with reporters, townspeople, and even high-school students — we walk you through the case exactly as it unfolded in the papers of 1907 and 1908.
You’ll hear:
• How Neroni finally confessed to Monticello’s murder
• The shocking behavior that fueled an insanity defense
• Why the courtroom trial became a statewide spectacle
• The last-minute decision that saved Neroni from the gallows
• The mysterious and controversial death that ended his life behind bars
• The guard who was later charged — and convicted — in Neroni’s killing
• How Neroni’s crimes sparked outrage, reform, and headlines across Colorado
This tragic and gruesome story stretches from southern Italy to the prisons of Colorado, raising questions about violence, corruption, mental illness, and sensational journalism. It’s one of the wildest episodes we’ve ever covered — and proof that truth is often stranger than fiction.
If you enjoy the episode, make sure to follow, rate, and share the Italian American Stories Podcast. And check out our website for photos, newspaper clippings, and more historical deep dives.
Episode 71: Angelina Garramone - The Re-release (Part 4)
In the dramatic conclusion of our four-part series, we follow the twists and turns of Angelina Garramone’s murder trial in early 20th-century Denver. From shocking testimony about cruelty in Concetta Forgione’s past, to accusations of witchcraft, forged checks, and family betrayals, this final chapter brings the story of Maria LaGuardia’s death into sharp focus.
We uncover how witnesses, including Concetta, Stella, and even Angelina’s husband Luigi, shaped the case, how the Italian community reacted, and how newspaper portrayals of Angelina reflected the prejudices of the time. The verdict may have sealed her fate, but questions still linger about motive, justice, and what truly became of Angelina after prison.
Join us as we close the book on one of Colorado’s most haunting Italian American stories.
Episode 70: Angelina Garamond - The Rerelease Part 3
The story of La Diavola Rossa takes a darker turn in Part 3 of our Angelina series. After years of scams, trials, and whispers of violence, Angelina becomes entangled in the disappearance and murder of Maria LaGuardia—a 65-year-old woman from Denver’s Little Italy who spent her life searching for her missing husband.
In this episode, we follow Maria’s tragic final days, the chilling details of her murder, and the shocking confessions that implicated Angelina and others in the crime. From coded gestures of silence to gruesome superstitions, this chapter reveals just how deep fear of Angelina ran in her community.
Join us as we uncover the testimony, the drama, and the haunting aftermath of one of Denver’s most notorious cases.
🎧 Italian American Stories Podcast – Bringing Our Ancestors’ Stories to Life
Episode 69: Angelina Garramone - The Re-release (Part 2)
In this second installment of Angelina Garramone’s story, we unravel the darker side of a woman whose schemes went far beyond fraud and forgery. When two Italian women, Dorinda Cellante and Maria LaGuardia, disappeared from Denver’s Italian colony in 1910, suspicion began to swirl around Angelina.
This episode dives deep into the shocking murder of Dorinda, her tumultuous life, dramatic divorces, and tragic end. From bizarre newspaper depictions and courtroom battles to chilling evidence like forged deeds and handwriting quirks, we explore how Angelina’s cleverness and cruelty left a lasting mark on the community.
Join us as we continue peeling back the layers of one of Denver’s most infamous Italian American stories—a tale of power, manipulation, and murder.
Episode 30: The Final Chapter of the Axeman Murders
Welcome to the concluding episode of our gripping series on The Italian American Stories Podcast, where we recount the harrowing tales of the victims of the Axeman of New Orleans.
In this third and final episode, we delve deeper into the lives of the Italian American grocery store owners who were brutally murdered in the dead of night. This episode uncovers unexpected twists and provides new insights into the relentless hardships endured by the victims' families. We explore the lasting impact of these tragic events on the Italian American community and honor the resilience of those left behind.
Join us as we bring this chilling tale to a close, piecing together the final clues and reflecting on one of New Orleans' most notorious unsolved mysteries.
Episode 29: The Axeman Murders Continue
Welcome back to The Italian American Stories Podcast for the second episode in our riveting series on the victims of the Axeman of New Orleans.
In this episode, we continue to uncover the chilling stories of Italian American grocery store owners who were brutally murdered in the dead of night. The community remains gripped by fear, as the police and citizens struggle to determine whether these heinous acts are the work of the notorious Black Hand or a single crazed individual.
Episode 28: The Axeman Murders Begin
In this episode, we begin our journey by exploring the stories of Italian American grocery store owners who were brutally murdered in the dead of night. These tragic events have left the community in shock and fear, with police and citizens alike unsure whether the infamous Black Hand is responsible or if a single crazed individual is behind the terror.
Join us as we uncover the mysteries and uncertainties surrounding these heinous crimes, shedding light on the lives of the victims and the impact of these murders on the Italian American community in New Orleans.
Tune in for a gripping and haunting exploration of one of New Orleans' most notorious unsolved mysteries.
Episode 19: The Life and Legacy of Kitty Genovese
In this episode, we explore the events surrounding Kitty Genovese's murder in 1964, in Queens, New York. Kitty Genovese, was a young Italian American woman whose life and untimely death sparked a pivotal moment in social psychology and emergency response systems.
Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Kitty Genovese, exploring the intersections of tragedy, resilience, and the Italian American experience.
Episode 17: The New Year's Eve Murder of Mike Defino
Join us for a special New Year's episode that transports you to the frosty streets of Juneau, Alaska in 1915.
In this short yet captivating episode, we delve into the murder of Mike Defino. Follow us as we piece together the events leading up to the murder.
Tune in as we kick off the year with a tale that will send shivers down your spine and ignite your curiosity about the untold chapters of our heritage.