The assassination of Paul Castellano in 1985 marked a turning point in the history of organized crime in New York City. As the boss of the Gambino crime family, Castellano had shifted the family's focus toward white-collar crimes, distancing himself from the traditional, street-level operations favored by his underboss, Aniello Dellacroce, and his faction. Tensions escalated after Dellacroce's death, leading to a power struggle within the family. John Gotti, a rising figure opposed to Castellano's leadership style, orchestrated the hit on Castellano outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan, seizing control of the family shortly after. This act of defiance broke Mafia rules and ushered in a new era where traditional protocols were disregarded in favor of ambition and power.

The aftermath of Castellano's murder brought unprecedented attention from law enforcement, which intensified efforts to dismantle the Gambino family. John Gotti's flamboyant leadership style and public persona as "The Teflon Don" attracted media attention and made the family a prime target for legal action. Gotti's eventual conviction, aided by the testimony of his underboss Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, marked a significant victory for law enforcement. This led to a decline in the power and influence of the Five Families, pushing organized crime in New York towards more discreet and fragmented operations. The hit on Castellano serves as a lasting reminder of the volatile nature of Mafia politics and the high costs associated with breaking with tradition.

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