MOB TOWN: AUGIE MARINO'S LAST RIDE

Somebody didn't like Augie Marino's cooking. Or so it would seem.

As an inmate chef at the Denver Jail, the bootlegger's reviews were the best: "Marino - now, he’s a cook to get enthusiastic about.” “He gets up at 4 a. m. to mix up hot cakes on Sunday and fry us eggs.” “He keeps his kitchen as clean as a plate.” 

In the end it didn't matter. He had enemies, hot cakes aside.

Marino, 23, a trusted lieutenant of slain Denver mob boss Joe "Little Caesar" Roma, was taken for a "Chicago Ride," shot dead and dumped in a ditch in Adams County in May 1933. Tire tracks indicated the killers returned to Denver.

Marino was on crutches following an earlier attempt on his life, the Rocky Mountain News said. It may have been retribution for a truck hijacking. It may have had something to do with the Roma killing. The case went cold.

Two .45-caliber bullets pierced Marino’s skull. Powder burns were visible. Marino’s face bore evidence of a severe beating. He also carried a bill for $100.50 from the Physicians and Surgeons Hospital from the previous shooting.

Marino’s mother, Mrs. Rosie Marinaro resided at 3630 Osage Street in Denver. She told police her son, who took his meals at her home, had gone on a walk. 

He had a lengthy criminal record.

[Photo: Police mugshot]