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Crime & Justice • Organized Crime

Roy DeMeo

Roy DeMeo was an Italian-American mobster associated with the Gambino crime family in New York City.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Roy DeMeo was an Italian-American mobster associated with the Gambino crime family in New York City. He was best known for leading the DeMeo crew, which was linked to a large number of murders, auto theft, extortion, and drug trafficking. DeMeo was killed in January 1983, and his crew later faced major convictions in racketeering and murder cases.

Early life

Roy Albert DeMeo was born in Brooklyn to an Italian-American family and grew up in New York City. Accounts describe him entering petty crime and loansharking before becoming involved with organized crime.

DeMeo crew

DeMeo organized a crew associated with the Gambino family that was active in theft, extortion, narcotics, and murder. The group became one of the most feared organized crime crews in New York City.

Violence and the Gemini method

The crew is associated with the 'Gemini method,' a killing technique described in crime reporting as intended to reduce blood loss and aid body disposal. The crew’s victims were often dismembered and hidden, which contributed to its notoriety.

Death and aftermath

DeMeo was killed in January 1983, and later prosecutions targeted surviving crew members. Several were convicted in major racketeering and murder cases connected to the crew’s activities.

Key facts

  • DeMeo was a member of the Gambino crime family and a leading figure in the DeMeo crew.
  • The DeMeo crew became notorious for extreme violence and the disposal of bodies, including the so-called 'Gemini method.'
  • Sources describe the crew as being linked to dozens of murders; some accounts attribute 70 or more killings, while others give higher estimates.
  • DeMeo was murdered in January 1983, reportedly by associates within his own criminal circle.
  • After his death, multiple crew members were convicted in racketeering and murder prosecutions.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Roy DeMeo through true-crime books, documentaries, and media coverage of American organized crime. His case is also relevant to broader studies of mafia violence and racketeering investigations.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Roy DeMeo?
Roy DeMeo was an American mobster associated with the Gambino crime family in New York City.
What was the DeMeo crew?
The DeMeo crew was a criminal group led by Roy DeMeo and linked to murders, theft, extortion, and drug trafficking.
What is the 'Gemini method'?
It was a killing and body-disposal technique associated with DeMeo’s crew, described in reporting as using gunshot and stabbing methods to limit blood loss.
How did Roy DeMeo die?
He was killed in January 1983 in Brooklyn; sources indicate he was likely murdered by associates within his own criminal circle.
How many murders was his crew linked to?
Estimates vary by source. Some accounts say at least 70 murders, while others report higher figures based on later testimony and prosecutions.

References

  1. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_DeMeo
    Supports: Birth date, death date, Gambino family affiliation, and estimate of at least 70 murders.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_DeMeo
    Supports: Italian-New York mobster identity and death reportedly by his capo Anthony Gaggi.
  3. Gangland Wire — https://ganglandwire.com/roy-demeo/
    Supports: Crew convictions, murders, and criminal activities attributed to the DeMeo crew.
  4. On This Day — https://www.onthisday.com/people/roy-demeo
    Supports: Biography, birth date, family association, crew activities, and death.
  5. The Mob Museum — https://themobmuseum.org/blog/roy-demeo-no-3-on-list-of-top-5-most-notorious-mob-hitmen/
    Supports: Death context, 'Gemini method,' and later convictions of crew members.
  6. organized-crime.de — http://www.organized-crime.de/revmus01.htm
    Supports: Book-based description of the DeMeo crew, loansharking, fencing stolen goods, and organized-crime history.