Bloody, MO | Part IIII: Willie Cammisano

Step into Flatland’s series, “Bloody, MO.” for a Civil War-through modern day video peek into Kansas City’s bloody past - starring equally notorious and unknown gunslingers, fire-starters, and godfathers.
Today, Willie "The Rat" Cammisano, who earned his nickname from the trail of bodies left in his wake when he ran the Kansas City crime syndicate. (Video: Brad Austin | Flatland)
We’re FlatlandKC.org, KCPT’s digital magazine, a destination for local and regional storytelling in and around Kansas City.

[@jaywalker712]

I remember when River Quay blew up, I was in a top floor apartment across the river and the whole building shook. Also back then some people put small ribbon on their car radio antenna to show they were "in" and not to bother their property.

[@rocketman50]

I lived through this area here in KCMO. Ever hear of the Name Tamberllia ??

[@evanjameson5437]

He was a very tough Guy and he could stare a hole through you, but I liked Willie--he was always good to me--of course I made him a lot of money but we did get along.. Occasionally Willie would bring me a sack full of fresh veggies and he would say "____, I grew these for you, for you only--no one else--don't give these away".. He drove a Ford station wagon with wood panels on the side--I liked him. He carried Model 29 44 magnum 4" in floorboard of the Ford. I also liked Tony Ripe--Ripe threw a Bachelor party for me once--A lot of fun.. Ripe had a very distinctive voice and sound when he talked--I always said Brando heard a recording of him before they made the Godfather.. Willie and Tony we strong minded, tough, smart and fair too.. I was offered witness protection to testify against them--I told the FBI Special Agent in charge of the case and the Federal Prosecutor (in the basement of the KC Federal Building) that the Cammisano's and the Civella's had made more house payments for me than you ever will and I have nothing to say to you that you don't already know--Now give me my daily check for the subpoena.. I got handed the check and another subpoena.. That was a vicious meeting with the FBI with a lot of yelling and fist pounding by the FBI Agent.. It made for some incredible memories. I was never charged with any crime and eventually I got out. I found the war between the FBI and the KC crime family very interesting--they both were watching each other--literally--I became friends with the FBI Agent over the years too--he was a good guy and very smart too--quite a cat and mouse game.

[@jessec.5727]

Very interesting, he was my great grandfather, unfortunately I never got to meet him, never heard anything bad about him, at least from people who he got along with.

[@alangray9117]

@@jessec.5727 he was old school that's why he was fair and respected by so many in the life and not. He could and did do nice things for people without expecting anything in return.

[@onthespotkansascityhistory4524]

more please

[@FlatlandkcOrg]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@evanjameson5437]

Flatland--I enjoy these stories--I have many too.. many.

[@mysteriomartinez8239]

Look at those eyes. This is a killer alright.

[@FlatlandkcOrg]

Look with your special eyes!

[@mysteriomartinez8239]

@@FlatlandkcOrg Look with your specious eyes.

[@FlatlandkcOrg]

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[@littlewolf9049]

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