Family of Crime

Obsessed with the epic gangster film The Godfather and its sequel, Griselda Blanco named Michael after the movies' main character. La Madrina fantasized that her fourth and youngest son would follow a path similar to that of Vito Corleone's Mikey.

Much like the movie's Genco Pura Olive Oil Company, Griselda's illicit corporation was a family affair. Her three oldest sons moved roughly 2,200 pounds of yayo in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Michael was the heir apparent.

But it didn't turn out the way La Madrina had planned. Michael's father and older siblings were all killed before he reached adulthood. His mom was in prison for most of his childhood and teenage years, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother and legal guardians.

Sources

• Miami NewTimes, October 13, 2011

Note to Curators

This profile is an orphan. We are looking for merging this profile into the Big Tree. If you can attach it to the Big Tree, go ahead.