In the years following the 1987 murder of speedboat legend Don Aronow on Thunderboat Row, a single Miami Beach 411 article sparked an unlikely digital confessional: a comment section that grew into a raw, sprawling archive of insider stories, family grief, conspiracy claims, and vivid nostalgia for Miami’s high-speed underworld. Read the original article: The Murder of Don Aronow – Miami Speedboat Legend
Spanning nearly two decades (2008–2016), these unfiltered voices—from prison confidants defending Bobby Young’s innocence to grieving sons demanding answers about unsolved killings—reveal a story that refuses to die, even as the players fade. As the article’s author, Matt Meltzer, observed in 2009:
“Man, this is easily the best comment section of any article I’ve ever done. Seriously, this is why online writing is so cool. That exchange is way more interesting, to me at least, than the main article.”
What began as speculation about the crime evolved into something far more human: a collective reckoning with guilt, honor, danger, and the lingering shadows of an era when fast boats, fast money, and fast endings defined South Florida.
Thread 1 centers on the 2009 death of Bobby Young (convicted in the Aronow murder) in federal prison, sparking an intense, multi-year exchange among family members, former prison friends, and self-described associates who debate his guilt or innocence—some insisting he “took the rap” for someone else due to forensics and honor, others claiming he was the trigger man—while sharing personal memories of his life, marriages, prison violence, and possible conspiracies surrounding his demise.
No Name (03/31/2009 at 3:03 PM) Robert “Bobby” S. Young died today, March 31, 2009, in custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons at 1:30 PM. How do I know? There was more to life for “Bobby,” and he did get out of prison. It was then that he married my sister. I don’t feel good about anybody dying. I don’t feel bad about this though. Just thought you might want to know…
Jason (04/14/2009 at 11:25 PM) Hello No Name,Did you just state that Young got out, married your sister, and later got put back in and then just died two weeks ago in custody? What did he tell your sister, if anything, about the Aronow case? How old was Young? I would very much like to know more about Bobby Young. Please contact me. Thank you.
No Name (04/15/2009 at 7:18 AM) He did get out of prison around 1999 or 1998, maybe 2000… married my sister and was out a few years before going back in for more charges (VOP). He was actually found guilty of a bogus charge in January 2009 and finally died mysteriously (after many mysterious things) on March 31, 2009. He was hooked into too much. My email: dwuchevich@gmail.com if you want more.
noname (04/17/2009 at 10:37 AM)Jason, no, he didn’t kill Don Aronow. He had to take the rap, but he didn’t do it. Sometimes you just get in too deep.
noname (05/24/2009 at 9:49 AM) I’m an eighties ex-Miami marijuana smuggler who served time and became close friends with Bobby.I’m not going to say that Aronow got what he had coming, though Bobby, in his own way, was the Happy Hero type—who had his own way of deciding what was right and what was wrong, who deserved to die, and who deserved to have himself (Bobby) kill for them. Bobby was all about respect and word of honor; he believed himself to be a realist.Aronow was a shrewd legitimate businessman who was respected by many, though he would leave a bad taste in the mouth of others. The type of guy that one would say, “Sooner or later, that guy will run into somebody who ain’t gonna take it nicely”—and obviously, he did.Aronow wanted to play gangster and ran into a real one.RIDDLE: It’s all about pussy.
noname (05/26/2009 at 6:21 AM) Would that be pussy Kat? If you know Bobby, you know what I mean…
Michael (05/26/2009 at 2:06 PM) Actually, I did not mean it in that context, though it is about someone he called Katdancer. Yes, Bobby and I were best friends at Coleman Medium in ’96. I have a picture of him and me in the rec yard.
noname (05/26/2009 at 2:19 PM) Yep, his ex-wife. Michael, he didn’t kill the guy. Besides the fact that he admitted he didn’t kill the guy, the forensics prove he could not have killed the guy. He was in the process of writing, and there was someone who was producing a movie. I don’t know if this movie will ever be produced. I don’t think the government wants the truth out there. Could be why Bobby is dead. The official “natural causes” is not what he died from.
nnoname (05/26/2009 at 2:33 PM) Interesting reading: https://tarpley.net/online-books/george-bush-the-unauthorized-biography
Michael (05/26/2009 at 3:38 PM) Perhaps he really did not kill the guy, maybe…? Though he was certainly capable of doing it. As close as I was with Bobby, he would not lie to me, though all of his true stories that he told me were accompanied by half-truths. Bobby was as crazy as a fox.I don’t believe Bobby’s death was the subject of a conspiracy. Even though Bobby was involved up to his eyeballs in dealing with a lot of suspicious characters, he was helpless in prison. The powers that be were in no need to worry about what he could do or say. Is this Katdancer that I’m talking to? At any rate, at least Bobby got out for a few years and had some sense of enjoyment before his death.
noname (05/27/2009 at 6:41 AM) No, this is not Katdancer. I don’t even know her, but I know of her. You’re wrong about the conspiracy. There were many things—such as two years ago they beat the shit out of him… well, another inmate did it while a guard watched. Since you know Bobby “inside,” you know that people inside like him. Also, he was left paralyzed by this but should probably have been dead… he was stabbed multiple times. Anyway, it’s over now. I realize you know him because you’re right about his honor and his word. He wasn’t all bad.
Noname (05/27/2009 at 6:52 AM) Matt, real articles about real life are good. In this particular case, we will never resolve the “who dunnit” of Aronow. We do know a few things, like the impact that one man (Aronow) had on a presidency (Bush Sr.) and his “phony war on drugs” to his own demise. But we’ll never know the truth. If the “powers that be” want the world to believe it’s dead and buried with Robert “Bobby” Samuel Young, so be it. Finally, Bobby is at peace.
michael (05/27/2009 at 8:34 AM) I was released from prison about two years ago, so I was not privy to information within the prison system in regards to Bobby getting hurt and paralyzed. This was unfortunate. Again, nobody is doubting your viewpoint, though you must realize that in a high-security pen, attacks on inmates from other inmates happen regularly. And if two prisoners are having a death fight, any and all prison guards will call for backup before they jump in. Secondly, it’s sad to say that race in prison is a major factor. In many cases, if a Black prisoner is winning in a fight against a white one, and the guard on watch is Black, he’ll let the altercation go on for a length of time before he sounds the alarm.Regardless of this, yes, corrupt powers have the ability to put anybody in jail for as long as they desire, but as far as the outside world pulling strings within the prison system—like placing a hit on an inmate—not likely. They look at it like sticking someone in prison for life is like killing them—they don’t lose any sleep.
Noname (05/27/2009 at 8:44 AM) Locked in a room (only the three of them—two inmates and a guard) while the altercation is in progress? I want my tax dollars back if this is how we treat anyone, even prisoners. As far as a “hit” goes… let’s just see if the movie ever comes out. My bet is that it doesn’t. Too many “elite” would be exposed. I don’t care either way, really. Bobby came into the life of my family like a bad storm, stirred up the shit, went to prison, and now he’s dead. I’m just saying… he’s human too. Katdancer was a real pain in the ass to my sister (his second wife) too… her name is Kathy.
noname (05/27/2009 at 9:04 AM) It ain’t about you…
noname (05/27/2009 at 9:32 AM) No. It’s about the corruption.
noname (05/27/2009 at 10:21 AM) No, it’s about you misdirecting everybody for your own selfish reasons. You don’t even belong in this discussion.It is what it is—you set up Bobby and put him back in jail. Figuratively speaking—you killed Bobby.You weak piece of shit.
Noname (05/27/2009 at 4:02 PM) I don’t really know what you’re talking about. Bobby put himself back in jail by doing what he did to violate his parole. Nobody set him up. You’re the weak piece of shit, really. Why don’t you use your own handle? Why do you have to use mine? I just don’t think it’s right that anybody should be treated the way he was at the end. No matter if they are in prison.
missing him (05/16/2010 at 1:37 PM) John, I understand what you are saying about Bobby. Yes, he is not honorable just because he didn’t rat. He’s just that—NOT A RAT! However, since you obviously knew your father, I am sure that you can say that he was really not a BAD man. He was probably loving, honorable, respectful, funny, etc., to the people whom he loved… just like my uncle Bobby. It was unfortunate that I was only able to spend so little time with him since he was mostly in prison most of my life (and his). Even though he may have done bad things to make money and killed people who played in his lifestyle, I will always remember him as the man that taught me how to drive, picked me up from school, took me to the hospital when a girl beat me up, hugged me all the time, made me laugh constantly, and cried when my other uncle stole from me because it hurt him inside that my own uncle could do that to his niece. Robert Young was a great person to me and anyone else who was family or friends (not business partners). I’m sure he was good to some of those partners too because he was obviously friends with them when he got out of prison. I guess people get what’s coming to them no matter who you are. I am glad that I was at least able to have him in my life. John, I’m sure you have great memories with your dad, and that’s what you need to think about—don’t dwell on my uncle. Even if he is dead now, I hate to think about where he is. You always say to someone when a person dies, “they are in a better place,” and sadly I hate to think about where he is. You know what I mean. My uncle had a heart too! That is not a rational thing to say—that if you knew he was out, you would have paid him a visit. Why open closed doors? Let it go; it was between them. I understand that you were hurt that your dad was killed at all, and mostly in the way it was done… that was between them, not you and him or you and me. It was nice reading the posts from the people who served time with him. I’m sure you guys will never forget him.
missing him (05/16/2010 at 1:53 PM) Oh yea, Sara wasn’t Bobby’s 2nd wife. I’m pretty sure she was his 5th.
John Panzavecchia (05/16/2010 at 9:19 PM) To - Missing Him: I am over it now. Just reading all the crap stirred up a lot of old memories in me. Like I said, it is hard to be a hypocrite since I know he did some pretty bad things as well. I guess it needs to stay where it is… in the past. At least I live my life the way my dad wanted me to, which is far away from that whole lifestyle.J
Robbie Dobbie (10/14/2012 at 12:26 AM) Bobby Young was a rat. He did get out of prison in 1999 and was arrested again in October of 2001. I was with him a week before he died. I knew him more than I wanted to.
slim (10/22/2012 at 2:53 PM) Does anyone know what Bobby Young died of?
rob (12/31/2014 at 6:04 PM) My father was a fellow speed boat racer and smuggler. He and Bobby were personal friends; in fact, I am named after him. Bobby was in fact the trigger man from the stories I’ve heard. And this is coming from a guy who was partially involved. He took it to his grave. I am one of the only people who’s heard the true stories.
Civillian (01/02/2015 at 9:11 PM) Rob: What role did Rick Fidlin play in this? It was his Star 1911 .45 that was used to kill Don. Fidlin is a scumbag.
jw reed (01/03/2015 at 10:02 AM) Rob,I am assuming you’re talking about Bobby Young, not Bobby Saccenti?
rob (01/03/2015 at 12:58 PM) Yes, Bobby Young. I’m not sure what role Rick played. I know I’ve heard his name before though. I was always kind of skeptical of his stories. After his passing, I started reading into a lot of it. Then I coincided the stories and stuff I read through his old friend at his services. I even asked my mother if she remembered Bobby, and the first thing she said was, “God, I wish they would have kept him in Cuba.”
jw reed (01/03/2015 at 9:29 PM) Civillian’s comments above aptly describe Fidlin. I attempted to resurrect some of his old friends—one of whom I knew—and he denied knowing him.I knew this was a lie, but I thought it was worth the effort. He also denied knowing another associate of Fidlin’s, and again, this was pure bullshit.Fidlin left South Florida shortly after the drama unfolded and moved to the northwest. I heard from another poster up that way, and he confirmed Fidlin was still running a scam up there and would be exposed for it. His gun was indeed the likely murder weapon, and this has been confirmed by Miami PD.
Civilian (01/04/2015 at 4:30 AM)So Tricky Ricky Fidlin rolled on Young and bounced out of a long-term federal sentence. Does he have more to say about Young and why he murdered Don? Makes me wonder. Fidlin has never given a straight answer in his life.
Thread 2 focuses on the murder of John “Big Red” Panzavecchia by Young, where his son John Panzavecchia angrily confronts commenters romanticizing Young as “honorable” for not ratting, leading to raw back-and-forths about “honor among thugs,” moral relativism in the criminal world, and mutual grief between victims’ families.
John Panzavecchia (07/21/2009 at 1:39 AM) This shit burns me up. You people talk about this “Bobby” like he was an honorable guy??? WTF!!! He gets out of Cuba because of that moron Jesse Jackson, then has some business with my father “Big Red.” Apparently there was some plan to screw my dad, so like a coward he kills him from behind while he was in a chair (from what I heard), then steals his Rolex (a known fact—he was arrested wearing it). Where is the “honor” in that? He was a fucking thug with no respect whatsoever. I am so glad I just found out tonight that he had gotten out before. I have a life and family now, but back then I would have flown back to check in on him. I guess I am better for it. My father knew you live by the sword, you die by it, but saying someone like Bobby Young lived by word and honor sounds like some Hollywood movie crap to me. And yes, if I get down that way again I will find his grave and piss on it!
(The thread picks up again in March 2010 with direct back-and-forth replies debating "honor," thug life, family grief, and related details.)
Noname (03/24/2010 at 4:02 PM) The truth is that Bobby always did pride himself as not being a rat, which makes me believe Kramer is full of crap: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/23/1544290/dismissal-of-conviction-sought.html
John Panzavecchia (03/24/2010 at 6:43 PM) Rat or not, I say good riddance.
Noname (03/24/2010 at 7:04 PM) Why? Because one thug killed another and stole his Rolex? I say good riddance to all the thugs. Him and all those he killed. Aronow was a thug, too. He just rubbed elbows with the bigger thugs and got away with it up to a point. He was a “hero” because of the boat racing world. But he was really just another thug like the rest of them. You lie down with dogs, as Aronow did, you get fleas.“Not six months later, Young plotted a drug deal with John “Big Red” Panzavecchia, 39, a member of the “Dixie Mafia.” Panzavecchia ran guns. He kept newspaper clippings about unsolved murders in his house. At least one he had committed. The drug deal went bad. Panzavecchia took a shot at Young’s car.”(Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/04/01/978562_p3/speedboat-kings-death-still-a.html)
John Panzavecchia (I show my name) (03/25/2010 at 9:09 AM) Live by the sword, die by the sword. Even my father knew that. He always wanted me to avoid getting into his line of work, and I did steer clear of that whole lifestyle. What aggravates me is that some here think of Bobby as an honorable guy because he “did not rat.” At least no one knows if he ever did. So he did not rat, but he did try to screw someone over, and while he had his confidence, killed him from behind while he was asleep. That is a fact.
Noname (03/25/2010 at 9:29 AM) He committed murder. Would you call that “honorable” no matter who he killed? WTF? Just don’t go trying to pretend that your daddy didn’t try to kill him and that your daddy didn’t kill people because he’s just as much a thug with no honor as the rest of them.
John Panzavecchia (03/25/2010 at 9:45 AM) I never said that. There was nothing honorable about the way either one of them lived. My dad did bad things as well, and there is no justifying them. That was my whole point. People should not honor someone who did those things just because they did not rat on someone else about it. BUT, if we are splitting hairs, if you are in that “business,” at least don’t cut the throats of the people you are working with. There are levels to everything.
Noname (03/25/2010 at 9:55 AM) So what does that mean? Would that sort of translate to “honor among thieves” but in this case thugs? Do you realize how screwed up the statement you just made really is? I do feel sorry for you because you were raised by one of these people so you probably just don’t know any better. “At least don’t cut the throats of the people you are working with?” How about leave the innocent alone and kill each other. That’s my feeling. One less thug. Now two less thugs.
John P (03/25/2010 at 10:08 AM) I was not raised by him. I lived with him for the year or so before his death. I also don’t think that he was innocent or honorable either, and never said that. He died because of how he chose to live his life. Even he would admit that he probably deserved to die for the things he had done. My only point is that Bobby was not an honorable guy for not being a rat. End of story.
missing him (05/16/2010 at 1:37 PM) John, I understand what you are saying about Bobby. Yes, he is not honorable just because he didn’t rat. He’s just that—NOT A RAT! However, since you obviously knew your father, I am sure that you can say that he was really not a BAD man. He was probably loving, honorable, respectful, funny, etc., to the people whom he loved… just like my uncle Bobby. It was unfortunate that I was only able to spend so little time with him since he was mostly in prison most of my life (and his). Even though he may have done bad things to make money and killed people who played in his lifestyle, I will always remember him as the man that taught me how to drive, picked me up from school, took me to the hospital when a girl beat me up, hugged me all the time, made me laugh constantly, and cried when my other uncle stole from me because it hurt him inside that my own uncle could do that to his niece. Robert Young was a great person to me and anyone else who was family or friends (not business partners). I’m sure he was good to some of those partners too because he was obviously friends with them when he got out of prison. I guess people get what’s coming to them no matter who you are. I am glad that I was at least able to have him in my life. John, I’m sure you have great memories with your dad, and that’s what you need to think about—don’t dwell on my uncle. Even if he is dead now, I hate to think about where he is. You always say to someone when a person dies, “they are in a better place,” and sadly I hate to think about where he is. You know what I mean. My uncle had a heart too! That is not a rational thing to say—that if you knew he was out, you would have paid him a visit. Why open closed doors? Let it go; it was between them. I understand that you were hurt that your dad was killed at all, and mostly in the way it was done… that was between them, not you and him or you and me. It was nice reading the posts from the people who served time with him. I’m sure you guys will never forget him.
missing him (05/16/2010 at 1:53 PM) Oh yea, Sara wasn’t Bobby’s 2nd wife. I’m pretty sure she was his 5th.
John Panzavecchia (05/16/2010 at 9:19 PM) To - Missing Him: I am over it now. Just reading all the crap stirred up a lot of old memories in me. Like I said, it is hard to be a hypocrite since I know he did some pretty bad things as well. I guess it needs to stay where it is… in the past. At least I live my life the way my dad wanted me to, which is far away from that whole lifestyle.J
Thread 3 is a shorter, factual “where-are-they-now” segment checking on key figures like Ben Kramer (still serving life in Terre Haute), Chris Paciello (shifted from clubs to restaurants in Hollywood, CA), and others tied to the case or Miami’s 1980s scene.
Monrad (08/20/2009 at 8:16 PM) Are you still investigating this case?
Matt Meltzer (08/21/2009 at 10:41 PM) I am not. I can’t speak for anyone else.
Grant Allen (08/27/2009 at 1:45 PM) Why is there nothing on Bing Goode? He was Patty Lezaca’s boyfriend and President of Cigarette. Where did he go?
Monrad (08/28/2009 at 8:12 AM) So then it’s pretty much accepted as to who killed Aronow?
Monrad (08/28/2009 at 8:14 AM) Second question: Is it true that Chris Paciello is back on the Miami Beach scene?
Grant Allen (08/28/2009 at 9:08 AM) Ben “Barry” Kramer is in the Terre Haute, IN, USP maximum-level prison, serving a life sentence. You can find him on BOP.GOV inmate locator.
Nell (08/28/2009 at 10:55 AM) Chris Paciello is in Hollywood, CA, last I heard.
Monrad (08/31/2009 at 7:38 AM) I’m interested in knowing if he’s back in the club business in Hollywood.
Nell (09/03/2009 at 7:44 PM) Restaurant business.
Thread 4 explodes into vivid, multi-author nostalgia for 1970s–1980s Miami Bay smuggling and fast-boat culture—sparked by JW Reed’s high-school run stories—featuring detailed recollections of nighttime Andros drops, Stiltsville lobster poaching, Nixon compound chases, Jamaican shrimper loads gone wrong, secret service Magnum patrols, near-misses, and reflections on the era’s exhilaration, fear, and dangers, creating a rich oral-history feel of a lost, high-stakes world. Together, these threads deliver emotional family testimonies, moral debates, quick status checks, and immersive first-person tales that humanize the underworld behind the Aronow murder.
JW Reed (05/21/2010 at 9:49 AM) The intrigue of all of this is never ending. It goes back to my high school days in Miami where a classmate’s father was a federal judge who actually tipped off marijuana smugglers who were being watched by the DEA.We were running small 23’ Formulas out to pick up packages and unloading at Kings Bay in Miami. I could not begin to tell you how many of these guys were all connected to the boating business in some way or another. Ironically, there were two main distributors (one in south Miami and one in north Miami). Aronow lived in south Miami (Gables) and the business was located up in north Miami. This was purely coincidental, but the leadership took great pains to keep us apart.In any case, some great memories here about the runs out to Andros and the thrill of bringing back all those bales without ever getting caught and nobody getting hurt…Michael Aronow did in fact wreck that Shelby as stated above. There was another guy in the car with him named Stu (Stuey Fisher) that actually walked away from it.
smugglers cove (06/04/2010 at 12:23 PM) No one ever brings up the fact that Aronow built fast boats for smugglers, then faster boats for the gov’t, then faster boats for the smugglers, then faster boats for the smugglers—see the trend here—someone just got tired of having to pay a monthly fee to Don for the faster of the boats. Then it was rumored that with his arrangement with the gov’t, he would put tracking devices on the smugglers and get a payout from the gov’t for the bust when he tracked the boat from the Bahamas or mother ships off-coast. The 70’ and 80’ were fun and I knew Don’s wife and they had their fingers in every pie going in south Florida (and that’s all I got to say about that!!)
Honest cop (06/12/2010 at 3:28 PM) You guys never talked to the cop that actually arrested Bobby Young, at his home in suburban West Palm Beach, along with his female companion who was also arrested on kidnapping warrants. Some cop was on AE lying about arresting him. He went without a struggle and stayed locked up. He was more worried about his female companion than himself. He was located with credible information, not bullshit.
cigman (06/14/2010 at 9:38 PM) I have read all the books about Don’s death and have been fascinated by the whole story—I even went to “Thunderboat Row” back in 1997 to visit the very spot where all the action was. My wife then could not believe that I purchased a Cigarette boat in memory of him. I don’t think anyone will ever know who pulled the card—BUT there is too much going on—I looked back at where I was on Feb 3, 1987—I was sitting in English class in 9th grade—I would have never guessed that day would be a big deal to me at that time—but today I still can’t imagine with today’s technology they could not have found the “real” person behind the dark blue window of the Lincoln—The movie to come out—put it on the big screen—it will be a big hit no matter what—we love drama in the US—maybe Mr. Cameron should get his hand in it—Avatar just might be blown away—) Happy Cigarette boat racing y’all!!
Grant Allen (06/15/2010 at 6:57 AM) 1997? 1997? 9th grade??? Listen young man, you would have to be born between 1930 and 1960 to have been through the REAL TIMES of Aronow and all of us living in So. Florida owning, driving, crashing, and partying on various DEEP VEE offshore boats. That life will never happen again in that fashion and that array of Thugs to Blue Bloods. I am glad you find it exciting and so did we. But like anything “GREAT,” it took blood, sweat and tears, and cash. If someone could gather all the TRUE stories of all the players in those days from Coral Gables, Old Cutler Bay, Coconut Grove, Kings Bay, Key Biscayne, 188 St. to Jupiter, it would be a best seller for years. We all came within an inch of our lives on many a night and didn’t even realize it. Sometimes tragic but mostly great once-in-a-lifetime moments.
JW Reed (06/15/2010 at 10:19 AM) Grant, well spoken… You touched all the places… It’s true there was a real dichotomy of individuals who knew, partied and mingled with the Aronows, Carys and others… The times were unique like a window of time that will not be repeated.I would love to help write this up, but I could not capture enough of the detail on my own. There is really so much and so many different people that played in the game back then. I was one of the south Miami boys and had little contact with the north Miami guys at the time, but here’s a little tidbit to those of you in the know… Remember Ed ‘mark em down’ Lane? If you do, then you could probably associate that NM circle with the SM boys I ran with… All our boats were Formulas and Carys… We ran across the straits at night through Caesars Creek and north through the Featherbeds at speeds that would scare the living crap out of most people. I will never regret any of these experiences as they taught me some valuable lessons about life…We should try and write this book! It would be a great read…
Grant Allen (06/15/2010 at 11:27 AM) Amen JW. Yea, one of the Cary kids was buddies with a friend of mine (Butch Brickell). Never met Ed. I am a Key Rat of Key Biscayne. We ran that Fowey light (6 miles out) to Stiltsville, Cape Florida to Nixon’s house and across to Gables estates scene. Tahiti Beach at the circle… I know Caesars Creek. Got those two markers hard left then hard right. Sand bars on both sides. Ocean Reef days running through there. Hell I ran aground twice off the Seaquarium just bar hopping at night. If you cut it too close to the sea wall headed for Bear Cut you’re done. I was running so fast on one night, and cut it too close. When we came to a stop she was leaning on one side of the vee. Threw the girls sitting on the engine bulkhead bench on the floor. We drove Formulas, Excaliburs and Checkmates. Let’s not forget those crazy nights were not always in boats. hahaha I was a passenger in a 27 foot Excalibur in March of 1980 that hit the seawall just south of Dirty Nelly’s, Ft Laud. at 70 MPH. Very bad crash. Driver error. Can’t say more than that. Nobody died but we were all really badly injured. Book would be fun. I told my Dad to write it when he turned 70. He said people would think it was fiction.
cigman (06/15/2010 at 3:11 PM) Grant—thanks for the words—Yeah—I wish I was just a little older and hung in that area back then—I’m sure it would have been fun—many people out there would love to hear of the “secret stories” in the night—Yeah—life was a bit more simple and life on the edge had a different feel—I like the stories so far—keep them coming—) my only story is a blown engine—how exciting to hear the roar die down to a sputter and watch smoke climb out from the hatch—there goes 20K—fun—fun—maybe one day we can get Bennie on here to tell of the Kramer stories and chime in—?? I hear the prison system is letting their hair down—) or just bring in a chopper again and do round #2—
JW Reed (06/16/2010 at 9:56 AM) Grant, don’t know your age (I’m 59) but we may have some mutual acquaintances. The Rebozos and O’Malleys lived out on the Key back then. I knew Billy O at the time.South Biscayne Bay was my stopping ground as I lived off Old Cutler and 144th. My ex-wife lived in Old Cutler Bay. As a matter of fact, when we were in high school, we drove our small runabout directly towards the Nixon compound until the SS would chase us off…I could go on and on with the stories from back then… We had some remarkable times. Sank one of our Formulas 40+ miles offshore going to Andros. Got picked out of the water by some guys heading north up to Bimini. Probably the drunkest I’ve ever been that night in my life as I thought it was over. Being in the water out there is pretty humbling to say the least. That last-minute radio distress we got out probably saved our lives!We were making runs out to Andros every couple of weeks to pick up things that were dropped by airplane… Exhilarating work and paid well at the time…
Grant Allen (06/16/2010 at 1:30 PM) I know Billy. Have not seen him since ’82. I am 52. He was always flirting with my girlfriends back in High School. We both did very well in that department. John O’Malley and I worked together (legit) as Life Guards at the Royal Biscayne. The old ITT Sheraton… long gone… Ritz Carlton there now. I know that feeling you experienced when boat went down. I ran a lot to Bimini (BIG GAME). Had impeller take a shit on port 454 and felt very alone out there. Can’t imagine sinking.Old man Rebozo’s son was not in my crowd. Difference in age. Saw them last at America Concert at Miami Marine Stadium in 1974.
Grant Allen (06/16/2010 at 3:23 PM) JW, the Feds drove 27’ Magnum open fishermen decks (Aronow’s) out in front of Nixon’s house. They had 4 of them. 2 out and two in at all times. Hoists and mechanics on duty 24/7. We skied in the mangroves next to KB Yacht Club and Nixon’s was right around the corner. Just for grins there was an unmarked piling that we would cut the inside of on purpose just to watch the bow of one of the magnums lift up and head in our direction. We would head out toward Vizcaya and they would settle back in to their constant patrol status at idle. Some of us Key Rats got to know the agents driving the Mags and when Nixon was not home (mostly in DC) they would let them ski in front of the 3 houses in the compound. Water was always glass there. Man, the memories are flowing…
JW Reed (06/17/2010 at 7:22 AM) Grant… great stuff! My ex’s home was in Old Cutler Bay at the time and we just blasted across the bay towards the Nixon compound. You’re dead on… the minute you crossed that proverbial line in the water, the nose of those magnums would lift up and begin to charge…Another favorite spot for us was out in Stiltsville. We speared fish and caught plenty of lobster out there in the stretch between Biscayne Channel and Fowey Rocks Light. Again, no end to the many stories from those days, including back when the Light at Fowey was actually manned by the Coasties. We used to go out there and chat them up with cigarettes and beer.Miami was quite different back then and is even more so today. You still a boater? I’m leaving for the Bahamas in a couple of weeks. Big Game just re-opened last month after two years… Bimini is not the same either…
donzi hornet (06/20/2010 at 11:05 AM) Don’t forget the Richie Sutphen/Don Aronow ties from Jersey.
cigman (06/20/2010 at 8:18 PM) What ever happened to the APACHE 47?? What a kick-butt boat.
X Davie Trainer (06/22/2010 at 12:17 AM) Well, I was just a kid when I “hung” out with Ben. I remember at the age of 15, I saw Ben and a guy named Randy Lanier pull up in a yellow and black Porsche 935 slant nose. Randy was a race car driver.So from 1983–1986 was an interesting time for a very young high school kid. As soon as I saw this car I knew I wanted to become friends with both of them. As time went on I realized what was going on with the both of them and how they “got” their money.Then in about 1986 Randy had told me that he needed to get big real quick and wanted to know how to do that. Now even at my young age of 14 I was muscular and looked older because of my muscularity and so when I was at the age of 18 when Randy and Ben got arrested—I looked pretty good for an 18 year old and drug free. So, at that time Randy asked how to get big quickly—I said that steroids is the only way that I knew of but had never took them myself but knew about them because I researched about them for possible use.Of course now I know why he wanted to get big quickly. He had left a week later, after I took care of him. Then I found out that he got arrested in the last quarter of 1986.And the rest is history…I have more stories to tell but it would end up becoming a novel. Maybe that not a bad idea.I remember it like it was yesterday.
Grant Allen (06/22/2010 at 8:03 AM) Fort Apache Boats show up on eBay now and then. Kramer’s company… Molds might be sitting behind some warehouse in Davie west of 95. Probably destroyed. Sutphen was a pretty good product. Powered right, they could hang in that 65 to 75 MPH range. Good looking too. @ JW, Coasties were gone by my time. Used to stay up all night on Colombian Crude and then at 7 am ride out to Stiltsville and rob lobster out of pots. Dive 25 feet all jacked up. Can’t believe I didn’t die of a heart attack on the spot. I used to know a bunch of girls that lived in Old Cutler Bay. (Ransom Everglades School) Dana West and crew ring a bell? Don Aronow had a house in there. Beautiful villa way back on the bay. Joe Di Maria (The Collection, Bird Road) was a friend of my Dad’s. I worked for him a couple of years. He lived back in OCBay. Moved to Gables Estates. Hey JW, did you know Tico Morales???
donzi hornet (06/22/2010 at 10:06 AM) You’re missing a large part of the story… Richie Sutphen/Don Aronow Jersey connections from the OLD days in Jersey… late 50’s, early 60’s.
Madman (12/06/2010 at 5:58 PM) Blown away! Can’t believe the public talk. Born in 1952. Used to be friends with Ben’s brother. Anybody know what happened to him after the helicopter crash? They used to live in same neighborhood as Meyer in Hollywood. Friends with John Gordon, stripped 18 ft Donzi with bored out Holman Moody 289 and ate at Mikes almost everyday. Saw Don on 79th off of Little River often. Did security and had to deal with competitors more than legal. Worst disaster became biggest windfall. Still have the figures on paper. Don’t think you mean the father, Ed Lane, passed away years before, however, very tight with Phil, rip. Great, Great family. Ever use Star scopes and scanners for CG and feds in the 70’s? Cylinders dropped at Cat Cay? Then to Key Largo and after it got boring right under their noses. What ever happened to Michael Cary? Small world….Burt you out there?
Madman (12/06/2010 at 6:36 PM) From a North Miami Bay Rat to the South Miami boys. JW, I feel like I must know you…
JW Reed (12/08/2010 at 4:50 PM) Madman, you nailed it… I was talking about Phil as Ed was his Dad. We met a few times… You asked about Burt so I am assuming Sibley.
JW Reed (12/08/2010 at 5:22 PM) Monrad, when you say Castaways, you mean the Wreck Bar. Remember Johnny Pachevas? He was the guy who ran the big karate school in North Miami and bounced at the Wreck. He was one tough sob…
Monrad (12/08/2010 at 5:28 PM) That’s exactly it JW “The Wreck Bar”. I do vaguely recall Pachevas and you’re right he was very effective…
MADMAN (12/09/2010 at 2:49 PM JW, It’s been a long time and a lot of great memories. I didn’t want to mention his name but would like to get in touch with Burt. That Cary was a sweet boat. Any news about him or Pat L. or Michael Cary? Supposed to get a link for Ben Kramer Productions? Movie I think? TF
JW Reed (12/09/2010 at 2:57 PM) Madman, sounds like we must know or at least met at some point. You obviously know the same people. How did you know Pat?
MADMAN (12/09/2010 at 3:02 PM) Pachevas, Power house! Best Marshal Arts training in my life with Ridgley Able, still in S.C. I think.
MADMAN (12/09/2010 at 3:45 PM) Here is one for all you thirsty listeners. Just got back from Bogota to find out Phil set up a rendezvous with a Jamaican shrimper. Waited 2 to 3 days in Hollywood for his arrival. Late at night I hear the deep rumble of diesels only to look out the window at the dock with my eyes climbing upward to see the Jamaican trawler itself with its Jamaican flag pulling up. Phil never found them. The Captain said “If the tide was higher I would have ripped the top off under that bridge, we couldn’t wait out there any longer!” Well then the crew comes in the house. The mechanic on the boat was missing a hand and the Captain was kissing his ass up and down for constantly fixing the engines. Another guy stares at me while shoving a pistol in the seat of a chair in the den. We were only supposed to get part of this load and now the whole thing is in our laps. Well now the bucket brigade starts through the screened in pool through the den into the 2 car garage, bails staked like bricks. Just enough room for a van to squeeze in marked “Robert King High Camp For The Mentally Retarded” (before the kind terminology “special” or “challenged”). Anyway, all of a sudden “Stein” who had money in this, starts running around the house shutting off lights. I asked him what’s the matter and he says there is a cop outside with a flashlight. Yep sure as shit, so I’m chasing Stein around the house turning the lights back on and I turn UP the music so it looks like a party. Well I had to grab Stein and put my finger in his face and talked the language he only knew. “If you don’t do what I say you are going to lose this load.” So I look out the window, the cop with the flashlight in the lot next store shining the light on the deck of the
JW Reed (12/09/2010 at 4:02 PM) Madman, I was in Bogota in 70 working with one of Phil’s guys down there. Did you know Nano?
Grant Allen (12/09/2010 at 4:16 PM) Geez, MADMAN, you last sentence hit a patch of ice. WTF happened next?
MADMAN (12/09/2010 at 4:36 PM) Deck of the shrimper. A bail on the deck and a crew member feet away just behind a waist high wall. But the cop turns and goes back to his car and pulls away. Now we think the cavalry is about to arrive. Sooooo. we send out the van EMPTY without incident. Well we are busy till dawn. Sweep up 5 lbs. Not over… next morning stormy weather breaks the trawler free, with its Jamaican flag and water line painted obviously to deceive, and gets stuck in the sea wall. Coast Guard Auxiliary comes by to offer help. No thanks… Several weeks later two treasury agents come by the house… Sorry, I have to respect someone’s privacy here and also no statute of lim.P.S. “Stein” was part of the disaster I mentioned earlier that turned into our biggest windfall. We fronted “Stein” a load to take to New York in a DC 3 full only to get busted upon landing in a field. Remember how Dolphin games were a perfect time to be active? But that’s another story…Separate mission JW… stayed with a guy whose father in the UN. Diplomatico, get it… well that’s another story…
Grant Allen (12/09/2010 at 5:08 PM) I got a story about Great Harbor Cay that started at Port Everglades ended up in Boynton Beach Inlet.No casualties but a lot of “HOLY SHIT! DID THAT JUST REALLY HAPPEN?” And “HOLY SHIT HERE THEY COME AGAIN!” Ending in a quiet 6AM ride back down ICW to spot off Las Olas.I think I’ll save it for the script writer’s.
MADMAN (12/09/2010 at 10:26 PM) Grant, this goes way back before Bush. Where do you think the Secret Service got their go-fast boats to guard Nixon’s southern White House. Rebozo was his neighbor. CIA involved with Aronow? If Meltzer digs enough everyone is going to find out who really killed John Kennedy.H. Hunt went to my church. He knew Liddy and the Cubans. The same Cubans that planned…?
GA (12/09/2010 at 10:36 PM) MM. Way back before Bush. Blue Thunder was almost 2 decades after this subject timeline.I would think Gordy is on a sworn affidavit of silence for the rest of his life.
Cigman (12/09/2010 at 10:59 PM) I just got finished wishing Benny a Merry Christmas Card—I sent him an old piece of the Apache Warpath debris we collected from a 1987 race and near crash. I wonder if they will allow that on the cell walls as “Art” or learning material? I miss Don—Benny—Jerry J—Thunderboat Alley—Where did the 80’s go? Those were some good times—)Yeah—that private investigator is still on the case—I still think a “few” people know what really happened and yes—Gordy very well could be one of them—) good reads
MADMAN (12/10/2010 at 7:22 AM) Aronow simply knew too much and with playing both sides he got squashed. Nobody’s gonna risk a murder charge over a woman or just to punish someone. It’s all about the money.
JW Reed (12/10/2010 at 10:16 AM) To Madman’s point on 107 post, those secret service boats were Magnum 27’s… I think Don started that company… LOL
MADMAN (12/10/2010 at 10:25 AM) Another general comment. My people knew Ben when he was at S. Broward and watched him grow. I’m not going to make excuses but we all know when you get cracked you double your efforts to pay your bills. Therefore, in a way, you can blame the government for driving this whole thing. When you look at all the players, you know how the system works, with all the corruption from the tremendous amount of money involved, you have to look at the Feds. I may be pulling stuff up decades before Blue Thunder but Aronow, and for that matter Ben, could have very well known more than some very powerful people were comfortable with.JW, Phil and I were in Tampa and got cylinders from Burt through Pat. Pat eventually got squeezed out because we started taking the whole load and Phil became partners with Burt. That’s why I said earlier, “I had to worry more about our competitors more than the law”. Pat and his people tried to rip us off all the time as he knew our m.o. Would love to have breakfast with you. Although it is nice to share these adventures you have to feel somewhat uncomfortable talking about this stuff in public. It goes against all that I contributed back in the day making everyone feel somewhat safe. This stuff is still alive with “Gordy” still kickin around and a PI still on it and you don’t want to piss off Ben. I still carry my little friend around everywhere I go without this shit, I don’t want my card pulled too.
JW Reed (12/10/2010 at 10:36 AM) Madman, I hear what you’re saying… Interestingly enough, Pat claimed he was being ripped off and I know for fact that he was. On two occasions we had B&E’s that relieved us of a large quantity. Very few people knew where these houses were located due to the very nature of the business, but I can tell you it did happen.We had theories as to who may have done this, but could never prove it… Prior to the second incident, we took a big hit from someone we knew and trusted and it resulted in a serious setback.Breakfast is a good idea… we should do this…
GA (12/10/2010 at 11:42 AM) JW, Don started Formula, Magnum Marine, Cigarette, Donzi, (the name the girls called him) “Donzi baby”, and Squadron, boat companies. He sold Charlie McCarthy a mold to a 24’X8’ and Charlie started racing and building “The Banana Boat” Co. The Cary’s and Richard Bertram were friends of Don’s and a large influence on him pioneering the Deep Vee “Go Fast” boat concept. Yep Yep Yep. MM. That was the thought of the day back then. Fear of old business connections robbing you or snitching more than if the Federales were watching. Probably still is… Lol.
JW Reed (12/10/2010 at 11:59 AM) GA, I am fully aware of it… My comment above was purely sarcastic… Sorry.Charlie McCarthy was one of Don’s favorites. I knew the Cary’s as well and Dick Bertram is another legend. One of my closest friends father was head of engineering for Bertram for over 20 years.
GA (12/10/2010 at 12:14 PM) JW, yea sorry, no disrespect. I kinda went Huh? JW, knew that. Duh? I missed it.
JW Reed (12/10/2010 at 12:33 PM) GA, not a problem… it’s really pretty amazing that we have come together on this site like we have. MM you have to be loving this!There is so much depth in characters involved in Don’s life and on those that were on the edge of it… Lot’s of good stuff being shared here…
MM (12/11/2010 at 5:50 AM) JW, GA, CM Hawks Cay FPC 1-28
JW (12/12/2010 at 8:42 AM) MM ? Not getting this one… How about WYU 6114…
MM (12/12/2010 at 1:43 PM) Cig, JW, GA Ever do the poker runs? Don’t want to use this medium for our personal chat. Switch to another? Hawks Cay weekend 28th, 29th, 30th Florida Power Boat Club.
Cigman (12/12/2010 at 1:53 PM) I live in MD and only do the one here on the Chesapeake. I wish I was in Fla for those—
GA (12/12/2010 at 2:42 PM) I live in Carolina MM. Hey Cig, I have run 2 Poker Runs out of Richmond, Va. Big local Offshore goings on there. Just Google. You don’t have to live in Fla.
GA (12/12/2010 at 2:46 PM) Thanks anyway MM. Sounds like a beautiful ride.
MM (12/12/2010 at 3:34 PM) Cig, would like to hear about Mark. JW, we have to get in touch? GA… keep thinking two decades way back before Bush, LOL, Its been a pleasure, good luck and stay safe. Feel like a bunch of old hens but its been real…
MM (12/13/2010 at 8:52 AM) Want to clarify some points made earlier before I bail out. I didn’t mean to paint a picture of a Jamaican mechanic running around the house with a bloody stump. He was a one handed Jamaican mechanic, go figure, that had lost his hand some years prior.Also, “way before Bush”. Maybe it’s safer to spill all this out. It has been documented, through wire taps, that a group of Cubans planned the assassination of JFK in Miami, but Kennedy went to Dallas instead. It’s not too much of a stretch to think that those Cubans were the same or at least knew the Cubans (it’s a small world in South Florida, look at this forum) that were involved with Liddy who worked for Nixon. Aronow worked with Nixon’s Secret Service, who know more than a room full of Presidents. Those black Magnums were so intimidating. The Blue Thunder boats, I think, were weighted down Cats that were ineffective in the rough ocean. I believe were nothing more than publicity for Bush.Who benefited from the death of JFK? The Louisiana and Tampa Crew? Rebozo was Nixon’s neighbor. The Republican Party, Nixon ran against Kennedy and was the first Republican in the White House after JFK’s death. The CIA? Aronow, “Gordy” and CIA all seem to be linked. There are still 55,000 pages of classified documents that haven’t been disclosed yet.Did Aronow know something? Its funny the two biggest players in South Florida are out of the picture. One murdered and the other blamed for it. You can marinate on that for awhile.As for the romantic life. We should tell it’s not all racing the sunrise and the tide across the flats, not daring to let off the throttle of your V hull for fear of running aground. Its also out in the stormy Gulfstream in a pitch black moonless overcast cold wind trying to decide whether to ride up and down the insanely mountainous waves and risk getting swamped or to pick up speed and risk cracking the fiberglass hull completely in half. The horrendous injuries that can’t be reported. Mosquito infested canopied mangrove channels. Bullets flying over your head as you lay in sand fly infested beach grass daring not to move. God bless all of us that are still alive!
JW (12/13/2010 at 10:10 AM) Gents, the last paragraph from MM’s blog defines the reality of what some of us knew all too well.As I reflect on these memories, I can remember being scared to death on more than one occasion. Countless hours of back breaking work hauling 100 pound bales across a barren island infested with sand fleas and mosquitos. Looking for our boat well offshore late one night in the pitch black when the masthead light had failed. Lot’s of exhilarating times and excitement culminated with fear and exhaustion. Over now, but the memories remain. spqr1955@hotmail.com
MM (12/13/2010 at 11:26 AM) Ever watch your bales wash up on shore on the 6 o’clock news? mmbayrat@hotmail.com
Thread 5 evolves from casual updates on surviving figures (Ben Kramer still imprisoned for life, Wayne Bock confirmed dead) and conspiracy links (JFK, Iran-Contra, CIA/Mafia ties) into a deeply personal, ongoing quest for justice. The emotional core is KingofDiamonds—the son of Eugene "Hicky" Hicks, stabbed to death in his Golden Isles home—repeatedly pleading for information about his father's unsolved murder, naming associates like James Monaco ("Smith Brothers" crew) and Michael Paskow, expressing raw grief, frustration with cover-ups, and suicidal thoughts from decades of unresolved pain. Responses include Red's insider claims that Frank Schweihs (not Bobby Young) confessed on videotape to shooting Aronow, old acquaintances sharing fond memories of "Hicky" as a fun-loving figure, and mentions of related mysteries like Billy Watson's disappearance at sea, capturing the lingering trauma, suspicions of corruption, and desperate search for closure years after the crimes.
MM (05/26/2011 at 6:52 AM) Ben Kramer released from prison?
Monrad (05/26/2011 at 10:06 AM)No I don’t believe Kramer will ever get out of prison.
MM (05/26/2011 at 10:48 AM) Recently heard some family reunited in Tennessee, probably another rumor… anyone in touch with him? Still looking for Portnoy and Mark…
MM (05/26/2011 at 11:01 AM)Monrad… maybe you can shed some light. Two documentaries, Thunderman has George Morales (who I believe knows) and Miami Drug Cartel Documentary his name is Fernandez???? SAME GUY! Testified Iran/Contra…
Red (05/26/2011 at 11:03 AM)Benjamin Kramer inmate number #32655004 is still in prison. I was just told that he was in for life and the only way he would not be on the inmate locator is if he was dead.
Red (05/26/2011 at 11:16 AM) [Full article excerpt pasted about attorney Robert Drew arrested for smuggling heroin and marijuana to Benjamin Kramer in Terre Haute prison]Local Attorney Faces Drug ChargesPosted: Tuesday, August 31stMARION—A long-time attorney needs representation himself. Robert Drew is accused of smuggling drugs into a federal prison.Robert Drew is now in custody at an Indiana jail. Drew, 68, of Marion, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, and intent to distribute a controlled substance.Officials say they found a package of marijuana and 52 grams of heroin taped to his body. They claim Drew was headed to a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, this past Saturday to deliver the drugs.Investigators believe this is not the first time Drew has tried this. In fact, they believe Drew has successfully transferred illegal drugs to inmates in Terre Haute on at least three or four occasions.Drew has represented a lot of high profile clients since he moved to Marion in 1976. The private attorney is originally from Maine, but spent most of his career wearing different professional hats in southern Illinois. He was appointed as a judge to the First Judicial Circuit on August 1, 1995. He lost the seat following the 1996 election. Drew also held posts within the Williamson County Democratic Party, in addition to his private practice.Drew told police in Vigo County, Indiana, this past weekend that he was delivering marijuana and heroin to a federal inmate because he and his family had been threatened. That inmate is Benjamin Kramer, a king pin in a 1980s drug ring that trafficked several tons of marijuana into the U.S. through shipping ports, netting Kramer more than $60 million.Before an Indiana judge Monday, Drew said he hid the drugs in his Mercedes, and drove to Evansville with his wife, where they spent the night at a casino. He then drove to Terre Haute Saturday morning, and stopped at a gas station so he could tape the drugs to his body.He hid the 52 grams of heroin in two condoms. Drew said other packages had been mailed to him in the past. He then smuggled those drugs into the prison, following orders he received from anonymous callers.Drew’s colleagues in Williamson County are not commenting on his arrest, or the charges against him.Drew faces state charges in Indiana right now. A spokesperson for the U.S. District Court in Indiana says federal prosecutors have received details about the case. However, that person would not confirm whether they would transfer it to federal court yet.Drew told News 3 recently he is retired, but still representing a few clients in ongoing court cases.By: Jeff Stensland jstensland@wsiltv.com
Red (05/26/2011 at 11:51 AM) Who benefited from the death of JFK? Jimmy Hoffa, the Chicago outfit, the CIA, and the list goes on—Vice President Johnson, Bebe Rebozo, Trafficante from New Orleans, arms dealers from New England. Nixon, Bush and all others from the CIA. Kennedy wanted to pull out of Viet Nam. He wanted to disband the CIA. Too many people were getting rich off of the CIA and the games they played. A book is coming out about how and why it happened. Oswald was just a CIA patsy, all he ever did was shoot a Dallas Police officer who was trying to kill him. While he was waiting for help from the CIA he was murdered. The shot that killed Kennedy came from a man that is still alive. He was 21 when he did it, before that he was a sniper in Laos. As far as “The Dixie Mafia” they rode on the tails of the Mafia from Buffalo New York and several other New York families. But who cares? There won’t be any trials, the big fish died or were murdered. The small fish went to jail all for greed, or murdered each other. Cuba promised that the mob could have their casinos back with Kennedy gone. Everyone was promised something by the CIA and they all got nothing, however the CIA is intact. And that was their goal, the rest is window dressing.
MM (05/26/2011 at 12:11 PM) On the money Red. Trafficante, Marcello, Morales… do you know how many Iran Contra players disappeared the same time Aronow was hit?
Red (05/26/2011 at 12:49 PM) Yep I sure do, it was a well paid out plan, and it worked. I specialize in closing the case on murder. We don’t find many to prosecute.
MM (05/26/2011 at 1:06 PM) I was working when Ben was selling lids on Hollywood Beach. If he followed through on everything that came out of his mouth he would have been gone long before. What a perfect patsy… No one ever mentions he is related to Meyer’s wife and who helped Don when he fled New Jersey… Meyer.
MM (05/26/2011 at 1:27 PM) Cigman, any thoughts on 132? Talk to him lately?
Monrad (05/26/2011 at 2:11 PM) There have been rumors about a Rey or Ray Fernandez possibly being involved but it’s mostly rumor.Regarding the Lansky rumors helping Aronow that’s a strong possibility. There were rumors saying that Alvin Malnik was involved as well.
Red (05/26/2011 at 11:56 PM) Lansky was always involved from day 1 the CIA needed him.
Red (09/04/2013 at 8:01 PM) What you guys don’t understand is Frank Schweihs is dead, Wayne Bock is dead and the secret never dies with them. Frank told me on video tape, “I won’t see you guys, I got to go somewhere, I got a hit to make, I’ll be out of town for a while, I’ll catch ya when I get back”. Then he goes. When he comes back he is talking about how hot it was in Florida. Then he goes on to tell me how he drove down and back because he didn’t want to be traced going back and forth. He chuckles and tells me it was an easy job. “I just popped the guy in his car, and went home to my house in Hollywood and stayed there for a week and drove back here to get with you guys”. Part of that tape was played in court but not the whole thing. After “Family Secrets” he was in prison with cancer and died there, with the FBI knowing he did it. Not Bobby Young. He sued the publisher of “Blue Thunder” and the authors before he died back in the 90’s and lost. When you know someone like Frank, you know what he said was true.As he told me many times at the end of a conversation, “Case closed Mo”
Thomasam/Arodontknow (09/04/2013 at 10:36 PM) Hi Red, I thought we agreed Wayne Bock was still alive. As of 7 days ago, I still have him as alive.
Red (09/05/2013 at 4:13 PM) Nope he’s dead. CBS news in Chicago, confirmed it.
KingofDiamonds (02/22/2013 at 3:46 PM) Eugene Hicks “Hicky” was my father, his partner was James Monaco (Monaco is sitting in jail for ordering a hit on the US State atty at the time—Barbara Petra). My father was found stabbed to death in our home in Golden Isles. Someone has to know something. The cowards should come forward…
KingofDiamonds (02/22/2013 at 3:54 PM) So—“Reed” Do you work for the Hallandale Police Department? If so, take a break from eating donuts and playing on internet. So many people will forever be impacted by these cowards that still till this day won’t come forward. If these people are so big and bad, speak up!!! What a bunch of pussys!
Red (02/22/2013 at 4:26 PM) @KingofDiamondsMost people know who did it and why. The reason is because of all the people that covered it up that it was never solved on the books and never will be. I let this thing go until I got the same E-mail you did.No one stood up and talked after he was murdered. They knew, but they never talked. When the book was written about his murder, all the bad guys sued the publisher. I helped the publisher, Tom a co Author, went into witness protection. This blog never solved anything, except getting the old guys back together to talk.The one up in Tennessee can’t come back to Florida, because of the New York mob.It is what it is…
JW Reed (02/22/2013 at 6:04 PM) King… Not even close, buddy… I was in the business back in the early days.I’m talking about 69 through 74. We were some of the first to get organized and my partner was a NMB guy, lived in what was called Ojus. I was down in South Miami. He had his people and I had mine. We sheltered the business from each other for our own reasons.I went to school with Aronow and Cary. That’s how I became interested in this scuttle along with my time on the water doing what was real easy back then.Sorry about your father. The business got very ugly shortly after we got out.
KingofDiamonds (02/22/2013 at 8:35 PM) @ Red - I wish I could let this go, but I can’t it was my dad. You don’t think someone will come forward one day? Who do they think did it and why? I have thought of ending my life many times over all of this. The pain is too deep to hold anymore.
KingofDiamonds (07/28/2013 at 12:59 AM @JW REED - are you RB?
JW Reed (08/02/2013 at 2:35 PM) King, I am not LE or associated with them in any way, but I do know there is no statute of limitations on a capital murder charge.I never spoke with KB2 and frankly don’t even know him. KBIII would be my primary focus. Where is he now? I know he worked for your father at some point. As far as Monaco is concerned, who knows what he would or would not reveal about this.
JW Reed (09/02/2013 at 5:45 PM) King, its been a month and I have not heard anything from you… I have been in email contact with JC and he prefers to remain anonymous. He was close with Don and that’s the only reason I am mentioning this.I really suggest you look at KBIII… Send me some contact info at spqr1955@hotmail.com I want to meet and discuss.
formerfiancee (11/27/2013 at 8:10 PM) Kingofdiamonds. Don’t have any idea about most of these people, but my parents and the Aronows were long time friends in the 60s era. I was engaged to your dad Gene, “Hickey”, in 1973 for about 6 months. He then married Marta N… and so on… Your dad and I went to NY together and I met some of your family. I knew your uncle Pauly too. I adored Gene, I loved being with him. He was the most fun guy I ever knew. My folks figured out what “line of bizz” Gene was in, and made it so hard on us that we broke up. I was a flight attendant and retired in 2001. I remember lots of his buds, including Frankie Pasquale. Whatever happened to him… I wonder… When I heard Gene was murdered I was sick. We all choose a path, I changed mine, he didn’t live long enough to do the same. God bless his soul~
KingofDiamonds (11/27/2013 at 9:33 PM) @ FormerFiancee - Everyone makes bad choices in life, he unfortunately never got the chance to turn his life around.I’m happy for you and others that were not murdered during that time era. Most are dead, in jail, or changed for the better.I thought Paul was the coolest thing when I was little. I’m guessing the situation and other circumstances drifted us apart. I use to ask my mom why he stopped coming to see me.Hope you enjoy the holidays. Thank you for the message.
formerfiancee (11/28/2013 at 11:25 AM) Hi KoD, I, too, am more than blessed to have gotten away from all the danger that these lifestyle choices presented. I hope Paul had a chance to turn his life around. I remember one night driving to Paul’s apt in NMB and wrapping my green MGB around a telephone pole and not even realizing what a mess my car was until the next day. So many times, driving under the influence… God sure had my angel working over time to protect me from myself, and others! Did you live in Miami or NY? I visited NY with your dad a few times and we sure had a great time back then. Fond memories…
KingofDiamonds (01/05/2015 at 2:37 PM)@Civillian I know the author who wrote the book. Some parts are pretty accurate. Parts of my fathers murder was featured in it and the info written about what happened to him was spot on.@Former fiancé - where are you located? And are you in contact with anyone from back in the day?
KingofDiamonds (01/05/2015 at 2:45 PM)@ Smith Brother Did you know “Hicky” ? Do you have “The Popes” contact info or know how to get in touch with him?
formerfiancee (01/08/2015 at 11:09 AM) Hi KoD, no I have not had contact with anyone for decades. I live in TN now and am retired. I would love to know whatever happened to Marta Nemeroff, his fiance after me, did he marry her eventually? And the others from the early 70s era. I wonder if Pauly is still alive. And Hickey’s good buddy Michael Paskow. Any of these names tick a box?
KingofDiamonds (01/08/2015 at 1:57 PM) @ FormerfianceeWhat part of TN? Leave me a number and I will call u
formerfiancee (01/08/2015 at 3:08 PM) Hi, I’d rather not post a phone number here. I’m sorry. You can email me though. Thanks.
KingofDiamonds (01/09/2015 at 9:31 AM)I also live in TN. If you would like to talk or meet up. Send me an email.
dannyscrima (01/16/2016 at 5:37 PM) i knew ur dad back in the 70s he was loads of fun we used to hang at fat cats a night club in miramar fla i ve been with him on his boat king of diamonds he was a cool myself n my cousin tony scrima were at his service
KingofDiamonds (01/16/2016 at 6:03 PM) @DannyScrima I would like to connect with you. Send me a message KingofDiamonds1983@yahoo.com
KingofDiamonds (01/16/2016 at 6:30 PM) @JW REEDYou mentioned KB and the guy in TN who has the initial GW. I know they killed my dad. Who hired them? Does one of your inmate connections know where KB tossed the gun?I am not sure who you are, you haven’t revealed that. Yes, I would be willing to meet up with you.Send me a message with your number. We can arrange a place to meet in person.
dannyscrima (01/17/2016 at 2:08 AM) kodiamonds u were a baby i always wondered how things worked out for you i will email mjss hickey he was a good guy
fat cat (01/17/2016 at 4:18 AM i knew all of em tracy darrel tony toots hickey muff hippie joe aultivola
danny scrima (01/17/2016 at 2:41 PM) hickey truly was the king of diamonds rip old friend
Lauderdale Local (04/07/2016 at 4:29 PM) Nobody says much about Monaco—Hicky/Darrel/Tracy were called the Smith Brothers back then. Monaco was on TV all the time and in the papers for suspected murder of a DEA agent. There is nothing to be found anywhere on that trial. His wife’s name was Cori. What a looker for such an ape! He was in Florence Supermax for the hit on DA. Got moved to lesser security since he’s senior citizen. He’s rotted in prison since ’91.
LauderdaleLocal (04/07/2016 at 4:49 PM) Anybody know what happened to Billy Watson, whose boat was found empty out at sea and the body never was found back then? He dated Monaco’s wife before he went missing.
RedMachine (04/08/2016 at 3:46 PM) Monaco is an ice cold killer! Anyone who crossed him got crossed out.
LauderdaleLocal (04/08/2016 at 6:58 PM) He never got convicted for anything substantial until 90 with the heroin ring bust in Deerfield. Never the mayhem he metered out. Big Red Machine was his Corsa. You sound well versed in James Ronald Monaco.
These have no clear replies or chains in the provided comments:
Decades after Don Aronow’s death, the comments on that original article stand as a haunting echo chamber—part true-crime forum, part oral history, part family therapy session that never quite finds resolution. They remind us that some murders don’t just end with a conviction or a grave; they ripple outward, stirring old wounds, unanswered questions, and memories of a wilder Miami that will never fully fade. Whether Bobby Young pulled the trigger, whether larger forces silenced the truth, or whether the real story lies buried with the men who knew it best, one thing is clear: Thunderboat Row still whispers, and those who lived it—or lost someone to it—aren’t done talking yet.
Comment disclaimer:
Some comments below originated on a previous version of MiamiBeach411.com. As a result of platform migrations, displayed comment dates may reflect import timestamps rather than original posting dates. Many comments date back to the early 2000s and capture community conversations from that time. If you have local insight, updates, or memories to share, we welcome your comments below.
This story has been part of Miami Beach conversations for decades—and it’s still unfolding. Add your voice.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Check out our top local tours on Miami Beach 411—no tourist traps, just the best adventures, Everglades, and more.
Book Your TourOr book your hotel through our Hotels.com partnership—it helps keep Miami Beach 411 free and independent for everyone.
Book Your Hotel
Join the conversation