Through most of the 1920s the Bernstein Brothers, known more colorfully as the Purple Gang, ran Detroit’s underworld with an iron fist. Partnering with Chicago’s Al Capone, they were responsible for much of the liquor that came into the United States from Canada. They were involved in other shady rackets as well, and didn’t hesitate to murder any rivals who stepped on their toes.
Gregory Fournier, author of “The Elusive Purple Gang: Detroit’s Kosher Nostra”, joins me to talk about this notorious Jewish gang, and shares some of the stories that have become legendary in Michigan true crime history lore.
Check it out on Amazon here.
