Jack Whalen

Jack Whalen (May 11, 1918 – December 2, 1959), also called Jack O'Hara and "The Enforcer," was a criminal and freelance contract killer and bookie, who worked for the Los Angeles crime family, although he also was associated with Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, the Shannon brothers (Joe, Izzy, Moe, and Max) and Mickey Cohen during the 1940s and 1950s.[2]

Jack Whalen
Nickname(s)The Enforcer
Born(1918-05-11)May 11, 1918
Missouri, U.S.
DiedDecember 2, 1959(1959-12-02) (aged 41)
Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army Air Forces
Years of service1944–1946
Battles/warsWorld War II
Spouse(s)
Kay Sabichi
​
(m. 1943)​
[1]
Other workMob Contract Killer

Life

Jack F. Whalen was born in Missouri on May 11, 1918. Whalen's father, Fred—who was also a career criminal—had enrolled Jack in military school to give his son a better life. Jack played polo in school and piloted bombers in World War II. After the war, he married into a rich family in Los Angeles; however, by 1955, his own criminal career had begun. He was soon called "The Enforcer" because he was "so tough he didn't need a gun."[3]

Death
The modern location of Whalen's death, shown here in 2019.

On December 2, 1959, Whalen was shot "square between the eyes" and killed at Rondelli's restaurant in Sherman Oaks in the presence of Mickey Cohen and three other of his associates.[4] Sam Frank LoCigno, although claiming self-defense, was charged with, but later acquitted of, the murder. Whalen was 41 years old at the time of his death.[5]

Whalen is depicted in the 2013 film Gangster Squad by actor Sullivan Stapleton. Whalen is also a featured character in James Ellroy's novel L.A. Confidential; as part of the power struggle for Mickey Cohen's criminal empire against gangster Morris "Mo" Jahelka.

References
  1. Lieberman, Paul (7 August 2012). Gangster Squad: Covert Cops, the Mob, and the Battle for Los Angeles. ISBN 9781250020116. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  2. Bunker, Edward. Education of a Felon: A Memoir. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000. (pg. 54) ISBN 0-312-28076-9
  3. Unlikely pals' luck changes
  4. Juvenile Delinquency: Hearings before a Subcommittee to Investigate Juvenile Delinquency. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1971. (pg. 3255)
  5. "Jack 'the Enforcer' Whalen Killed". Los Angeles Times. December 3, 2009. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
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