Mafia Manhunt: The Murder of Special Agent Everett E. Hatcher

WILDCIDE

Special Agent Everett Emerson Hatcher was one badass dude and accomplished a lot in his 46 years. Tragically, Special Agent Hatcher’s dedication to law enforcement ended on February 28, 1989, when he was murdered during an undercover operation on Staten Island. Special Agent Hatcher had been trying to infiltrate a cocaine trafficking ring run by associates of the Bonanno crime family. One such associate, mob figure, Costabile “Gus” Farace, was the prime suspect in the killing of Special Agent Hatcher and became the object of a massive manhunt; a manhunt so intense that it literally created a war amongst New York’s mafia and the feds. The Hatcher case highlights the complexities of undercover operations and the calculated risks taken by law enforcement personnel. It also raises questions about the infiltration of criminal organizations by organized crime itself. Tune in as Chelsea and Bailey explore the life and service of Special Agent Hatcher, the details surrounding his death, and the impact of his sacrifice. Buckle up, y’all because this is one of the wildest cases we’ve covered where we get a real life look into the soft white underbelly of the Mafia and even their collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies to smoke out a psychopathic, roid-raged problem that found himself at the top of America’s Top Ten Most Wanted.

Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to “WILDCIDE” on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!)

Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.

​​Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([e-mail]).

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

References:

Archives of the Mayor’s Press Office. (1996, November 20). MAYOR GIULIANI UNVEILS “SPECIAL AGENT EVERETT E. HATCHER PLACE.” Press Release Archives - 595-96EVERETT E. hatcher place. https://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/96/sp595-96.html

Celona, L., & Jaeger, M. (2019, March 1). Did a secret offer to the mob avenge this DEA agent’s death? New York Post. https://nypost.com/2019/02/28/did-a-secret-offer-to-the-mob-avenge-this-dea-agents-death/

DEA Museaum. (n.d.). Everett E. Hatcher. DEA Museum. https://museum.dea.gov/wall-honor/everett-e-hatcher

French, Howard W. (November 19, 1989). "Suspect in Drug Agent's Slaying Found Shot to Death". New York Times. Archived from the original on September 27, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2017.

Fried, J. P. (1997, September 18). In plea bargain, two admit guilt in mob figure’s ’89 killing. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/18/nyregion/in-plea-bargain-two-admit-guilt-in-mob-figure-s-89-killing.html

Marriott, M. (1989, March 2). The “perplexing” killing of a drug agent. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/02/nyregion/the-perplexing-killing-of-a-drug-agent.html

McLawrence , S. (2024, February 24). Murder of federal agent by mobster on Staten Island sparked massive manhunt in 1989.: From the Vault. silive. https://www.silive.com/news/2024/02/murder-of-federal-agent-by-mobster-on-staten-island-sparked-massive-manhunt-in-1989-from-the-vault.html

Pooley, E. (1989, March 27). A federal case. New York Magazine, 49–58.

Porrello, R. (2002, November 4). Like Father, Like Son . Rick Porrello’s AmericanMafia.com - Allan May’s mob report current mob stuff. https://www.americanmafia.com/mob_report/11-11-02_Mob_Report.html

Stutman, R. M., & Esposito, R. (1993). Dead on delivery: Inside the drug wars, straight from the street. Warner Books.