17 Facts About Pupetta Maresca

Pupetta Maresca made international newspaper headlines in the mid-1950s when she killed the murderer of her husband in revenge.

Pupetta Maresca was the only daughter, and had four brothers.

Pupetta Maresca's uncle Vincenzo Maresca, sentenced to seven years in prison for the murder of his brother Gerardo, was a known Camorrista who controlled their hometown.

The Pupetta Maresca family was known as the "Lightning Knives" for their expert use of switchblades, and made their money in contraband cigarettes.

Pupetta Maresca was courted by a wealthy and powerful local guappo, or Camorra boss, from Palma Campania.

Pupetta Maresca believed the police knew who the perpetrator was but were not prepared to do anything about it.

Pupetta Maresca's trial started in April 1959 at the Court of Assizes in Naples.

Pupetta Maresca gave birth to her first child, Pasquale, in prison.

Pupetta Maresca was pardoned in 1965, but "Madame Camorra", as she was dubbed, continued to be involved in criminal activities.

Pupetta Maresca became the lover of yet another Camorra boss, the drug baron Umberto Ammaturo, and gave birth to twins.

Pupetta Maresca's death remained unsolved, but Maresca believed that Ammaturo was responsible; he denied knowing anything about Pasquale's death.

Pupetta Maresca separated from Ammaturo in 1982, and continued her involvement with the Camorra.

Pupetta Maresca survived, but was threatened again in prison by Cutolo's men in 1982.

Pupetta Maresca denied involvement in these crimes for the remainder of her life.

Pupetta Maresca served four years in prison and then lived alone in Sorrento.

Pupetta Maresca died on 29 December 2021 at her residence in Castellammare di Stabia, at age 86.

Pupetta Maresca's life has been the subject of several films, including:.