Joseph Barboza, known as Joe The Animal, was killed on February 11, 1976, in the Sunset District of San Francisco. A notorious mob hitman who had been part of the New England Patriarca crime family, Barboza became the first member of the witness protection program after testifying against the Mafia in several high-profile trials. He had a long violent record and was reported to have claimed responsibility for many killings.

After serving a later prison sentence and moving to the Bay Area under a new identity, Barboza’s true identity was revealed during a Santa Rosa murder trial. He then attempted to establish himself in San Francisco’s organized crime scene, but was ambushed and gunned down by mob hitman Joe Russo after being set up by a friend. The FBI and U.S. Marshals took over the investigation and provided round-the-clock protection for families connected to Barboza.

Who knew Barboza in California or the Bay Area and can add details about his movements in the months before February 1976?