Mafia murder ends Godfather town's 12 years of peace

The gunning down of a wealthy businessman has ended a 12-year lull in Mafia killing in the Sicilian town made famous by The Godfather.

Nicolo Romeo, 72, who ran an animal feed business, was shot dead as he drove in his jeep to one of his plants close to the town of Corleone.

Marlon Brando's Godfather mafia boss Vito Corleone was born in and took his name from the town, and it was home to real mobsters including Bernardo Provenzano, Salvatore Riina and Luciano Leggio. The local clan, the Corleonesi, led the organisation in the Eighties and Nineties and were said to be the most violent and ruthless Mafia group.

The Mob's grip loosened on the town following a series of high profile arrests and until Mr Romeo's murder the last violent death was in 1998 when Emmanule Di Maggio, a relative of a supergrass, was killed.

Police believe Mr Romeo was killed after he refused to pay protection money, known as the pizzo, to local bosses. His brother Pietro disappeared in 1997.

The name of the animal feed firm, along with the figure 30,000, was written on several notes found at the hideout of godfather Mimmo Raccugliam, who was arrested last year.