George McLaughlin (mobster)

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For the New York City banker, see George McLaughlin (banker).

George McLaughlin (July 9, 1927– ) is an Irish-American mobster and a member of the "The McLaughlin Brothers" gang of Charlestown, Massachusetts. Georgie and his brothers (Bernie and Punchy) often worked as hitmen for their then partner, Buddy McLean. According to local legend, Georgie was responsible for the start of the Boston Irish Gang Wars when he drunkenly tried to grope the girlfriend of a member of Somerville's Winter Hill Gang. Georgie was given a savage beating for this and his brother Bernie was intent on revenge. Bernie went to Buddy McLean and insisted he be given the two men, when Buddy McLean refused Bernie swore revenge. The next day, Buddy awoke to find a bomb planted under his family car. Later that week, Buddy shot Bernie dead in Charlestown's city square in broad daylight. After this, George and brother "Punchy" murdered Russell Nicholson who was rumored to be McLean's driver in the shooting. Georgie was later arrested for killing a bank clerk and is still in prison.