The Don is Dead

"What happened? It was a hit, I think the barber is dead."

- Frankie Malone and Charlie Trapani

After Vito Corleone turned down Virgil Sollozzo's offer for a partnership, Sollozzo knew that he had to eliminate Corleone, his main obstacle in France City, especially since the Don's heir, Sonny, had expressed interest in making a deal.

The Preparation
Sollozzo instinctively knew his biggest obstacle would be Luca Brasi, Corleone's formidable security guard, and so he had the man garrotted in the Curso! Bar. He also bribed Corleone's spy, Paulie Gatto, to kill him.

The Attack
When Don Vito was driven to his store on Mott Street by his son Fredo, the plan was put into action. Arranged by Tattaglia capo and driver, Donnie Marinelli and his driver. Mikey Soleri who had minior role in this, also shots at the Don, hitting him seven times before fleeing the scene. A number of bodyguards then moved in on the location, determined to finish Corleone off. At this time, Charlie Trapani, protege to Luca Brasi, was reporting to his associate Marty Malone of Brasi's death at DeMantagna's barber shop across the street. The bullets took down Malone and Dino DeMantagna, who both received non-fatal injuries. Malone urged Trapani to protect his sister Frankie, who had been unfortunately enough to pass by and was being held hostage by Norm. Trapani captured the hostage taker who surendered and freed his friend's sister.

Rush to the Hospital
Fredo Corleone, still shaken by events, argue with Trapani who to escort Vito to the hospital, acting as an armed escort for his father, both Charlie and Fredo escorted Don to the hospital. The ambulance was diverted into an ambush however, and the Corleones were forced to shoot it out with the capo, killing him before ascertainig the location of lawyer Tom Hagen, who had recently gone missing.

Trapani and Fredo then drove the fading Don to the Little Town hospital, where he was met by a full gang of doctors and an armed doctor with a gun, led by Sonny.