Background
Franse was born in Istria and grew up in Roxbury, Massachusetts, before moving to New York in 1934, settling in the East Harlem section of Manhattan.
Franse was born in Istria and grew up in Roxbury, Massachusetts, before moving to New York in 1934, settling in the East Harlem section of Manhattan.
When Genovese fled to Italy in 1937 to escape a murder indictment, he left Franse to watch his business interests. Franse eventually became partners with Anna in some legitimate business interests. In 1952, Anna sued for divorce.
In court, she embarrassed Genovese by revealing information about his legal and illegal business interests.
A furious Genovese blamed Franse for his wife’s defection. Genovese tasked one of his lieutenants, Anthony Strollo, to set up the murder.
In turn, Bender ordered future mob witness Joseph Valachi to run the hit. Bender told Valachi that Franse had become an informer (which was not true).
On June 18, 1953, Valachi lured Franse to Valachi"s restaurant in the Bronx.
