Who Killed Leno and Louise Lazzari?

My research started while I was writing A History of Boca Raton. In that book, a subsection entitled “Murder and Mayhem” depicted sensational crimes committed in Boca Raton, including the 1948 double murders of Italian sculptor Leno Lazzari and his wife Louise. Of all the crimes, it was this one I couldn’t shake.

During the police investigation, a jewelry box deemed stolen during the murders miraculously reappears; a key witness is not who she claims to be; the Chief of Police in Boca Raton, who has his eye on becoming the next Sheriff of Palm Beach County, starts his own investigation behind the back of the Palm Beach State Attorney; and the hunt is on for the prime suspect, a man who abandoned a stolen car close to the scene of the crime.

Over the last four years, research on this crime had taken me from Boca Raton to Brooklyn and from England to Italy. Through many contacts along the way, the provocative backgrounds of the murder victims was uncovered, along with the possible motive and perpetrator. Also, some of the Italian sculptor’s artwork, which is exquisite, was found, although the location of most other pieces still remains a mystery.

It’s a story with more twists and turns than a roller coaster.

New York Times November 15, 1948
Sculptor, Wife Slain in Florida; Police Discount Robbery Evidence

        BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 14—Leno Lazzari, sculptor by commission to the Duke of Windsor and other world notables, and his wife were slain in their studio home early today by precise shots fired into their stomachs. W. H. Brown, Boca Raton police chief, said he believed the killings were “premeditated murder,” although the slayer emptied Mr. Lazzari’s pockets, took Mrs. Lazzari’s purse and fled in the sculptor’s jeep.     

Mr. Lazzari, 48, heavy-set and jovial, and Mrs. Lazzari, 42, were killed soon after midnight. The gunman fired two .38-caliber bullets into Mrs. Lazzari as she stood with an armful of groceries and one into Mr. Lazzari. Mr. Lazzari’s body lay on the floor near the doorway leading into the small sleeping room adjoining the large, marble cluttered studio.

Mrs. Lazzari was crumpled at the foot of steps to the bathroom. A loaf of bread and a package of spaghetti lay near the body. Chief Brown said he believed the killer was waiting for them.

“It looks too much like a robbery,” he declared. “It’s a clear-cut case of cold-blooded, premeditated murder.” He said he had no clue to the motive.

I’ll keep you posted as to when this book will be available.