Murray Humphreys, known as The Hump, was a notorious mobster with a chilling reputation in American criminal history. Born Llewellyn Morris Humphreys to Welsh parents who sought a better life in the US, he became a key player in Al Capone’s criminal empire, involved in activities ranging from money laundering to murder.
Humphreys, also known as The Camel, was a mastermind behind the infamous St Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, where seven rival gang members were ruthlessly killed. Despite his criminal activities, Humphreys’ upbringing was humble, starting with selling newspapers on the streets of Chicago at a young age, then moving on to petty theft and more serious crimes.
His association with Al Capone led to a prominent position within the Chicago Mafia. Despite his violent nature, Humphreys was known for his intelligence and diplomacy. He rose to power within the mob after Capone’s death, influencing trade unions, bankers, and even potentially swaying political events like John F. Kennedy’s election.
Humphreys’ reign over the criminal underworld came to a dramatic end on November 23, 1965, when he passed away from a heart attack while being apprehended by FBI agents on a perjury charge. Interestingly, despite his American upbringing, he maintained a connection to his Welsh roots, visiting Wales in secret shortly before his death.
His legacy lives on through his daughter, named Llywela, who unfortunately met a tragic end after trying to invest her father’s illicit wealth in a failed venture. Remarkably, Humphreys is even related to Lord Dafydd Wigley, a member of the House of Lords and former Plaid Cymru leader, who delved into their family history in a documentary exploring the mobster’s life.
Murray Humphreys’ story stands as a testament to the complex intersection of criminality, power, and heritage, showcasing a man who navigated the treacherous waters of organised crime with a nod to his Welsh origins.