Vincenzo Nino Sentenced to Death

This week, 127 years ago, Vincenzo Nino is set to be executed at Sing Sing Prison after his plea of insanity was not believed.

Vincenzo was convicted on June 3, 1895 in New York City of first degree murder for killing his wife, Marie Visegio Nino, on February 19 with a razer blade that nearly severed her head from her body. She was 38 years old. Vincenzo's defense lawyer claimed his was insane but a jury on May 17 declared him otherwise. Vincenzo was granted a new trial and eventually was placed in an institution for the remainder of his life.

Vincenzo was born about 1856 in Naples, Italy. He immigrated to New York in 1885 and married Maria on August 20, 1885 in Manhattan. He was an unemployed barber and stood just 5' 1" tall at 108 pounds at the age of 39 when he was arrested for murder. He was illiterate and resided at 55 Baxter St in New York City. When the police arrived on the scene Vincenzo made no attempt to get away. In fact, he was dressing his two children, a nine year old boy and a six year old girl. According to the New York Tribune, the children witnessed the murder. Allegedly, Vincenzo beat his wife even though she supported their family financially as Vincenzo didn't have much success as a barber.

1895 photo of the arch under the first rear tenement at 55 Baxter Street leading to the second rear, with stairs up which Vincenzo Nino went to murder his wife. House was believed to be haunted. (Museum of the City of New York). The building has since been demolished.

Rear room of the top floor of 55 Baxter Street where Marie was murdered.

Vincenzo became a patient of Mattawan State Hospital, where he died on May 21,1933.

The Children

Anna 'Annie' Nino, born in May, 1889 was placed into the NY Catholic Protectory of the Bronx for females after losing her parents. She later married laborer Pietro 'Tony' Ventimiglia in 1887 at the age of 18. They were married on November 4, 1905 in Manhattan. After their marriage the couple resided with Tony's parents, Pasquale and Marie in the Bronx.

Batisto Nino, born May, 1886 was placed into the NY Catholic Protectory of the Bronx for males. No other information has been found on him.