Benedetto Santapaola

Benedetto Santapaola
Nitto Santapaola
Born(1938-06-04)4 June 1938
Catania, Sicily, Italy
Died2 March 2026(2026-03-02) (aged 87)
Milan, Italy
Other namesIl Cacciatore ("The Hunter")
Criminal statusDeceased (imprisoned from 1993)
Spouse
Carmela Minniti
(died 1995)
Children3, including Vincenzo
AllegianceCatania Mafia family / Cosa Nostra
ConvictionsMafia association, multiple murder
Criminal chargeMafia association, multiple murder
PenaltyFive terms of life imprisonment

Benedetto Santapaola (Italian pronunciation: [beneˈdetto santaˈpaːola]; 4 June 1938 – 2 March 2026), better known as Nitto, was an Italian Mafia boss from Catania, the main city and industrial centre on Sicily's east coast. Santapaola was considered one of the most powerful and bloodthirsty mafia bosses in Cosa Nostra until his arrest in 1993.

His nickname was il Cacciatore ("The Hunter") because of his passion for shooting game.