Killing Falcone
Riina's reign as 'boss of bosses' suffered a severe reverse when hundreds of mafioso were found guilty at the Maxi Trial in 1986-1987. Bagarella, who was involved in many murders including that of the head of Palermo's Flying Squad Boris Giuliano, became a wanted man. Once the convictions were upheld by higher courts, Riina ordered the murder of high profile prosecutor Giovanni Falcone, the decision was taken over an objection by Ignazio Salvo who had had argued Falcone was best neutralized through political machinations.
Giovanni Brusca was tasked with the killing, a bomb was placed under the motorway Falcone used to get from the airport when arriving from Rome. Bagarella assisted at the scene during preparations. Falcone died in the bomb attack along with his wife and 3 policemen on 23 May 1992. 57 days later his colleague Paolo Borsellino died in another bombing, along with 5 police bodyguards. The state came under intense political pressure because of its failure to protect Falcone and Borsellino. Vito Ciancimino, who knew Riina's lieutenant Bernardo Provenzano, was contacted by emissaries claiming to represent the government, the content of the negotiations has been disputed. Riina's strategy seemed to be bearing fruit, but Ciancimino and Provenzano thought Riina's demands were unrealistic, and no concessions were in fact obtained.
The murders of Falcone and Borsellino proved highly counter productive for Riina as it resulted in new laws being passed that offered powerful incentives for mafia members to collaborate with the police. On 15 January 1993 Riima was caught after decades as a fugitive. On 14 May television host Maurizio Costanzo, who had expressed delight at the arrest of Riina, was almost killed in an bomb attack in a Rome street, 23 people were injured. Following Riina's arrest in early 1993, Bagarella is believed to have taken over a section of the Corleonesi, rivalling Riina's putative successor, Bernardo Provenzano.
Read more about this topic: Leoluca Bagarella
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