First... a story from Aric Allen. The notorious gangster Mickey Cohen was based in Los Angeles during his heyday and had a number of rivals. He survived nearly a dozen attempts on his life. It's easy to think that these near-death experiences were all about luck, but Aric Allen says it had more to do with something you might call a curse: Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Habitual hand washing, finickiness about his car, and excessive precautions at home all lead to this mobster's undefeated record.
Produced by Aric Allen. He's a digital producer based in West Hollywood. That story was edited by Nick White.
Tere Tereba is the author of Mickey Cohen: The Life and Crimes of LA's Notorious Mobster.
Mickey Cohen, alive, in his blown-out Brentwood Home
Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection