February 28

Bugsy Siegel was born in 1906 and rose to prominence as a mobster in New York and California. He was a key figure in the Jewish mafia and worked closely with Lucky Luciano's crime syndicate. In the 1940s, Siegel spearheaded the construction of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, helping transform the city into a major entertainment destination. Known for his charisma and ruthlessness, he became a symbol of the glamorous side of organized crime. Siegel was murdered in 1947, and his death remains part of Vegas lore. His blend of criminal enterprise and showmanship left a lasting mark on American culture.

Edward Greenspan (February 28, 1944 – December 24, 2014) was a prominent Canadian lawyer celebrated for his expertise in criminal defense. He founded Greenspan Partners and handled many of Canada’s most sensational trials with eloquence and skill. Beyond the courtroom, Greenspan authored books on legal history and philosophy and hosted television programs demystifying the law. Known for his persuasive advocacy and deep legal insight, he lectured extensively and advised on legal reform. His enduring legacy is reflected in the many cases he championed and the legal minds he inspired.

Francis Hughes was a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and one of the ten prisoners who died in the 1981 Irish hunger strike. Born in Bellaghy, Northern Ireland, he became involved in republican activism as a young teenager. Hughes was imprisoned for firearms and bombing offences and joined the protest for political status within the Maze Prison. After 59 days without food, he died on May 12, 1981, at the Mater Hospital in Belfast. His death, along with those of other hunger strikers, galvanized international support for the republican movement and highlighted human rights issues in Northern Ireland. Hughes is commemorated as a symbol of sacrifice during The Troubles.

Manuel Torres Félix, often referred to by his alias 'El M-1', was a high-ranking operative in the Sinaloa Cartel. He oversaw large-scale trafficking operations and played a key role in the cartel's expansion during the 1990s and 2000s. Known for his ruthless tactics, he became a target of Mexican and international law enforcement. In 2012, Torres Félix was killed during a confrontation with federal troops. His life story exemplifies the violent and complex world of the modern drug trade in Mexico.