[citation needed] In August 1949, Stompanato was described in the press as the "new right hand man" and bodyguard of rackets boss Mickey Cohen, replacing Neddie Herbert, who had been slain in an ambush the previous month.

At the time of his arrest, which was ordered as part of a campaign by Los Angeles County sheriff Eugene W. Biscailuz to "de-hoodlumize" the Sunset Strip, he was driving a Cadillac and was carrying checks totaling $33,657.50.

[11][12] In 1950, Stompanato, described as a "recent and inexperienced recruit from Illinois," was listed as one of the principal members of the Cohen gang by the California Commission on Organized Crime.

[citation needed] In October 1952, Stompanato left Cohen and started dating Helene Stanley, a former 20th Century Fox contract player and a live model for The Walt Disney Company.

Turner's daughter Cheryl Crane described him as: B-picture good looks ... thick set ... powerfully built and soft spoken ... and talked in short sentences to cover a poor grasp of grammar and spoke in a deep baritone voice.

With friends, he seldom smiled or laughed out loud, but seemed always coiled, holding himself in ... had watchful hooded eyes that took in more than he wanted anyone to notice ... His wardrobe on a daily basis consisted of roomy, draped slacks, a silver buckled skinny leather belt and lizard shoes.Their relationship was stormy; it was punctuated with frequent arguments and fights.

In 1957, Stompanato became so jealous about Turner's relationship with future James Bond actor Sean Connery, he flew to London and travelled to Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

Unperturbed, the 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) actor, who was a former body builder and karate black belt, bent Stompanato's hand back, forcing him to drop the weapon.

[16] After Stompanato's death, it was rumored that at least one LA mobster held Connery responsible, leading the actor to go into hiding for a short time afterwards.

[17][15][16] On April 4, 1958, Stompanato was stabbed to death by Turner's teenage daughter Cheryl Crane at her mother's home in Beverly Hills, California.

Stompanato is interred at Oakland Cemetery, in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois beside his mother Carmela (1890–1925), his father John (1890–1952), and his stepmother Verena (1901–1967).