He excitedly proclaimed himself leader of a predominantly Castellamarese Sicilian group after ordering the assassination of some rival leaders, including his one-time friend and protector Gaspar Milazzo, on May 31, 1930. The assassinations became known as the "fish market" murders, because of their location. It is believed that the killing of Milazzo might have been backed by New York boss Giuseppe Masseria.

Milazzo was only one of the powerful Mafia rulers in Detroit, however, and Lamare did not survive long after the hit. He went into hiding from police as well as rivals, as more than a dozen other Detroit gangsters were shot down during 1930 and 1931. Authorities wanted him in connection with the killing of crusading broadcast journalist Gerald E. Buckley. Lamare's opponents tracked him down and reportedly shot him to death in his home on Feb. 7, 1931.

Police, summoned to the location by Lamare's wife, found the gang leader with a bullet hole in his back. They also found a small arsenal in the place, including six revolvers, a tear gas gun, two rifles, 4000 rounds of ammunition and some hand grenades.

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