Richard Wheeler (August 15, 1937 – February 3, 1972), known in the criminal world as “Cadillac” or “Cadillac Ritchie,” was a notorious gangster active during the 1960s and early 1970s. Based in New York City, Wheeler gained infamy for his involvement in organized crime, including numbers rackets, drug trafficking, and armed robbery. His most notorious act was allegedly masterminding the “Million Dollar Heist,” a dramatic robbery depicted in Peacock’s crime drama series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist”. Wheeler’s life ended violently when he was murdered by his enforcer, Fast Eddie Parker, under duress from those robbed during the heist. Despite his criminal notoriety, Wheeler’s life remains a subject of intrigue and mystery.

Richard Wheeler relationship with other characters

Frank ‘Black Godfather’ Moten (Samuel L. Jackson) – Richard Wheeler, also known as “Cadillac,” is the trusted second-in-command to Frank Moten. He plays a crucial role in executing Moten’s plans and managing his operations. Despite being close, Moten suspects that Wheeler might have been involved in the million-dollar heist, which creates underlying tension. While Cadillac shows loyalty to Moten, there are moments where his ambition and desire for power create subtle friction between the two.

Gordon ‘Chicken Man’ Williams (Kevin Hart) – Cadillac and Chicken Man share a working relationship as fellow gangsters. Cadillac, along with Moten, is hosted by Chicken Man in Atlanta. Cadillac’s disappearance during the heist raises suspicion among the gangsters, including Chicken Man, who might feel betrayed by Cadillac’s possible involvement.

Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024)

Detective J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle) – Detective Hudson is the lead investigator of the heist, and Cadillac is a suspect. Their relationship is purely antagonistic, as Hudson is determined to bring the criminals to justice. Wheeler must evade Hudson’s pursuit while trying to maintain his innocence in the eyes of his fellow gangsters.

Vivian Thomas (Taraji P. Henson) – Vivian is likely one of the few people Cadillac trusts, and they share a romantic connection. She might know more about Cadillac’s plans and ambitions than anyone else. She offers emotional support to Wheeler and is someone he confides in during stressful moments, though their relationship could be strained due to his criminal lifestyle.

Trivia/Facts

• Introduction to Richard Wheeler: Richard Wheeler, also known as “Cadillac,” is a prominent character in Peacock’s crime drama series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.’ He is depicted as the right-hand man of Frank Moten, who is famously known as the “Black Godfather.” In the show, Cadillac is shown as a crucial figure in the criminal underworld, involved in a high-stakes robbery.
• Arrival in Atlanta: In the series, Cadillac and Moten arrive in Atlanta, where they are greeted by Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams. However, their visit takes a turn for the worse when they are robbed by a local gang at Chicken Man’s residence. This event sets the stage for Cadillac’s attempt to retaliate and the unfolding drama.
• Role During the Robbery: During the robbery, Cadillac tries to convince others to fight back and retaliate against the thieves. Despite his second-in-command status, his courage stands out among the gangsters. Moten eventually intervenes, showcasing Cadillac’s complex role in the chaotic situation.
• Real-Life Background: Richard Wheeler is based on a real gangster from the 1960s and early 1970s known as “Cadillac” or “Cadillac Ritchie.” This real-life figure was reportedly involved in organized crime in New York City. His criminal activities included numbers rackets, drug dealings, and armed robbery.
• Military Service and Criminal Activities: In the mid-1960s, Wheeler served in the Air Force, stationed in the Pacific Northwest. After his military service, he transitioned into the criminal world, specializing in armed robbery. His criminal endeavors in New York City became notorious during his active years.
• Journalistic Insights: George Plimpton, a notable journalist, provides insights into Cadillac’s life in his book ‘Shadow Box: An Amateur in the Ring.’ According to Jackie, Cadillac’s girlfriend, he was described as a tall, striking man with a powerful presence. Their life together in The Bronx marked a significant period in Cadillac’s criminal career.
• Life in New York City: Cadillac and Jackie lived in a building located at 165th Street and Gerard Avenue in The Bronx, New York City. In October 1970, Cadillac traveled to Atlanta to attend a boxing match featuring Muhammad Ali. The series inaccurately depicts him attending the event with Moten, as he returned to New York City before the match.
• Discrepancies in the Series: Contrary to the series portrayal, Cadillac did not stay in Atlanta for the boxing match and returned to New York City. His sudden departure raised suspicions among those who were robbed. The series dramatizes Cadillac’s involvement, though he was not present during the robbery depicted in the show.
• Suspicion and Alibi: Cadillac’s absence during the heist led to suspicions among his associates in Atlanta. To establish an alibi, Cadillac was seen in New York City on the night of the heist, attending various nightclubs and having his picture taken. This attempt to create a false alibi only deepened the mystery surrounding his involvement.
• Confession of Guilt: Jackie claimed that Cadillac confessed to her about being the mastermind behind the heist. According to her, he orchestrated the heist as a final grand act before intending to leave his criminal life behind. This confession provided a glimpse into Cadillac’s thoughts and motivations.
• Execution of the Heist: Cadillac allegedly directed the heist through his enforcer, Fast Eddie Parker, who recruited local robbers. Eddie and his team, including McKinley Rogers Jr., James Henry Hall, and Houston J. Hammond, were later indicted. Moten suspected Eddie might have been involved in the heist due to Cadillac’s absence.
• Death of Cadillac: On February 3, 1972, Cadillac was killed by Fast Eddie Parker, allegedly under pressure from the gangsters who were robbed. Jackie revealed that Eddie was forced to kill Cadillac as a condition of his own survival. This dramatic turn of events marked a tragic end to Cadillac’s criminal career.
• Details of the Murder: Cadillac was with Jackie when Eddie and two others arrived, offering to help him. Unaware of the danger, Cadillac went to his car without a weapon. Eddie shot him from behind, and the car crashed into a drugstore after the driver was killed.
• Aftermath and Funeral: Cadillac’s body remained in the car for three hours before police arrived. Despite his suspected involvement in the heist, his murder was never officially solved. His funeral was notably grand, attended by many of his friends, some of whom were likely involved in his death.
• Legacy: Despite his rumored role in the “million-dollar heist,” Cadillac’s involvement was not widely known. His murder and subsequent obscurity left him largely forgotten in the annals of gangster history. Cadillac’s life and death remain a compelling, yet largely unsolved, chapter in the world of organized crime.