Photojournalist Jean-Pierre Laffont has recounted his experiences photographing the Savage Skulls, a Bronx street gang, in 1972. Laffont, who moved to New York from France in 1965, was drawn to stories in the New York Times about gangs in the Bronx killing drug-pushers.
Laffont visited Fox Street in the Hunts Point neighbourhood with a French cameraman. After identifying themselves as French and not seeking an interview, gang members reportedly welcomed them to observe their lives. Laffont spent an afternoon with them before returning alone the following day.
During his time with the gang, Laffont photographed members, who he estimated were between 13 and 20 years old. He noted their sleeveless denim vests with a skull and crossbones. Laffont also recalled a recent call from a woman whose mother, a former gang member he had photographed, had died. He sent prints for the funeral, including one where the woman appeared in front of a fence.