Introduction
John T. Garrity
JOHN THOMAS GARRITY was born in Pennsylvania on January 27, 1884 to John J. and Letitia Garrity. The Garrity family came to Camden in the 1890s, the elder Garrity working as a blacksmith in one of Camden’s many shipyards.
The 1906 City Directory shows the family was living at 2002 Broadway. John T. Garrity was living with his parents and was working as a laborer. The 1910 Camden City Directory shows the family at 1604 Broadway.
The 1914 Camden City Directory shows John T. Garrity living with his parents at 1819 South 6th Street. John T. Garrity was then serving with the Camden Fire Department. By September of 1918 he had left the department to take a higher paying job as an electrician and wireman at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard. A number of other Camden firefighters also left during this period to take defense jobs. When World War I ended and defense work began to subside, John T. Garrity was able to secure an appointment to the Camden Police Department.
By February 5, 1920 the family had settled at 2515 Morgan Boulevard, in the Fairview section of Camden. John T. Garrity was still single and living with his parents and five of his siblings, older sister Elizabeth and younger children Edward, Thomas, Leo and Catherine.
John Garrity’s first day as a member of the Camden police force was January 1, 1920. He first worked on horseback, as part of Camden’s mounted police. He was promoted to sergeant in July of 1930, lieutenant in 1940, and to the rank of captain on June 30, 1944. During the last years of his career he was in charge of Camden’s Third Police District.
Married to wife Marion, John T. Garrity remained at the Morgan Boulevard address for the rest of his days. The marriage produced three children, a son, John T. Garrity Jr., and two daughters. There was also a stepson, Raymond Hall.
Captain Garrity applied for his pension in July of 1950, after a mandatory retirement at 65 law was passed covering police and firemen. His last day on the police force was August 31, 1950, when he retired along with Captain Samuel E. Johnson, Detective Frank Crawford, and officer Harry Stahl. John T. Garrity worked for the Park View Apartments in Collingswood, New Jersey after leaving the police department.
John T. Garrity passed away on January 13, 1964 at Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden. He was buried at New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr.
John T. Garrity’s younger brother, Edward Garrity was active in Republican politics, served twice as Camden’s Director of Public Safety and one term as a member of the City Commission.
Firemen to Play Baseball for Red Cross
Camden Post-Telegram —
Under the direction of Fireman Frank Gondolf, a base ball team is being organized among the down town firemen to play the uptown firemen. The proceeds of the fiasco will be given the Red Cross. The down towners will be represented by Frank Gondolf, Jack Garirty [sic], John McTaggart, Wes McGrath, Harry Chambers, “Bill” Casson, “Chappie” Lennox, George Pursglove and two other “dark horses.”
No. 3 Fire Company Guests at Banquet
Camden Post-Telegram —
Superintendent William Miles, of MacAndrews & Forbes Company, the Host.
GIVEN IN APPRECIATION OF MEN’S EFFICIENCY
The members of No. 3 Engine Company were tendered a supper last night, prepared at their headquarters at Broadway and Emerald street, through the courtesy of Superintendent William L. Miles, of the MacAndrews & Forbes Manufacturing Company. The members of the company have long been favorites of Superintendent Miles, and at the time of the last fire at that place he told them he was going to show his appreciation of their work, by giving them a banquet. The date was set for last inght [sic] and was one of the most enjoyable events of its kind ever given in South Camden. The table was set in the rathskellar of the fire house, and was decorated with flags and every man was also presented with a miniature flag.
The toastmaster of the evening was City Assessor F. Walter Toms, and the following were guests: Councilmen William Mills and William J. Kelly, County Freeholder Howard Marshall, County Committeeman Thomas Leeson, Dr. George Williams, Member of Board of Education Charles H. Mills, Battalion Chief Thomas Nicholas, Captain Frank Chambers, Lieutenant William J. Rose, Engineer Daniel Smith and Robert Whitley, William Miller, Russell Benson, Arthur Wingate, Roy De Haven, Jules Hubert, John Garrity, John Hunt and Harry Stone.
The menu, prepared by Chef Arthur Wingate, was:
Oyster Cocktail
Salted Peanuts Cream Mints
Olives Celery Pickled Onions
Roast Turkey, a la Miles
Cranberry Sauce Peas Corn
Roast Sweet Potatoes
Mashed White Potatoes Tomatoes
Bread and Butter
Coffee Cigars.
After the banquet Toastmaster Toms made a very neat little speech and called on Superintendent Miles, who responded in a very energetic talk on streets and other municipal matters, especially the Fire Department, saying he had been in many cities, but he had never met the equal of the men composing Camden’s Department, either for personnel or efficiency.
Each of the other guests read interesting addresses, as well as members of the company, all being profuse in their thanks to Superintendent Miles for his splendid remembrance.
All complimented Chef Arthur Wingate for the manner in which he had prepared the feast and Lieutenant Rose for the decorations.
World War I Draft Card
John T. Garrity — World War I Draft Card
Ash Can Girl 'Out' Again; Parents Held
Camden Courier-Post —
Dad Who Took Her Rejoins Mother; Anna Loses Home
Anna Rickowska — 11-year-old child who lived for two weeks in an ash can has been driven from home again.
But Anna, profiting in a measure from her experience of only three days ago, will not sleep in an ash can this time.
She told her plight to Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the Camden County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Anna’s mother and father are under arrest and will face the child today in police court.
It was only three days ago that Judge Pancoast placed Anna in her father’s care. Her mother, he declared, was unfit to care for her. The child had accused her of being a habitual drunkard.
And Anna was pleased by the decision. Her eyes glistening, her blond tresses tumbling about her head, she joyfully walked from the courtroom with her dad — the man who promised to be good to her.
Anna soon was disillusioned. The father and mother, who had been estranged, took up their lives together again. The girl was taken back to the home at 1401 Rose Street, the home she had been ordered from more than two weeks before.
Things became even worse than before. In her story to Mrs. Walsh last night, Anna declared that added to the abuse of a drunken mother was that of her father, Ignatius.
And finally, on Wednesday night, her parents beat her and threw her from the house.
She went to the home of an aunt, Mrs. Minnie Blake, of 1213 Lansdowne Avenue, who cared for her until last night when she again sought out her benefactor of a few days ago.
According to Sergeant John Garrity and Patrolman Edward Suski, the child’s parents had been drinking last night.
Anna remained at the home of the aunt until today and Judge Pancoast will make another decision as to who shall have her custody.
Anna Rickowska (Raczkowski)
1931
Anna Rickowska (Raczkowski)
COP SHAKEUP TODAY; AX FOR 4TH DISTRICT
Camden Courier-Post —
Humes Due to Be Personnel Inspector, Replaced by Ward or Anderson
A resolution abolishing the fourth police district will be adopted by the City Commission Thursday at its semi-monthly meeting.
A general shakeup in the police department is scheduled for announcement immediately after the meetnig [sic] by Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety.
Chief among the scheduled changes is appointment of Inspector Charles T. Humes, now stationed at police headquarters, to inspector in charge of personnel of the entire department.
Humes would be succeeded at police headquarters by either Lieut. Herbert Anderson or Lieut. George Ward.
Anderson commands the fourth district, which will merge with the second police district under command of Lieut. Ralph Bakley.
Ward heads the first district police. In the event he replaces Humes, he will be succeeded by Anderson.
A number of sergeants also will be shuffled. Sergt. Edward Hahn, now stationed in the third district, and Sergt. John Garrity, of the fourth, will be transferred to the traffic squad. Two acting sergeants now in the traffic bureau, George Jefferis and James Wilson, will be patrolmen.
Sergt. Edward Carroll, of the fourth, will go to the third district to replace Hahn. The other sergeant from the fourth district, John Skolski, will become a desk sergeant at headquarters.
Skolski will replace Sergt. Stiles Whitaker, now a headquarters desk sergeant. Whitaker will return to his former post, duty at the city banks.
Lieut. Bakley and 11 Police Suspended in Feitz Inquiry
Camden Evening Courier —
3 Sergeants Included in List Set Down by Chief Colsey
JUSTICE LLOYD JOINS PROBE INTO MURDER
Chief of Police Arthur Colsey at noon today announced the indefinite suspension of Lieut. Ralph Bakley, commander of the Second district of Camden police, and 11 other policemen in connection with the investigation into the killing of Detective William T. Feitz.
The full list of those suspended is as follows:
Lieut. Ralph Bakley, Sergt. John Garrity, Sergt. Walter Mattison, Acting Sergt. Edward Leonard, Sergt. Richard Cornog, Policemen George Weber, Joseph Leonhardt, Leon Branch, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmont [sic], John Houston and Vernon Jones.
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd today entered the investigation into the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz in an alleged South Camden disorderly house Sept. 2.
The jurist, upon returning from his Summer vacation at Seaside Park, called an immediate conference with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando of Camden county and Police Chief Arthur Colsey of this city.
Although no confirmation could be obtained officially, it was learned from authoritative sources that Justice Lloyd would take up the charges made earlier in the week by Prosecutor Orlando that graft and corruption exist in the Camden police.
May Probe Suicide
The jurist was also expected to delve into the unusual circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Emma Heisler, 38, alleged operator of the disorderly house where Feitz met his death at 243 Sycamore street.
Mrs. Heisler, who was detained in the Camden detective bureau at the order of Detective Lieutenant George Ward instead of being locked in a cell, jumped from the fifth floor window of Ward’s office September 4 while two detectives assigned to guard her were nearby.
The progress of the police investigation into the killing of Feitz, whom police declare was shot when he surprised three bandits in the act of holding up 20 inmates and patrons, will be presented by both Prosecutor Orlando and Chief Colsey.
Mickey Blair to Give Up
Mickey Blair, boxer whose real name is Michael Tenerelli, 25, who has been living in New York City, but whose Camden address is 833 South Fourth street, is to be surrendered to Camden police for questioning in connection with the murder of Feitz.
He has been sought by detectives for grilling since a few hours after the shooting of Feitz.
His attorney, Edward V. Martino, of 540 Cooper street, notified Chief Colsey today that he would surrender Tenerelli or Blair to the police in his office at 1 p.m.
“Mickey knows absolutely nothing about the killing of Feitz,” Martino told newspapermen. “Learning through a friend that police were seeking him for questioning, he called me Saturday night and asked me to ascertain the facts.”
“I learned that police wanted to talk to him and telephoned him to that effect in New York City where he has been staying for the past few weeks. He later called me back and told me that he would be in Camden at 1 p.m. today.”
‘Attended Funeral’
Martino revealed that Tenerelli or Blair said he had been in Camden prior to the killing of Feitz and also on Labor Day, the day following the shooting of the detective. He was here to attend the funeral of a brother-in-law, Martino said.
Neither Chief Colsey or other police or detective officials would comment upon what they hoped to learn from Tenerelli that might bring an early solution of the murder and lead to the arrest of the killers.
Prosecutor Orlando at the conference with Justice Lloyd in his City Hall-Court House offices, was to present a complete report on the murder of the detective together with statements obtained from all persons who figured in the crime.
Will Probe Numbers
Prosecutor Orlando stepped in and assumed nominal charge of the investigation last Thursday when he ordered police to submit to him all reports and statements of witnesses. However it was learned that the police are still directing the search for the killers.
The conference between Justice Lloyd, Prosecutor Orlando and Chief Colsey comes on the eve of swearing in the September Grand Jury tomorrow at which time the grand jurors wil [sic] be ordered among other issues, to probe into the “numbers” racket in Camden county.
Grand Jury Vice Probe to Be Ordered by Lloyd; Stewart Quizzes Cops
Camden Evening Courier —
FEITZ MURDER, CITY GRAFTING TO FACE INQUIRY
Action Follows Parley With Orlando and Mayor on Conditions
MORE SUSPENSIONS OF POLICE INTIMATED
Mickey Blair Quizzed on Detective’s Killing; Stewart Warns, ‘Clean Up’
Questioned in Feitz Murder
Michael Tenerelli, 25, known in pugilistic circles as Mickey Blair, is shown above during a lull in the questioning by detectives investigating the murder of District Detective William Feitz. Tenerelli surrendered to police yesterday and on order of Prosecutor Orlando was held without bail on charges of being a material witness and with conspiracy in a robbery in connection with the holdup in progress in the South Camden alleged disorderly house at the time Feitz was shot.
Ward Reported on Way Out as Detective Chief
Reports around Camden police and detective headquarters today were to the effect that Lieutenant George Ward was on “his way out” as head of the Detective Bureau.
Dissatisfaction with the manner in which both police and detectives have handled the investigation so far into the Feitz murder will result in Mayor Stewart, director of public safety, ordering a change in detective chiefs today, it was authoritatively learned.
Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, commander of the First Police District, will succeed Lieutenant Ward as it was reported, the latter being sent back to that police precinct which he formerly commanded.
“A sweeping investigation of all phases of “crime” in Camden County, will be the first order given the new September Grand Jury today after it is sworn in at Camden Courthouse by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
That was the decision reached by Justice Lloyd after three hours of separate conferences with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, of Camden County, and Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety. During the conferences held in Justice Lloyd’s offices at City Hall-Courthouse, the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz, alleged graft and corruption in the Camden police department and protected vice were thoroughly discussed.
Today, Mayor Stewart, who has inaugurated his own personal investigation of existing conditions in the police department, continued to question and take statements from police officials, patrolmen and detectives. Twenty-three patrolmen and detectives were ordered before the mayor yesterday in addition to the 12 others who were indefinitely suspended by order of Police Chief Arthur Colsey.
Tenerelli Quizzed
Michael Tenerelli, 25, also known as Mickey Blair, former Camden lightweight boxer, was still being questioned at police headquarters in connection with the murder of Detective Feitz. Tenerelli who surrendered to police here yesterday after returning from New York, is booked as a material witness and on a charge of conspiracy in a robbery. Both charges were ordered placed against Tenerelli by Prosecutor Orlando who has assumed direct charge of the investigation. He is being held without bail.
Seven other men and women taken into custody by police after the shooting of Feitz in the alleged disorderly house operated by the late Mrs. Emma Heisler at 243 Sycamore street, were to have been arraigned in Camden Police Court today on orders of Prosecutor Orlando and then turned over to the county authorities. Bail, Prosecutor Orlando declared, would be “sufficiently high” to insure their later appearances when wanted.
However there were no appearances of material witnesses or others in the Feitz investigation before Judge J. Harry Switzer in Camden Police Court during its session today and it was unofficially reported that the prosecutor had changed his plans.
Police Chief Colsey warned all detectives and patrolmen in the department that further suspensions will follow justified complaints of vice anywhere in the city limits if it can be traced to police neglect.
Chief Colsey also admitted that the 12 patrolmen and detectives suspended yesterday on his orders, will receive no pay as long as their suspensions last.
In addition to Lieutenant Bakley, Sergeant Cornog and Acting Sergeant Leonard, the others suspended include Sergeant Walter Mattison of police headquarters; Sergeant John Garrity, District Detective Joseph H. Leonhardt who was with Feitz when he was shot; Patrolmen Leon Branch, George Weber, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, John Houston and Vernon Jones, all attached to the Second district station.
Interviews Police
Three of the suspended officers, Mayor Stewart revealed, were among those interrogated yesterday. They are Lieut. Ralph A. Bakley, commander of the Second Police District or Division “H” in which territory the alleged disorderly house existed where Feitz was fatally shot; Sergeant Richard Cornog and Acting [lines between the bottom of crop 15 and the top of crop 16 are not captured in the scanned crops]
Edwin Andrews, Winslow township; Joseph Dougherty, 140 Prospect avenue, Merchantville.
William Tomlinson, Glendale, Voorhees township; Edmund S. Stafford, 546 Stevens street; Harry Buffington, 123 East Clinton avenue, Oaklyn; Samuel A. Dobbins, 2599 Baird boulevard; Charles H. Thatcher, 129 Kendall boulevard, Oaklyn; Richard S. Thompson, East Zane avenue, Collingswood; Benjamin F. Stemmer, 420 Third Avenue, Haddon Heights; Horace J. Harvey, 721 Amherst avenue, Audubon; H. B. Cox, Evesham avenue, Voorhees township; Dr. Walter F. Wood, Collingswood; John W. Underwood, 801 Cumberland street, Gloucester; Clarence Alloway, Blackwood; Charles A. McWilliams, Blackwood; Louis G. Clark, Barrington; Albert J. Cline, 18 East Crystal Lake avenue, Westmont; Robert Bushbeck, First avenue, Pine Hill, Harry Burkhardt, Bell road, Mt. Ephraim; George T. Schuster, 223 Woodland terrace, Collingswood; Chesley L. Hutchins, 711 Market street, Gloucester and Otto Vierling, Evergreen avenue, Runnemede.
The order of Justice Lloyd for a wide grand jury probe of crime follows upon a decision he made 10 days ago to have the same body open an investigation into the “numbers” racket in Camden city and county. At that time he declared he did not believe any graft or corruption existed in the Camden police department in connection with the operation of the lottery game here.
Tenerelli was identified, Colsey said, as a frequenter of Mrs. Emma Heisler’s disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street, where Feitz was killed, and was booked as a material witness in the Feitz murder, and on a charge of “shaking down” Mrs. Heisler by force, prior to the murder.
Unlike Mrs. Heisler, who leaped to her death after 60 hours freedom in the detective bureau, Blair was slapped without bail into the “cold storage” or incommunicado cell in the bureau.
Blair, after surrendering to Colsey, was sent to the “downstairs” jail and kept there until about 4 p. m. yesterday. Then he was questioned for an hour and a half by Prosecutor Orlando and Colsey.
Blair denied all knowledge of the murder, Colsey said, after the grilling ceased, but added that two inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s house, whom he would not identify, named Blair as one of several men who had come several times to Mrs. Heisler’s place, attempted to extort money from her and, failing, had “held up the place” or a “shakedown.”
This coincided with the statement of Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner, on the day Feitz was killed, that the place had been held up several times, and Mrs. Heisler, because of the nature of her occupation, would not report the holdups.
Prosecutor Orlando, subsequently, had stated that Feitz met death in an attempt to block a “shake-down” holdup of the place.
Boxer Is Identified
Both the inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s place, held incommunicado, looked at Blair in the new detective bureau “lineup” room and identified him as a shakedown visitor, but said he was not in the house on the night of the murder, Colsey said.
The chief then was asked if he believes friends of Blair staged the fatal shake-down and killed Feitz, and replied:
“That’s what we want to know. We don’t know yet. But we are getting somewhere and will solve this case.”
The two inmates of the Heisler house were brought back to the lineup room a second time, took another look at Blair through the screen that made him a “high-lighted” figure and prevented him from seeing them and reaffirmed their previous statements, Colsey said.
Upon the suspension of the twelve members of the force and the installation of a new acting second district commander and new acting sergeants to relieve those suspended, Chief Colsey said he issued the following order to the entire department:
Calls for Cleanup
“All vice must be eliminated absolutely and entirely in Camden. This means all types of vice, including the numbers racket, gambling houses, disorderly houses, horse-race bookmaking speakeasies and everything else though it may not be specifically enumerated here.
“In the future if any complaint of vice comes in, and is proved to be justified, and is attributable to negligence on the part of any patrolmen of police officer [sic], immediate suspension of the negligent members of the force will follow without exception.”
Chief Colsey also said he will recommend that bail of $2000 be set in all numbers racket cases in future, and that all arrested be held for grand jury action, except in cases where innocent players are brought in.
‘Prompted by Facts’
In making public the suspensions of the policemen, Chief Colsey said his action was “prompted by facts” uncovered during the course of his investigation.
In announcing the taking over of the murder investigation, Prosecutor Orlando said:
“As a result of my conference with Justice Lloyd it has been decided that the prosecutor’s office from this time on will take charge of the murder investigation.
“In doing so, however, it does not mean that the city police will cease acting in the matter and will act with just as much zeal as is within their command in bringing about the apprehension of those responsible.
“This investigation has been taken over by this office by reason of the policy assumed in other murder investigations. Hereafter all murder investigations in Camden county will be under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office and at the same time through co-ordinated efforts of this office and the police department of the particular community where the murder takes place.
“As far as developments are concerned, there is nothing new in the case except the arrest of Mickey Blair, who was surrendered by his counsel and who is in the custody of the police until he is committed.”
Lieutenant Walter Welch in command of the Third Police District was assigned by Chief Colsey to replace Lieutenant Bakley and make the suspensions of all sergeants and patrolmen in that precinct effective immediately. Sergeant John Potter of the Third District was named an acting lieutenant to replace Lieutenant Welch as commander of that precinct.
Welch said he will instruct every policeman under his new command that he must work in harmony with earnest efforts to stamp out vice.
“If they do not do this,” Welch said, “I do not want them. They will be of no use to me. They know what to expect if they fail to cooperate. My efforts will be directed to maintaining order without vice in the Second district, just as I have done in the Third.”
2 More Arrested in Numbers War
Camden Courier-Post —
2 More Arrested in Numbers War
Pair Seized Few Hours After Neutze Gives 12 Heavy Sentences
Action yesterday backed up the assertions of Camden county and city law officials that they are out to break the back of the numbers racket here.
Judge Frank F. Neutze, in criminal court, meted out sentences of from one to six months and fines of from $100 to $250 to 12 minions of the “higher ups.”
A few hours later two more alleged number writers fell into the police net. Both suspects were jailed in default of $2000 bail each for hearings in police court today.
Alleged to be carrying 120 numbers slips and $203.30, Dominick Mozzare, 25, of 6816 Highland avenue, was arrested at Twenty-seventh street and River road at 3 p. m. by Acting Sergeant Louis Schmidt and Patrolmen Paul Edwards and Elwood Humphreys. Questioned at the detective bureau in City Hall, Mozzare said he did not know the identity of the “higher-up” for whom he worked. He said he is an automobile trimmer. Police declared he had been in the racket about eight months and had been under suspicion several months.
An hour or so earlier, Horace Gunby, 27, colored, 1863 South Tenth street, was picked up at Seventh street and Ferry avenue by Sergeant John Garrity and Acting Sergeant Earl Cunningham. They said Gunby carried several numbers slips and a small amount of money. He gave his occupation as a bellhop.
Gives Heaviest Sentences
In cracking down on the 12 defendants haled before him in Camden County Criminal Court Judge Neutze adopted a policy of issuing the heaviest jail sentences possible and imposing the heaviest fines under the law to all convicted or confessed underlings of the numbers barons in the hope of eventually trapping the ring-leaders through informers, or forcing them out of business.
Those who received the heaviest sentences were Andrew Piontkowski, 1475 South Ninth street, alleged lieutenant of the Klosterman brothers, under indictment as gambling barons; Walter Hart, 1245 Thurman street, also an alleged Klosterman aide, and Frank Martz, 235 Erie street. Each was sentenced to six months and fined $250. Martz is a second offender.
Judge Neutze expressed agreement with the suggestion of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando that the practice of numbers barons paying salaries to their henchmen while the henchmen are in jail can be broken up by placing so many “small fry” behind the bars that the “big shots” cannot afford to pay them, and thus the names of the “big shots” will eventually come out.
All of the defendants had previously pleaded guilty or non vult.
Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street, drew a sentence of three months in jail and a $100 fine despite the plea of his attorney, former Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, that Kirk was “only an employe.”
“That makes no difference to me,” said the court. “He was in the numbers racket.”
Called Klostermans’ Aide
When Pointkowski came before the court, Orlando said:
“This is one of the lieutenants of the Klostermans, and he refused to talk to me. When first arrested, he told Camden police he worked for the Klostermans, but he turned a right-about-face when I talked to him and tried to make monkeys of us.”
“Well, I’ll send him upstairs for six months and fine him $250 and maybe he’ll talk then,” said Judge Neutze.
Orlando asked the court to send Hart to the state prison.
“This man,” said the prosecutor, “is very close to the big shots.”
“Whom do you mean—the Klostermans?” asked Neutze.
“I certainly do,” replied Orlando. “He is also a second offender. He’s been in this business over four years, working for the Klostermans, and should go to the state prison.”
“Whenever I hear that name Klosterman, I see red,” said Neutze as he pronounced sentence.
The Klosterman brothers, Fred and Joseph, of East Camden, have been indicted as number lottery operators but their trial has been postponed.
Martz was described by Orlando as having served 60 days in jail in 1932 for writing numbers, and he was sentenced to six months and a $250 fine, without further questioning.
Refuses Leniency
John Studinger, who formerly operated a store at 2504 Federal street, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined $100. His counsel, District Court Judge Joseph Varbalow, argued he was only a “small fry” and putting him in jail would not break up the lotteries.
“This racket is no worse than raffles, punchboards, slot machines and all the disorderly houses that are thriving in this county,” said Varbalow.
“I started in on these number writers with short jail terms,” answered Neutze, “and then I began adding fines. But I found that did not stop the lawbreakers, for when these fellows get out they start all over again. I understand the lottery racket is getting worse and worse here and I’m going to do something about it.”
Charles Simonin, who conducts a grocery store at 709 Fairview street, was given 30 days and fined $100. Father of two daughters, he pleaded he accepted a proposition from a stranger who asked him to sell numbers in his store, and then would come around daily and collect them, giving Simonin a small “cut.” He contended he did not know the name of the man with whom he dealt, much less the identity of the heads of the ring.
Mrs. Mary Angelo, grocer, 600 Line street, the mother of a 3-year-old baby, had pleaded guilty with a story similar to Simonin’s. She received a three-month suspended sentence but must pay a fine of $100. Judge Neutze said he was suspending the sentence not because of her sex, but because of her baby.
Student Given Month
Samuel Ford, 19, colored, 1124 South Ninth street, a high school student, was described by Orlando as “honest and sincere in telling his story and entitled to a break.” He was sent to jail for a month and fined $100.
Frank Terionova, 27, of 312 Beckett street, was “a fellow we couldn’t talk to,” Orlando said. “He told us he worked for Joe Brown, but maybe it was John Smith, and whoever it was he is shielding him,” Orlando continued.
Rocco Palese, former assistant prosecutor, called Orlando unfair, asserting some of the defendants “really do not know whom they are working for and therefor cannot make a statement.”
“If they don’t know who they’re working for, who does?” demanded Orlando.
“I feel,” said Judge Neutze, “that some of these fellows don’t know who they are working for, but I sentence him to three months in the county jail and to pay a fine of $100. Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined $100; James Gant, 28, colored, of 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken, three months and $100 fine; Walter Woodrich, 48, of 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken, two months and $100 fine.
Orlando said Woodrich will be a witness against the Klostermans, for whom he worked.
‘Ireland Night’ Set by 6th Ward Club
Camden Courier-Post —
G.O.P. Unit to Honor Patrolman John S. McTaggart Tuesday Night
The third annual “Night in Ireland” which is given each year in honor of Patrolman John S. McTaggart by the Sixth Ward Republican Association, will be held March 16 in the Eagle’s Hall, 415 Broadway.
More than 3000 tickets have been sold. A number of Camden city officials and civic leaders are expected to attend.
Among the guests will be Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, Chief of Police Arthur Colsey and several state executives.
The committee arranging the details is headed by Sergeant Edward Carroll, chairman, Sergeant John Garrity, Mrs. Katherine Cunningham and Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs.
McTaggart has been in the city employ for 27 years. He was appointed to the fire department in 1910 and a few years later was transferred to the police department. He was the youngest member of the fire department in the few years he was attached to that bureau.
He is widely-known in the Sixth Ward for his charitable work among the poor and is one of the “old school” policeman who believes it is better to explain the law to a trivial offender than arrest him.
He is rarely seen in the police court and has often told his friends he prefers to take an intoxicated man home than send him to jail.
He has lived in Camden for 48 years, most of the time in the ward in which he now resides. His parents are natives of Ireland.
A number of acts of vaudeville have been engaged as well as two two [sic] orchestras which will furnish music for dancing.
Funeral Service Held for Mrs. M’Taggart
Camden Courier-Post —
High requiem mass was celebrated in Sacred Heart Church Saturday for Mrs. Ruth McTaggart, 46, of 915 Broadway, who died Tuesday in West Jersey Hospital. Burial was in Calvary cemetery.
Mrs. McTaggart was the wife of Patrolman John McTaggart. She passed away while friends of her husband were staging their annual frolic in his honor at Eagles hall.
Hundreds of persons viewed the body last night at the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway. Patrolmen William Hughes and Otto J. Topercer formed a guard of honor last night, while a police escort accompanied the funeral procession. Pallbearers were Sergeant John Garrity, Patrolmen Edward Leonard, George Weber and Clarence Boyer; George Addison, a fireman, and F. Earl Fearon.
Clayton New Chief of Police Society
Camden Courier-Post —
Elected President of Camden Beneficial Association; Other Officers Picked
Captain George “Babe” Clayton, chief clerk of the police department, was elected unanimously yesterday as president of Camden Police Beneficial Association, succeeding the late Edward Middleton.
Detective William Dolan and Traffic Patrolman John B. Stanton were re-elected vice president and recording secretary, respectively. Neither was opposed.
Two offices were contested on friendly terms. Archie Reiss, principal clerk in the detective bureau, was elected financial secretary over Lieut. George Frost, the vote being 34 to 28. Sergt. Edward Carroll defeated Sergt. Walter Mattison for treasurer 38 to 23.
Sergt. Albert “Dick” Cornog was elected without opposition as sergeant-at-arms.
Trustees elected are Acting Police Chief Ralph Bakley, Acting Lieut. John Garrity, Detective Joseph Mardino, Acting Lieut. Herbert Bott and Patrolman Edward Leonard.
CAPT. GEORGE CLAYTON — All officers were elected for one year. Detective Dolan served as acting president after Middleton’s death.
1000 Attend ‘Night in Ireland’ To Honor Patrolman McTaggart
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Tis the Wearin’ of the Green
—Courier-Post Photo
Ex-Governor Harold G. Hoffman was among the prominent guests at the “Night in Ireland” celebration in honor of John McTaggart, “Broadway’s Irish Cop” last night in Labor Temple. In the above picture Betty Sullivan is shown pinning a shamrock on McTaggart.
Acting Chief Bakley and Ex-Governor Hoffman Among Guests; Carroll and Garrity Head Committee; Officer Served 21 Years
More than 1000 persons last night celebrated a “Night in Ireland” party in honor of John McTaggart, popular Camden policeman who has been assigned to a beat on Broadway for many years. The affair was held in Labor Temple, Broadway and Royden street.
Among the guests of honor were former Governor Harold G. Hoffman and Acting Chief of Police Ralph Bakley.
Annual parties in honor of McTaggart have been conducted for the past 10 years and on two occasions the affair grew so large it was sponsored by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association and staged in Convention Hall. A committee of policemen headed by Sergts. Edward Carroll and John Garrity had charge of the party this year.
McTaggart has served in the Department of Public Safety for 31 years. The first 11 years he was in the fire department. His 21 years as a patrolman have been spent almost entirely on a beat on South Broadway.
Henry Magin Laid to Rest By War Veteran Buddies
Camden Courier-Post —
TRUCKS OF FLOWERS IN FUNERAL CORTEGE
Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.
Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church.
The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.
A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin’s age, 44 years.
Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269, V.F.W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D.A.V.
Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.
An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.
The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago.
File Past Bier
A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.
Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.
James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.
Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.
Embraces Widow, Daughter
Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.
Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.
A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd.
Freeholders Arrive
Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.
Outstanding Floral Tribute
Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone. A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.
Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell; Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford; Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller; Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.
Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets, led the highway bureau employees. County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, Fire Chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education.
Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.
James O’Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.
World War II Draft Card
John T. Garrity — World War II Draft Card
Koerner Made Police Chief; Carroll, Mattison Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
NAMED CHIEF of the Camden police department today, Captain Gustav Koerner, a 26-year veteran of the department and one time baseball player, is shown receiving the congratulations of Public Safety Director Aaron. A native of Camden, Chief Koerner succeeds George H. Frost [sic], who resigned Jan. 1, 1948. Capt. Samuel Johnson had been acting chief since then.
Johnson, Garrity Move as Aaron Shifts Officers
Capt. Gustav Koerner, youngest of six men holding that rank in the department, today was named Camden police chief.
Public Safety Director Aaron announced the appointment and the 53-year-old Koerner, a member of the department 26 years, was sworn in by County Judge Sheehan in Aaron’s office.
At the same time, Director Aaron announced the promotion of Detective Capt. Edward Carroll, 56, to police inspector, and the promotion of Lieut. Walter Mattison, 63, to captain, replacing Chief Koerner in command of the first police district and police headquarters.
Both were sworn in by Mrs. Mary MacClennan, acting city clerk.
Transfers Announced
Aaron also announced the following transfers, effective Dec. 1:
Capt. John Garrity, from chief clerk of the police bureau, to command of the Third Police District, vacant since the retirement on pension two weeks ago of Capt. Richard Cornog.
Capt. Samuel Johnson, who has been acting police chief since the resignation Jan. 1, 1948 of Chief George H. Frost [sic], to command of the detective bureau, succeeding Carroll.
Capt. Walter Rowand, 56, one of those made eligible for the appointment as chief by civil service tests, will continue in charge of the second police district, Director Aaron said, and Capt. Nathan Petit, 57, another eligible for the appointment, will remain in charge of the traffic bureau.
More than 100 police and firemen attended the ceremony at which Chief Koerner was sworn in, including Patrolman Frank Call, president of Local 35, Police Benevolent Association. Others included Deputy Mayor Malandra, acting for Mayor Brunner who was unable to attend; Freeholder Ewing and Captain of County Detectives James J. Mulligan.
After administering the oath, Judge Sheehan shook hands with Chief Koerner and said:
“I am certain that you will demonstrate your unquestionable integrity and courage in your new office and add lustre to our police department.”
Says Selection Difficult
Selection of Koerner over Captain Petit and Captain Rowand, Director Aaron said, was “an extremely difficult one to make.”
“All three captains,” the director said, “are my personal friends, and have been for many years. I considered each of them well qualified for the job of police chief. In naming Captain Koerner, however, I took into consideration his age and his excellent physical condition.”
The civil service tests in which the three qualified for appointment were taken after Chief Frost resigned. Koerner outpointed the other two, receiving an average of 78.5 percent against 76.3 for Petit and 74.3 percent for Rowand.
Captains Garrity, Johnson and Carroll did not take the examinations.
As head of the department, Chief Koerner will be paid at the rate of $4425, the present salary of police chief, until Jan. 1, when, through the increase approved at the Nov. 8 election, he will receive $4885 a year. His captain’s salary was $3500 a year.
On Force 32 Years
The promotion for Captain Mattison not only was a reward for 32 years of service in the department but also brought him a salary increase from the rate of $3220 a year, the present scale for lieutenants, to $3500, the rate for captains. After the first of the year, he will receive $3960 a year.
Director Aaron said he did not know whether Inspector Carroll will draw a greater salary than that allowed captains. The city has not had a police inspector since the late Inspector Charles L. Humes Sr. [sic], retired Jan. 1, 1933.
Police Chief Koerner, a native of Camden, is one of 10 children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Koerner. His father for many years was an engraver employed by the Theodore Presser Co., music publishing firm of Philadelphia.
Directed Detectives
Educated in public schools, Koerner was appointed to the police department June 16, 1923, and after a probationary period, was assigned to the motorcycle squad. He was named a sergeant in September, 1930, and a lieutenant in November, 1941. Shortly after the latter appointment, he was placed in charge of the detective bureau, a post he held when named a captain in April, 1943, and continued to hold until placed in charge of the First district.
He is married and lives with his wife, Mary, at 807 Haddon avenue. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and has been active in the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association practically from its start here.
Played Baseball in Youth
As a youth, Chief Koerner played sandlot baseball in East Camden and later, as an infielder, played with several teams in the old Eastern Shore League. On receiving his police appointment, he played with the Camden police team in the Penn-Jersey League.
He has never relinquished his interest in baseball and at present is chairman of the Police Athletic League which sponsors sports for teen-agers.
Koerner had the appointment once before, Dr. David S. Rhone naming him chief last Oct. 28 a few hours after Rhone was removed as public safety director and Aaron assigned that department of the city government. The appointment, however, was cancelled the following day.
Chief Koerner was cleared of three charges of misconduct in office a year ago by a ruling of Judge Sheehan in Camden county court. The charges grew out of his alleged failure as head of the detective bureau to question persons whose names were found in a notebook on the body of Frank Luggi, who was murdered Dec. 31, 1946.
Veteran of War I
Inspector Carroll, who lives at 427 Lansdowne avenue, has had 27 years service in the department, being appointed on July 14, 1922. He was promoted to sergeant in April, 1930; to lieutenant, October, 1941, and to captain, March 23, 1943. He is a veteran of World War I. Previously to being placed in charge of the detective bureau in December, 1947, he commanded the Second Police District and prior to that, the headquarters division.
Captain Mattison lives at 541 Washington street and was appointed a patrolman on April 11, 1917. He was promoted to sergeant Aug. 1, 1929, the rank he held for 14 years before being named a lieutenant on March 23, 1943. He commanded the First District for several years but without the rank of captain and for the last two years, has been in command of police headquarters.
134 Years of Service
Captains Johnson, Petit, Rowand and Garrity—all veterans of the department—have a combined service of more than 134 years, with Captain Johnson, who is 70, topping each of them with almost 40 years of service, receiving his appointment to the department in April, 1910.
Captain Petit, who is 57, was appointed a patrolman in April, 1917; Rowand, in December of that year, and Captain Garrity, in January, 1919, after serving six years as a member of the fire department.
Last August, Captain Petit was suspended for 28 days after he had been charged with violating a police regulation forbidding police to hold outside employment. He was accused of doing traffic work for a construction company during the building of the Baird boulevard overpass.
Capt. Garrity was indicted along with Director Rhone and Chief Frost in connection with the Van Riper probe of police laxity and gambling charges two years ago but was exonerated along with Rhone when their indictments were nolle prossed last May 13 by Prosecutor Cohen. Frost was acquitted by a directed verdict three days previously.
4 Cops, 4 Firemen, Widow of One Win City Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
Johnson, Garrity, Crawford, Stahl Retire Aug. 31
Four police officers and four firemen applied for pensions under the mandatory 65-year-old retirement law today.
The applications, all approved by the police-firemen pension board, are in line with Commissioner Aaron’s order in December, 1948, advising chiefs of the respective services that state law requires retirement of all personnel who have reached 65.
Police officers to be pensioned are Detective Capt. Samuel E. Johnson, 71, Capt. John T. Garrity, 65, Detective Frank Crawford, 69, and Patrolman Harry Stahl, 68.
Fire department members include Deputy Chief Clarence Madden, 67, and Firemen John Prucella, 75; Spencer Smith Sr., 68, and Frank L’Esperance, 66.
The eight men will retire Aug. 31, with each receiving one-half of the average annual salary of the last three years.
Also approved today was an application for a widow’s pension by Mrs. Carrie Bean, 1103 North Twenty-sixth street. Her husband, Patrolman Howard Bean, died June 8, eight days after being pensioned. She will receive $1000 annually.
Captain Johnson, of 211 Elm street, is considered the dean of the police department, having served 40 years.
Johnson, who will receive $2019 annually, was appointed in April, 1910, and was made a detective 10 years later. He was elevated to sergeant in November, 1928, and to lieutenant in 1930. One year after he was cited in 1942 by former Public Safety Director Mary Kobus, Johnson was raised to captain. He served as acting police chief from December, 1947, to December, 1949.
Captain Garrity will receive $1601 annually. He served as commander in each of the three city districts. Garrity was appointed in January, 1920; made sergeant July, 1930; lieutenant in 1940, and captain on June 30, 1944. He lives at 2515 Morgan boulevard.
Following a “pep” meeting with city detectives Thursday, Aaron announced he had transferred Captain Garrity to his office for “special assignments.” Sgt. William Schultz was named acting captain to head the third police district to replace Garrity.
Crawford, of 578 Chestnut street, will draw $1501. He was named to the force in 1912 and resigned eight years later. In 1931 he was reinstated and received a promotion to detective status in 1942. He was cited by former Chief John Golden.
Stahl Appointed in 1917
Stahl lives at 1513 Baird avenue. After his appointment in 1917, he saw service in most departments of the bureau. He will receive an annual pension of $1401.
Chief Madden, 2760 Mickle street, is serving as fire commander for the second fire district at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. He was appointed July 1, 1910 and assigned to Engine Co. 5, Fifth and Arch streets.
In 1922 he was raised to lieutenant, and six years later became senior captain. Madden was named battalion chief Nov. 21, 1944 and deputy chief on Dec. 16, 1949.
Madden will receive about $2000, with the others drawing approximately $1358 annually.
Prucella, 919 Penn street, was sworn in on Nov. 1, 1911 and joined Engine Co. 5. Since 1933 he has been serving at No. 6 Engine Co., Front and Linden streets.
Smith was appointed May 1, 1914 and assigned to No. 1 Engine Co., Fourth and Pine streets. He has been attached to No. 10 Engine Co., Ninth street and Morgan boulevard, since 1920.
Frank L’Esperance, 604 Clinton street, is also a member of No. 10 Engine Co., where he has been attached since 1938. He was appointed June 6, 1918 and served with No. 5 and No. 3 engine companies.
J. T. Garrity Sr. Veteran Police Captain Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
John T. Garrity Sr. of 2515 Morgan blvd. died yesterday in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. A former Camden City police captain, he retired in 1950 after 31 years on the force. He also was a fireman four years prior to his police duty. Mr. Garrity was employed by the Park View Apartments at the time of his death. Born in Philadelphia, he lived in Camden 73 years.
He was a member of the Firemen’s Benevolent Association and Retired Police and Firemen’s Association of New Jersey.
Surviving are his wife, Marian; a son, John T. Jr. of Collingswood; two daughters, Mrs. James Rodman of West Berlin, and Mrs. Albert Olsen of West Collingswood; a stepson, Raymond Hall of Chicago; two brothers, Albert of Thorofare, and Thomas of Camden; 12 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Friends will meet Friday at 8:30 a.m. in the Zembruski Funeral Home, 1643 Mount Ephraim ave., Camden. Requiem high Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, Broadway and Ferry ave. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
Relatives Discover Victim on Floor; Probe Is Ordered
Camden Courier-Post —
Wife of School Janitor Failed in Suicide Try 2 Weeks Ago
CERTIFICATE WITHHELD
A South Camden woman who, police said, attempted suicide two weeks ago, was found crushed to death beneath a piano in her home shortly before noon yesterday.
She was Mrs. Effie Reed, 45, of 1726 Ferry avenue. Her husband, Charles Reed, is employed as a janitor at the Camden High School.
After questioning members of the family and examining the piano, which weighs move [sic] than 1500 pounds, Detectives Joseph Carpani and Harry Kyler said they were convinced the woman’s death was accidental.
A report to that effect, they said, will be made to Coroner Ernest Larossa, who withheld a death certificate until the accident theory was established.
Carpani said the piano was “extremely top-heavy” and that it could “easily be toppled over by the push of the hand.”
Moving of Piano Explained
It was the theory of the detectives, supported by questioning the family, that Mrs. Reed had moved the instrument from against its customary position so she could use a vacuum cleaner on the portion of a rug it covered.
After she had moved it about eight feet, it is believed it fell back and pinned her to the floor. She was killed instantly, in the opinion of Doctor Larossa.
She was found by her daughter, Regina, 18. The latter, who has been ill, said she heard a crash and coming down from her second floor bedroom, saw her mother pinned under the piano.
Screams of the daughter attracted a neighbor, William Hunter, of 1722 Ferry avenue, and his wife, Mary. They, with the aid of an unidentified milkman struggled for 15 minutes to lift the piano sufficiently for Mrs. Reed’s body to be extricated.
During the struggle, Mrs. Hunter lost her grip on the instrument and her hand was mangled so badly that part of a finger had to be amputated at West Jersey Hospital.
Police took the body of Mrs. Reed to the West Jersey Hospital morgue where Dr. Larossa said an autopsy would be made later today.
Accident, Family Says
Carpani said that when he and Kyler first went to the home they were told by Reed and his daughter, Regina, to “get out, it was all an accident.”
“We don’t want anything in the newspapers,” Reed was quoted as saying. “We have had enough notoriety.”
It was evident he referred to the alleged attempted suicide of his wife and daughter December 28 when they were found unconscious in the kitchen of the home and the jets of a gas stove open.
They were revived and on January 4, they were arraigned in police court on attempted suicide charges. The complaints were ordered filed by Police Judge Gene R. Mariano, however, after Mrs. Reed admitted she had written two suicide notes.
The first policemen to reach the Reed home today were Sgt. John Garrity and Patrolman Louis Prucella, sent there in a radio car after an unidentified man called headquarters and shouted: “Send a patrol wagon to 1726 Ferry avenue. There’s something wrong there,” and hung up.