Introduction
Joseph Bennie
Joseph Bennie, 1967
JOSEPH BENNIE was born in Italy on August 7, 1897. He came to America as a small child, in 1901. By 1930 he had married, and owned a home with his wife Adalena in a predominantly Italian-American section of Camden’s Third Ward. The Bennie family resided at 511 South 4th, the corner of South 4th and Senate Streets. He was then working as a tailor at a coat factory, very probably the DiPaola Coat Factory, which employed many in the immediate neighborhood. The Bennie family remained on South 4th Street through at least 1947.
Active in local politics, Joseph Bennie served on the Camden County Board of Freeholders from Camden’s 3rd Ward in 1930 and 1931. By 1953 he had taken a job as a detective with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. At that time he was working under future federal judge Mitchell H. Cohen and with future Chief of County Detectives Wilfred Dube.
Joseph Bennie had moved to East Camden by 1956, where he lived at 515 Royal Avenue. Joseph Bennie died in June of 1967, still a resident of Camden. His family has remained in the area.
4th Ward Democrats Endorse Candidates
Camden Courier-Post —
4TH WARD DEMOCRATS’ ENDORSE CANDIDATES
More than 300 persons last night attended a rally of the Fourth Ward Democratic Club at its headquarters, 455 Berkley Street, and following addresses formally endorsed the candidacy of all Democratic candidates in Camden County.
Samuel T. French, Joseph Bennie, Third Ward freeholder candidate; Sabba Verdiglione, Nicholas Sgariglio and Miss Marie V. Kelly, former jury commissioner, were speakers. Miss Kelly presided.
Three-cornered Fights In Freeholder Contest
Camden Courier-Post —
THREE-CORNERED FIGHTS IN FREEHOLDER CONTEST
Clementon and Delaware Township to Have Bitter Battles
38 TO BE ELECTED IN COUNTY, NOV. 3
6 Additional Offices Created by Law; Candidates Listed
Three-cornered battles in Clementon and Delaware Township will mark freeholder contests at the November 3 election. Ballots will be casts for an entire new board of freeholders, with 38 to be elected.
Boroughs to have freeholders representation for the first time as a result of recent legislation are Clementon, Lindenwold, Oaklyn, Woodlynne, Mt. Ephraim and Runnemede.
Rivals in the three-cornered fight in Clementon are Theodore W. Gibbs, Republican Organization nominee; Frank C. Somers, running as a Republican Independent, and Herbert P. McAdams, the Democratic nominee.
The triangular race in Delaware township finds Frank N. Walton, Republican Organization; J. Watson Matlack, Republican Independent, and Augustus A. Cornet, Democrat, as the contestants.
Nine members of the present board of freeholders will not be on the ballot for re-election. All are Republicans. They are Benjamin W. Sykes, Eighth Ward; Joseph Tarpine, First Ward, Gloucester; Philip Stohlbergel, Audubon; Joseph H. Van Meter, Collingswood; William J. Dallas, Haddon Heights; James W. Davis, Clementon; Charles C. Durges, Haddon township; Theodore Schleinkofer, Waterford township, and William A. Robinson, Winslow.
Joseph Bennie, Third Ward, Camden, is the only Democratic member on the present board. He is seeking a re-election and is opposed by Daniel Auletto, Republican nominee.
Candidates listed on the ballots in the various wards and municipalities follow:
Camden Wards
First Ward—Samuel D. Payne, R.; Thomas J. Kittel, D.
Second—William H. Heiser, R.; William Kunitz, D.
Third—Daniel Auletto, R.; Joseph Bennie, D.
Fourth—William L. Roberts, R.; Nicholas A. La Marra, D.
Fifth—C. Leonard Brehm, R.; Leon Perozzi. D.
Sixth—Harry J. Burrichter, R.; A. W. Lazro, D.
Seventh—Mrs. Mary D. Guthridge, R.; Theodore Buczkowski, D.
Eighth—Walter Sekula, R.; George S. W. Spaide.
Ninth—Francis B. Bodine, R.; S. V. Waddy, D.
Tenth—Samuel J. Edwards, R.; Edward J. Fox, Sr., D.
Eleventh—Howard Firth, R.; Charles T. Johnston, D.
Twelfth—John T. Rodan, R.; Wilbert H. Joslin, D.
Thirteenth—William P. Cotter, R.; Frank E. Zimmerman, D.
Fourteenth—Charles H. Genther, R.; George E. Brunner, D.
Bennie Approval Awaited in Senate
Camden Courier-Post —
BENNIE APPROVAL AWAITED IN SENATE
Governor Sends in His Name as Camden County Jury Commissioner
Trenton, June 11 (Saturday) — Nomination of former Freeholder Joseph Bennie, Camden Democrat, as Camden county jury commissioner, was sent to the Senate yesterday afternoon by the governor. It had not been acted on early today as the Legislature prepared to adjourn.
Bennie, who would serve a one-year term at $750, would succeed George Kleinheinz, also a Democrat. Kleinheinz has been acting jury commissioner since April 1, when his term expired, being named temporarily by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
Bennie has been slated for the job for some time but Senator Stewart said he had been holding up his approval of Bennie’s appointment while awaiting a report on the case of Judge Frank F. Neutze, of Camden district court, from the ethics committee of the Camden County Bar Association. The committee is investigating charges made by Stewart that Neutze was guilty of “ambulance chasing.” Stewart cited the charge as one of his reasons for refusing to approve the governor’s re-appointment of Neutze.
“I have changed my mind,” Stewart said yesterday, “because the Neutze matter cannot be settled now and the jury commissioner appointment might as well be approved.”
Bennie’s appointment was recommended by Harry L. Maloney, and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democratic state committee members from Camden county.
Selects Jurors
Camden Courier-Post —
JOSEPH BENNIE — Former Democratic freeholder, of 511 South Fourth street, Camden, whose appointment by Governor A. Harry Moore as jury commissioner of Camden county, has been confirmed by the Senate. He is well known in fraternal circles and until this year was the only Democrat for three years on the freeholders’ board. He will serve a one-year term at $750, succeeding George Kleinheinz, also a Democrat.
Colored Democrats of Third Organize
Camden Courier-Post —
COLORED DEMOCRATS OF THIRD ORGANIZE
The Third Ward Colored Democratic Club was organized last night at 650 Locust Street with the election of Charles Johnson as president.
Joseph Bennie, jury commissioner, was the principal speaker. Other officers elected were James Riley, vice president; Minnie Gray, chaplain; Edna Taylor, secretary; Jack Mason, recording secretary; George Bryant, treasurer, and James H. James, sergeant-at-arms.
The club will meet again tomorrow night with Charles Salvaggia, county committeeman, as speaker.
Lloyd Again Prods Orlando and Cops In Numbers Cases
Camden Courier-Post —
LLOYD AGAIN PRODS ORLANDO AND COPS IN NUMBERS CASES
Detectives Told to Produce or Quit by Jurist
FIVE GET ‘PEN’ IN ABOUT-FACE
Five state witnesses, who thought they got off “easy” in numbers cases, yesterday underwent reversal of county jail terms and found themselves sentenced to the penitentiary.
Judge Frank F. Neutze sentenced them in Criminal Court.
Terms ranged from two to three years, and they followed the witnesses’ sudden “about-face” in the Klosterman brothers’ case. The five all convicted numbers writers, recanted testimony last week at the brothers’ trial.
Censure of the prosecutor’s office by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd followed. Justice Lloyd called Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and his staff to his chambers on the fourth floor of the new courthouse. Attending the conference in addition to Orlando were:
Assistant Prosecutors Harding and Eason, Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, County Detectives James J. Mulligan, James Wren, Joseph Bennie, Casimir Wojtkowiak and Elmer Mathis, and Mrs. Daisy Rourke and Mrs. Ethel Michener, stenographers.
“Go out and do some work, or else be replaced,” is the ultimatum said to have been hurled at the detectives by Justice Lloyd. He is said to be aroused over apparent inactivity of county detectives and inaction in the numbers cases.
KLOSTERMANS CASE LANDS FIVE IN ‘PEN’
(Continued from Page One)
of county detectives and inaction in the numbers cases.
“That there is ‘nothing to stop it’ is the contention of the Supreme Court Justice; that detectives should be ‘working on it.’”
A statement in the Courier-Post said he would not move for re-sentencing of the five remaining state witnesses. These five were not sentenced yesterday.
After asking Justice Lloyd about the sentences, and on his advice, Prosecutor Orlando, on Jan. 4, said the application would be made to Judge Neutze. As a result of that application, Judge Neutze on that date re-sentenced five of the reneging witnesses.
October 28, 1936
Camden Courier-Post
A. HARRY MOORE CLUB TO HOLD RALLY TONIGHT
A mass meeting of Democrats will be held at 8 p.m. today by the A. Harry Moore Third Ward Democratic Club, at Third and Benson streets, with Postmaster Emma E. Hyland, Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and all county candidates listed as speakers. Charles Salvaggio is president and Joseph Bennie chairman of the club.
Four Charged With Numbers Using ‘Bingo’
Camden Courier-Post —
FOUR CHARGED WITH NUMBERS USING ‘BINGO’
Marino, Girard Held At Merchantville In New Racket
A new numbers racket based on “Bingo” was disclosed yesterday when county detectives and Merchantville police arrested four men, two of them police characters.
The suspects were seized in an automobile parked within sight of the Merchantville police station.
The two with police records are Joseph Marino and Harry Girard. The others are Irving Chapman, 23, of 43 South Merchant street, and John Holmes, 23, of 227 Main street, both of Merchantville. All were arraigned on a charge of violating the state lottery law, before Justice of the Peace Samuel Rudolph, who complied with a request from Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and held them without bail for the grand jury.
Marino’s police record dates to 1914. He received three suspended sentences, three other cases were nolle pressed by the court and on one occasion he served a jail sentence.
His last time in custody was as a suspect in the slaying of Abe Goodman, former numbers baron. He was released after questioning.
Girard’s criminal record dates back to 1924. He has been arrested five times, serving two reformatory sentences and one term in the state prison.
Details of the new racket were not immediately divulged by the prosecutor’s office. It was learned, however, that hundreds of “bing slips” were seized by the police when the men were arrested.
Police Chief William Linderman, County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran and County Detectives Wilfred Dube, James J. Mulligan, Joseph Bennie and Casimir Wojtkowiak arrested the four men, all of whom were taken at once to the office of Prosecutor Orlando for questioning.
It was revealed at the prosecutor’s office that an attempt to flood Camden city and county with the new numbers game has been made during the last two weeks.
Detectives have been trailing an automobile during this time, believed to have been the car in which the men were seized yesterday.
4-Month Sentence for Number Writer
Camden Courier-Post —
4-MONTH SENTENCE FOR NUMBER WRITER
Judge Disputes Attorney’s Statement on ‘Experience’ of Defendant
Four months in the county jail was ordered yesterday for Joseph Wallace, 27, of 5733 Rogers avenue, Merchantville, after he pleaded guilty to engaging in a lottery.
The term was imposed by Common Pleas Court Judge Clifford A. Baldwin. Wallace admitted he had a small quantity of numbers slips and $5.14 in cash derived from numbers sales in his pockets when arrested at Thirty-fourth and Federal streets by county detectives on May 17.
Carl Kisselman, Camden attorney who defended Lou Barron, Philadelphia numbers baron, recently, was counsel for Wallace. Baron was fined $750 and given a suspended sentence by Judge W. H. Sharp, of Vineland, substituting for Judge Baldwin.
Baldwin, before pronouncing sentence, asked Kisselman: “How long has this man been in the numbers business?”
Kisselman answered: “Two weeks.”
“That’s strange,” Baldwin countered, “I have a paper here which says he forfeited $50 in Pennsauken township two years ago after he had been arrested on a lotery [sic] charge.”
Kisselman answered he did not think the prisoner had jumped his bail on that charge. He asserted Wallace was arrested “on suspicion” and put up the $50 and then forfeited it. The attorney averred the township police had no evidence to substantiate the lottery charge against Wallace.
The numbers writer was arrested by County Detective Elmer Mathis who told Baldwin the prosecutor’s office had received a number of complaints that a man was engaged in a lottery business on Federal street. He and Detective Joseph Benni watched Wallace for some time before making the arrest, he said.
Wilkie Son Dies From Gun Shot
Camden Courier-Post —
Wilkie Son Dies From Gun Shot
WILKIE SON DIES FROM GUN SHOT
Youth, 17, Found Suicide in Home By Officer
The 17-year-old son of Camden Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie was found shot to death in his home early Sunday, with his father's service revolver lying on the living room floor beneath his body.
James S. Wilkie, of 1144 Princess ave., was found by his father shortly after 2 a.m.
Coroner John A. Healey, after an autopsy Sunday afternoon, also said he was "satisfied the death was suicide." He issued a death certificate with that finding.
Younger Children Questioned
Benjamin Asbell, first assistant prosecutor, with County Detective Chief James J. Mulligan, City Detective Capt. Thomas P. Murphy and Detective George Ellis, questioned Wilkie, two other Wilkie children, their friends and neighbors for more than three hours in detective headquarters Sunday night.
Capt. Murphy reconstructed the death as follows:
W. Richard Wilkie, 16, and his sister Teresa, 14, with Paul Ragone, 15, of Bridgeboro rd., Moorestown, a friend of Richard, were decorating the living room of the Wilkie home for Christmas when James came home about 1:30 a.m. and evidently had been drinking.
A quarrel followed in which Richard chided James about "coming home drunk," and James wanted to fight his brother, but Richard and the Ragone boy went outside the house. At that point, James went to his father's second-floor front bedroom and took Wilkie's .38-caliber police revolver from a chest of drawers and returned to the living room.
'I'll Kill Myself'
James ordered his sister to tell Richard to return to the house, and Richard instead directed Teresa to "come outside," Asbell said. When the girl left the home, James went to the front door, waved the gun and shouted, according to Asbell:
"If you don't come in I'll kill myself."
The children said James then turned and went back into the house. They stated he slammed the front door so hard the blind fell off.
Seconds later, Richard heard what he called a shot. Richard, Teresa and Ragone called for James at the front and rear doors but got no response.
After trying unsuccessfully to reach Sgt. Wilkie, the three were taken by a friend of Ragone's to the home of Mrs. Tessie Bogacki, mother of the Wilkie children, in Woodlynne. Mrs. Bogacki remarried after she and Sgt. Wilkie were divorced several months ago.
Father Finds Body
Wilkie told the investigators he had been to a restaurant and discovered the body when he returned shortly after 2 a.m., but thought his son had cut his head in a fall. The weapon beneath the body was not found until after police, summoned by Wilkie from a police box at Haddon and Kaighns aves., arrived and moved the body.
The spent bullet was found near the body in a pool of blood by Detectives Edward Shapiro and John Moffa. Another bullet taken from the gun, police said, showed evidence it had misfired.
Police said a preliminary investigation by doctors at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where James was pronounced dead on arrival at 3 a.m., indicated the bullet had entered the left side of the head and left the right temple, but no powder burns could be found on the left side.
Autopsy Performed
The body was transferred to Cooper Hospital where an autopsy was performed by Dr. William T. Read. Healey said the autopsy showed conclusively the bullet had been fired into the right temple and left through the left temple. Powder burns were found on the right side, Healey stated.
Capt. Murphy said tests were made of the boy's right hand and the gun and forwarded to the State Police laboratory at Trenton.
A separate investigation is being made, Murphy said, to determine where the youth had been drinking.
Wilkie, famed for years as Camden's notebook cop, has been away from duty for several months because of illness. Wilkie told investigators his son suffered a head injury in early youth and had complained of headaches. Wilkie said he felt the death might be accidental and expressed the possibility his son may have staggered and fallen with the loaded revolver. Wilkie said James also had been despondent since the death of another son, John, killed last June in a plane crash in Japan. James was employed as an apprentice by a Philadelphia belt manufacturing firm.
Coroner Healey said the youth's employers had elevated James in their apprentice program only last week. Young Wilkie celebrated the promotion by buying a new suit and topcoat, the coroner added.
cess ave., was found by his father shortly after 2 a. m.
Coroner John A. Healey, after an autopsy Sunday afternoon, also said he was “satisfied the death was suicide.” He issued a death certificate with that finding.
Younger Children Questioned
Benjamin Asbell, first assistant prosecutor, with County Detective Chief James J. Mulligan, City Detective Capt. Thomas P. Murphy and Detective George Ellis, questioned Wilkie, two other Wilkie children, their friends and neighbors for more than three hours in detective headquarters Sunday night.
Capt. Murphy reconstructed the death as follows: W. Richard Wilkie, 16, and his sister Teresa, 14, with Paul Ragone, 15, of Bridgeboro rd., Moorestown, a friend of Richard, were decorating the living room of the Wilkie home for Christmas when James came home about 1.3
a. m. and evidently had been drinking.
A quarrel followed in which Richard chided James about “coming home drunk,” and James wanted to fight his brother, but Richard and the Ragone boy went outside the house. At that point, James went to his father’s second-floor front bedroom and took Wilkie’s .38-caliber police revolver from a chest of drawers and returned to the living room.
‘I’ll Kill Myself’
James ordered his sister to tell Richard to return to the house, and Richard instead directed Teresa to “come outside,” Asbell said. When the girl left the home, James went to the front door, waved the gun and shouted, according to Asbell: “If you don’t come in I’ll kill myself.”
The children said James then turned and went back into the house. They stated he slammed (Continued on Page 2—Column 5)
(Continued From Page One)
the front door so hard the blind fell off.
Seconds later, Richard heard what he called a shot. Richard, Teresa and Ragone called for James at the front and rear doors but got no response.
After trying unsuccessfully to reach Sgt. Wilkie, the three were taken by a friend of Ragone’s to the home of Mrs. Tessie Bogacki, mother of the Wilkie children, in Woodlynne. Mrs. Bogacki remarried after she and Sgt. Wilkie were divorced several months ago.
Father Finds Body
Wilkie told the investigators he had been to a restaurant and discovered the body when he returned shortly after 2 a. m., but thought his son had cut his head in a fall. The weapon beneath the body was not found until after police, summoned by Wilkie from a police box at Haddon and Kaighns aves., arrived and moved the body.
The spent bullet was found near the body in a pool of blood by Detectives Edward Shapiro and John Moffa. Another bullet taken from the gun, police said, showed evidence it had misfired.
Police said a preliminary investigation by doctors at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where James was pronounced dead on arrival at 3 a. m., indicated the bullet had entered the left side of the head and left the right temple, but no powder burns could be found on the left side.
Autopsy Performed
The body was transferred to Cooper Hospital where an autopsy was performed by Dr. William T. Read. Healey said the autopsy showed conclusively the bullet had been fired into the right temple and left through the left temple. Powder burns were found on the right side, Healey stated. Capt. Murphy said tests were made of the boy’s right hand and the gun and forwarded to the
WILKIE SON DIES FROM GUN SHOT
Youth, 17, Found Suicide in Home By Officer
The 17-year-old son of Camden Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie was found shot to death in his home early Sunday, with his father’s service revolver lying on the living room floor beneath his body.
James S. Wilkie, of 1144 Princess ave., was found by his father shortly after 2 a.m.
Coroner John A. Healey, after an autopsy Sunday afternoon, also said he was “satisfied the death was suicide.” He issued a death certificate with that finding.
Younger Children Questioned
Benjamin Asbell, first assistant prosecutor, with County Detective Chief James J. Mulligan, City Detective Capt. Thomas P. Murphy and Detective George Ellis, questioned Wilkie, two other Wilkie children, their friends and neighbors for more than three hours in detective headquarters Sunday night.
Capt. Murphy reconstructed the death as follows:
W. Richard Wilkie, 16, and his sister Teresa, 14, with Paul Ragone, 15, of Bridgeboro rd., Moorestown, a friend of Richard, were decorating the living room of the Wilkie home for Christmas when James came home about 1:30 a.m. and evidently had been drinking.
A quarrel followed in which Richard chided James about “coming home drunk,” and James wanted to fight his brother, but Richard and the Ragone boy went outside the house. At that point, James went to his father’s second-floor front bedroom and took Wilkie’s .38-caliber police revolver from a chest of drawers and returned to the living room.
‘I’ll Kill Myself’
James ordered his sister to tell Richard to return to the house, and Richard instead directed Teresa to “come outside,” Asbell said. When the girl left the home, James went to the front door, waved the gun and shouted, according to Asbell:
“If you don’t come in I’ll kill myself.”
The children said James then turned and went back into the house. They stated he slammed the front door so hard the blind fell off.
Seconds later, Richard heard what he called a shot. Richard, Teresa and Ragone called for James at the front and rear doors but got no response.
After trying unsuccessfully to reach Sgt. Wilkie, the three were taken by a friend of Ragone’s to the home of Mrs. Tessie Bogacki, mother of the Wilkie children, in Woodlynne. Mrs. Bogacki remarried after she and Sgt. Wilkie were divorced several months ago.
Father Finds Body
Wilkie told the investigators he had been to a restaurant and discovered the body when he returned shortly after 2 a.m., but thought his son had cut his head in a fall. The weapon beneath the body was not found until after police, summoned by Wilkie from a police box at Haddon and Kaighns aves., arrived and moved the body.
The spent bullet was found near the body in a pool of blood by Detectives Edward Shapiro and John Moffa. Another bullet taken from the gun, police said, showed evidence it had misfired.
Police said a preliminary investigation by doctors at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where James was pronounced dead on arrival at 3 a.m., indicated the bullet had entered the left side of the head and left the right temple, but no powder burns could be found on the left side.
Autopsy Performed
The body was transferred to Cooper Hospital where an autopsy was performed by Dr. William T. Read. Healey said the autopsy showed conclusively the bullet had been fired into the right temple and left through the left temple. Powder burns were found on the right side, Healey stated.
Capt. Murphy said tests were made of the boy’s right hand and the gun and forwarded to the State Police laboratory at Trenton.
A separate investigation is being made, Murphy said, to determine where the youth had been drinking.
Wilkie, famed for years as Camden’s notebook cop, has been away from duty for several months because of illness. Wilkie told investigators his son suffered a head injury in early youth and had complained of headaches. Wilkie said he felt the death might be accidental and expressed the possibility his son may have staggered and fallen with the loaded revolver. Wilkie said James also had been despondent since the death of another son, John, killed last June in a plane crash in Japan. James was employed as an apprentice by a Philadelphia belt manufacturing firm.
Coroner Healey said the youth’s employers had elevated James in their apprentice program only last week. Young Wilkie celebrated the promotion by buying a new suit and topcoat, the coroner added.
Wilkie Fails To Post Bail Of $50,000
Camden Courier-Post —
Wilkie Fails To Post Bail Of $50,000
WILKIE FAILS TO POST BAIL OF $50,000
Probe Still Open; Will Confer On Funeral
Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden's "notebook cop," was transferred from the city jail to the county jail late Wednesday when he failed to raise $50,000 bail under which he is being held during the investigation of the fatal shooting Sunday of his son, James, 17.
The $50,000 bail was ordered by Prosecutor Cohen after Wilkie confessed shooting his son in the head accidentally during a struggle for the policeman's service revolver in their Princess ave. home.
Coroner John A. Healey, however, has listed the death of the youth as a suicide.
Will Confer on Funeral
"There are many discrepancies in the various versions Wilkie has told me and there have been changes in the story itself," Cohen said in commenting on the suicide report.
Robert J. Blake, funeral director, said he planned to confer with the elder Wilkie today in the county jail on funeral arrangements for the youth. Blake said there had been no change in the position of Catholic officials, who have refused to permit burial of the youth in consecrated ground, in accordance with canonical law prohibiting such burial to suicides, except in cases of insanity.
Prosecutor Cohen said he would permit the release of Wilkie, under guard, to attend his son's funeral.
The prosecutor today said the investigation is still "open." Cohen questioned two surviving Wilkie children Wednesday on the events of last Sunday when James is said to have come home under the influence of liquor and got into a quarrel. The other children are Richard, 16, and Teresa, 14, both of whom seemed numbed by shock when they appeared in the prosecutor's office on the sixth floor of City Hall.
According to the story told by the children and Paul Ragone, 15, of Moorestown, a friend, James came home at 1:30 a.m. Sunday and after words with Richard went upstairs and then reappeared with his father's service revolver. The others fled from the house and quoted James as saying: "If you don't come in, I'll shoot myself."
Will Go Over House
A minute later, they said, they heard a shot.
Cohen said he had ordered an inspection of the entire house, as well as ballistics and chemical tests on the Wilkie revolver and the bullet which pierced the young man's head.
The prosecutor said he had nothing to say on a psychiatric report by Dr. H. E. Yaskin, county consulting psychiatrist, who examined the policeman.
"That is a confidential report and certainly nothing is going to be made public about the doctor's findings of the man's personality," the prosecutor said.
Wilkie walked into the prosecutor's office shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday and "confessed" he killed his son accidentally during the struggle for the gun.
There is a belief among some of the investigators that the policeman, who has been on sick leave, concocted his story in the hope Catholic Church officials could be prevailed upon to allow a Catholic burial for the son.
The $50,000 bail was ordered by Prosecutor Cohen after Wilkie confessed shooting his son in the head accidentally during a struggle for the policeman’s service revolver in their Princess ave. home.
Coroner John A. Healey, however, has listed the death of the youth as a suicide.
Will Confer on Funeral
“There are many discrepancies in the various versions Wilkie has told me and there have been changes in the story itself,” Cohen said in commenting on the suicide report.
Robert J. Blake, funeral director, said he planned to confer with the elder Wilkie today in the county jail on funeral arrangements for the youth. Blake said there had been no change in the position of Catholic officials, who have refused to permit burial of the youth in consecrated ground, in accordance with canonical law prohibiting such burial to suicides, except in cases of insanity.
Prosecutor Cohen said he would permit the release of Wilkie, under guard, to attend his son’s funeral.
The prosecutor today said the investigation is still “open.” Cohen questioned two surviving Wilkie children Wednesday on the events of last Sunday when James is said to have come home under the influence of liquor and got into a quarrel. The other children are Richard, 16, and Teresa, 14, both of whom seemed numbed by shock when they appeared in the prosecutor’s office on the sixth floor of City Hall.
According to the story told by the children and Paul Ragone, 15, of Moorestown, a friend, James came home at 1.30 a. m. Sunday and after words with Richard went upstairs and then reappeared with his father’s service revolver. The others fled from the house and quoted James as saying: “If you don’t come in, I’ll shoot myself.”
WILKIE FAILS TO POST BAIL OF $50,000
Probe Still Open; Will Confer On Funeral
Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden’s “notebook cop,” was transferred from the city jail to the county jail late Wednesday when he failed to raise $50,000 bail under which he is being held during the investigation of the fatal shooting Sunday of his son, James, 17.
The $50,000 bail was ordered by Prosecutor Cohen after Wilkie confessed shooting his son in the head accidentally during a struggle for the policeman’s service revolver in their Princess ave. home.
Coroner John A. Healey, however, has listed the death of the youth as a suicide.
Prosecutor Cohen said he would permit the release of Wilkie, under guard, to attend his son’s funeral.
The prosecutor today said the investigation is still “open.” According to the story told by the children and Paul Ragone, 15, of Moorestown, a friend, James came home at 1:30 a.m. Sunday and after words with Richard went upstairs and then reappeared with his father’s service revolver. The others fled from the house and quoted James as saying: “If you don’t come in, I’ll shoot myself.”
A minute later, they said, they heard a shot.
Sgt. Wilkie Is Still Held in Jail
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Wilkie Is Still Held in Jail, His Bail of $50,000 Unchanged
SGT. WILKIE IS STILL HELD IN JAIL, HIS BAIL OF $50,000 UNCHANGED
Cut Considered After Retraction Of 'Confession'
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden's notebook cop, remained in jail today in default of $50,000 bail despite his admission Thursday he "confessed" accidentally killing his son in an effort to have full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church accorded the youth.
Wilkie's admission of the fabrication as a desperate self-sacrificing attempt for his son came Thursday afternoon after he learned the church had reiterated that his son, James, 17, could not be given requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground.
Wilkie admitted that when he returned to his home, at 1144 Princess ave., at 2:18 a.m. Sunday, he found his son dead of a revolver shot instead of having been shot in a struggle with Wilkie for the latter's service revolver.
Services for Wilkie's son will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave. Burial will be in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night.
Wilkie, a member of Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Broadway and Ferry ave., will be permitted to attend the services under guard.
Asked about the continuing high bail, Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen said there has been "no request from Wilkie nor his attorney, Elmer Bertman, for reduction of bail."
Favorable to Lower Bail
Cohen, however, continued, "In light of the new circumstances, I certainly would entertain such a request." He continued:
"In view of the holiday weekend, I probably won't be in my office until Monday. Nor is the sheriff's office open during the weekend to receive the bail.
"It would be necessary to contact me with a request for bail reduction and also to make special arrangements with Sheriff Hainsworth to post the bail."
Late Thursday, Cohen told reporters he had no alternative but to present all of the facts in the case to the grand jury and "let them decide."
Tells of Repudiation
"In the presence of Chief Mulligan and Capt. Dube of the county detectives staff; Capt. Murphy of the Camden City detective bureau; Samuel P. Orlando as a friend of Wilkie's, and Fred Albert, court stenographer, Wilkie has made a statement which repudiates a 'confession' he made to me earlier this week.
"He states that he found his son, James, dead of a gunshot wound when he returned to his home early on the morning of Dec. 20.
"Wilkie states that he concocted his story that he and his son wrestled over possession of the gun, which was Wilkie's service revolver, and that the gun was discharged accidentally.
Father Denied Suicide
"Wilkie told us he had determined to do everything within his power, say anything and be willing to take any kind of punishment, in order to obtain a Catholic funeral for his son.
"He still insists that his son did not commit suicide, that he had just bought some new clothes and had said or done nothing to indicate he might take his life.
"I must say here that the facts available to us do not coincide with a theory of accidental death.
"After Wilkie had made his 'confession' to us, we had him illustrate several times with county detectives how he said he tussled with his son. We knew then the son could not have been accidentally shot in such a struggle.
State Police Tests
"All tests by state police laboratories and our medical reports clearly evidenced Wilkie was not telling the truth.
"The bullet entered one temple and emerged from the other on a straight line instead of at an angle. The course the bullet took made it clear the shot was fired with deliberation by a gun held in the decedent's hands or in some other hands.
"Since a complaint has been made and a court has instructed me to present this matter to the grand jury, I must do so. Therefore the charge of manslaughter will remain pending the grand jury's deliberation."
Wilkie, according to Sheriff Hainsworth, spent a "restful day" Christmas in a cell in E block on the sixth floor of City Hall.
The sheriff said Wilkie was in "good spirits and talked frequently with other prisoners."
Cut Considered After Retraction Of ‘Confession’
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden’s notebook cop, remained in jail today in default of $50,000 bail despite his admission Thursday he “confessed” accidentally killing his son in an effort to have full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church accorded the youth.
Wilkie’s admission of the fabrication as a desperate self-sacrificing attempt for his son came Thursday afternoon after he learned the church had reiterated that his son, James, 17, could not be given requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground.
Wilkie admitted that when he returned to his home, at 1144 Princess ave., at 2.18 a. m. Sunday, he found his son dead of a revolver shot instead of having been shot in a struggle with Wilkie for the latter’s service revolver.
Services for Wilkie’s son will be held Monday at 11 a. m. in the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave. Burial will be in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night.
Wilkie, a member of Sacred Heart R. C. Church, Broadway and Ferry ave., will be permitted to attend the services under guard.
Asked about the continuing high bail, Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen said there has been “no request from Wilkie nor his attorney, Elmer Bertman, for reduction of bail.”
Favorable to Lower Bail
Cohen, however, continued, “In light of the new circumstances, I certainly would entertain such a request.” He continued: “In view of the holiday weekend, I probably won’t be in my office until Monday. Nor is the sheriff’s office open during the weekend to receive the bail. It would be necessary to contact me with a request for bail reduction and also to make special arrangements with Sheriff Hainsworth to post the bail.”
Late Thursday, Cohen told reporters he had no alternative but to present all of the facts in the case to the grand jury and “let them decide.”
Tells of Repudiation
“In the presence of Chief Mulligan and Capt. Dube of the county detectives staff; Capt. Murphy of the Camden City detective bureau; (Continued on Page 4—Column 3)
Wilkie
(Continued From Page One)
Samuel P. Orlando as a friend of Wilkie’s, and Fred Albert, court stenographer, Wilkie has made a statement which repudiates a ‘confession’ he made to me earlier this week.
“He states that he found his son, James, dead of a gunshot wound when he returned to his home early on the morning of Dec. 20.
“Wilkie states that he concocted his story that he and his son wrestled over possession of the gun, which was Wilkie’s service revolver, and that the gun was discharged accidentally.”
Father Denied Suicide
“Wilkie told us he had deter
mined to do everything within his power, say anything and be willing to take any kind of punishment, in order to obtain a Catholic funeral for his son.
“He still insists that his son did not commit suicide, that he had just bought some new clothes and had said or done nothing to indicate he might take his life.
“I must say here that the facts available to us do not coincide with a theory of accidental death.
“After Wilkie had made his ‘confession’ to us, we had him illustrate several times with county detectives how he said he tussled with his son. We knew then the son could not have been accidentally shot in such a struggle.”
State Police Tests
“All tests by state police laboratories and our medical reports
SGT. WILKIE IS STILL HELD IN JAIL, HIS BAIL OF $50,000 UNCHANGED
Cut Considered After Retraction Of ‘Confession’
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden’s notebook cop, remained in jail today in default of $50,000 bail despite his admission Thursday he “confessed” accidentally killing his son in an effort to have full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church accorded the youth.
Wilkie’s admission of the fabrication as a desperate self-sacrificing attempt for his son came Thursday afternoon after he learned the church had reiterated that his son, James, 17, could not be given requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground.
Wilkie admitted that when he returned to his home, at 1144 Princess ave., at 2:18 a.m. Sunday, he found his son dead of a revolver shot instead of having been shot in a struggle with Wilkie for the latter’s service revolver.
Services for Wilkie’s son will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave. Burial will be in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night.
Asked about the continuing high bail, Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen said there has been “no request from Wilkie nor his attorney, Elmer Bertman, for reduction of bail.”
Cohen, however, continued, “In light of the new circumstances, I certainly would entertain such a request.”
Late Thursday, Cohen told reporters he had no alternative but to present all of the facts in the case to the grand jury and “let them decide.”
Tells of Repudiation
“In the presence of Chief Mulligan and Capt. Dube of the county detectives staff; Capt. Murphy of the Camden City detective bureau; Samuel P. Orlando as a friend of Wilkie’s, and Fred Albert, court stenographer, Wilkie has made a statement which repudiates a ‘confession’ he made to me earlier this week.
“He states that he found his son, James, dead of a gunshot wound when he returned to his home early on the morning of Dec. 20.
“Wilkie states that he concocted his story that he and his son wrestled over possession of the gun, which was Wilkie’s service revolver, and that the gun was discharged accidentally.”
Father Denied Suicide
“Wilkie told us he had determined to do everything within his power, say anything and be willing to take any kind of punishment, in order to obtain a Catholic funeral for his son.”
“He still insists that his son did not commit suicide, that he had just bought some new clothes and had said or done nothing to indicate he might take his life.”
“All tests by state police laboratories and our medical reports clearly evidenced Wilkie was not telling the truth. The bullet entered one temple and emerged from the other on a straight line instead of at an angle. The course the bullet took made it clear the shot was fired with deliberation by a gun held in the decedent’s hands or in some other hands.”
Sgt. Wilkie Remains in County Jail As Son Is Buried Without Ritual
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Wilkie Remains in County Jail As Son Is Buried Without Ritual
SGT. WILKIE REMAINS IN COUNTY JAIL AS SON IS BURIED WITHOUT RITUAL
Funeral Director Recites Prayer
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, whose "confession" that he accidentally killed his son proved to be a hoax, remained in the county jail today during the funeral of his 17-year-old son, James.
Wilkie, Camden's "notebook cop," is being held in county jail in default of $50,000 bail pending submission of his case to the grand jury, although authorities accepted his admission that the story of accidental death was concocted in an effort to obtain the full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church for his son.
James, whose death on Dec. 20 was officially declared a suicide, was buried from the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave.
Only about 20 persons were present, and there was no formal service of any kind. Among those at the funeral home were James' mother, Mrs. Tessie Bogacki, of Woodlynne; his brother, Richard, 16, and sister, Teresa, 14, and two aunts, Mrs. Elizabeth Meredith and Mrs. Jane Salus.
James was buried in the rain in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery, also without any formal service. Blake recited the Lord's Prayer as the casket was lowered.
Members of the immediate family and a few friends attended.
Attends Viewing
Wilkie attended the public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night in the company of County Detectives James McLaughlin and Joseph Bennie and a guard from the sheriff's office, Walter Wilkie, no relation.
He was promised release from jail so he could attend today's burial, but James J. Mulligan, chief of county detectives, said Wilkie sent word to the prosecutor's office this morning that he had no desire to be present at the rites.
"He was present at the viewing," Mulligan said, "but he said he just didn't want to go to the funeral. So we made no arrangements for him to go."
Approximately 100 persons attended the viewing, and Wilkie was present the entire time.
Fabricated Confession
Wilkie's admission he fabricated the "confession" that he accidentally killed his son came Thursday after he learned that church authorities had declined to alter their original ruling that the youth could not be given solemn requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground. Canons of the Church forbid religious services and burial in suicide cases.
The veteran police sergeant had claimed that he accidentally shot the boy in a struggle for possession of Wilkie's service revolver at the Wilkie residence, 1144 Princess ave. But, in his admission that this version of the death was untrue, he said he found his son dead of a revolver shot when he returned home at 2:18 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.
Cohen said no request for reduction of Wilkie's $50,000 bail had been made, but that he would consider such a request if it is received. He said he had no alternative but to present all the facts in the Wilkie case to the grand jury.
cited the Lord’s Prayer as the casket was lowered.
Members of the immediate family and a few friends attended.
Attends Viewing
Wilkie attended the public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night in the company of County Detectives James McLaughlin and Joseph Bennie and a guard from the sheriff’s office, Walter Wilkie, no relation.
He was promised release from jail so he could attend today’s burial, but James J. Mulligan, chief of county detectives, said Wilkie sent word to the prosecutor’s office this morning that he had no desire to be present at the rites.
“He was present at the viewing,” Mulligan said, “but he said he just didn’t want to go to the funeral. So we made no arrangements for him to go.”
Fabricated Confession
Approximately 100 persons attended the viewing, and Wilkie was present the entire time.
SGT. WILKIE REMAINS IN COUNTY JAIL AS SON IS BURIED WITHOUT RITUAL
Funeral Director Recites Prayer
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, whose “confession” that he accidentally killed his son proved to be a hoax, remained in the county jail today during the funeral of his 17-year-old son, James.
James, whose death on Dec. 20 was officially declared a suicide, was buried from the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave.
Only about 20 persons were present, and there was no formal service of any kind. Among those at the funeral home were James’ mother, Mrs. Tessie Bogacki, of Woodlynne; his brother, Richard, 16, and sister, Teresa, 14, and two aunts, Mrs. Elizabeth Meredith and Mrs. Jane Salus.
James was buried in the rain in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery, also without any formal service. Blake recited the Lord’s Prayer as the casket was lowered.
Attends Viewing
Wilkie attended the public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night in the company of County Detectives James McLaughlin and Joseph Bennie and a guard from the sheriff’s office, Walter Wilkie, no relation.
He was promised release from jail so he could attend today’s burial, but James J. Mulligan, chief of county detectives, said Wilkie sent word to the prosecutor’s office this morning that he had no desire to be present at the rites.
“He was present at the viewing,” Mulligan said, “but he said he just didn’t want to go to the funeral. So we made no arrangements for him to go.”
Approximately 100 persons attended the viewing, and Wilkie was present the entire time.
Fabricated Confession
Wilkie’s admission he fabricated the “confession” that he accidentally killed his son came Thursday after he learned that church authorities had declined to alter their original ruling that the youth could not be given solemn requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground.
Cohen said no request for reduction of Wilkie’s $50,000 bail had been made, but that he would consider such a request if it is received.
‘Going Home and Take Care of My Children’
Camden Courier-Post —
Going Home and Take Care of My Children
'GOING HOME AND TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN'
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie was released from the Camden County jail late Wednesday afternoon shortly after the grand jury returned a no bill on a manslaughter charge against the veteran policeman in the death of his son James Wilkie, 17.
Wilkie, as he was released from the county jail, told Undersheriff Charles O'Keefe he was "going home and take care of my children, they are my only concern now."
Young Wilkie was found shot to death Dec. 20 at his father's home, 1144 Princess ave. A certificate of suicide was issued by Coroner John A. Healey.
Admits Hoax
Later, Sgt. Wilkie surrendered at police headquarters and said he had accidentally shot his son in a struggle for possession of his service revolver. Wilkie was confined to the county jail in default of $50,000 bail on a manslaughter charge.
Last Thursday, Wilkie admitted to Prosecutor Cohen he had concocted the story of shooting his son in an attempt to obtain the full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church for his son.
Cohen accepted the withdrawal of Wilkie's "confession" but said he would have to submit the case to the grand jury. Cohen summoned Wilkie's two other children, Richard, 16, and Theresa, 14, and City Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy before the jury Wednesday.
Murphy was questioned by the jurors 25 minutes and Richard was in the jury room for 15 minutes. Theresa was not called before the jury and at 3:30 p.m. was dismissed, less than a half hour before the jurors returned a no bill on the charge against the father.
now.”
Young Wilkie was found shot to death Dec. 20 at his father’s home, 1144 Princess ave. A certificate of suicide was issued by Coroner John A. Healey.
Admits Hoax
Later, Sgt. Wilkie surrendered at police headquarters and said he had accidentally shot his son in a struggle for possession of his service revolver. Wilkie was confined to the county jail in default of $50,000 bail on a manslaughter charge.
Last Thursday, Wilkie admitted to Prosecutor Cohen he had (Continued on Page 2—Column 4)
‘GOING HOME AND TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN’
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie was released from the Camden County jail late Wednesday afternoon shortly after the grand jury returned a no bill on a manslaughter charge against the veteran policeman in the death of his son James Wilkie, 17.
Wilkie, as he was released from the county jail, told Undersheriff Charles O’Keefe he was “going home and take care of my children, they are my only concern now.”
Young Wilkie was found shot to death Dec. 20 at his father’s home, 1144 Princess ave. A certificate of suicide was issued by Coroner John A. Healey.
Admits Hoax
Later, Sgt. Wilkie surrendered at police headquarters and said he had accidentally shot his son in a struggle for possession of his service revolver. Wilkie was confined to the county jail in default of $50,000 bail on a manslaughter charge.
Last Thursday, Wilkie admitted to Prosecutor Cohen he had concocted the story of shooting his son in an attempt to obtain the full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church for his son.
Cohen accepted the withdrawal of Wilkie’s “confession” but said he would have to submit the case to the grand jury. Murphy was questioned by the jurors 25 minutes and Richard was in the jury room for 15 minutes. The jurors returned a no bill on the charge against the father.
Joseph Bennie, 69, Former Freeholder
Camden Courier-Post —
JOSEPH BENNIE, 69, FORMER FREEHOLDER
Joseph Bennie, 69, of 515 Royal Avenue, retired county detective and former county freeholder; died yesterday in Cooper Hospital.
Mr. Bennie, the father of Camden County Counsel John R. Bennie, retired August 30, 1957, after serving 24 years in the prosecutor’s office. He also served as a county jury commissioner and was the operator of the Bennie Detective Agency in Camden.
Mr. Bennie has been active in various civic social and charitable organizations. He was a past president of the Independent Order, Sons of Italy, and a member of the County Detective’s Benevolent Association.
Also surviving are his Adeline; a daughter, Mrs. Marie DiMattia of Runnemede and five grandchildren.
Requiem high Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Procathedral, Pennsauken, 29th and Federal Streets.
Friends will meet at 8:30 a.m. tonight at the Joseph A. and Frank V. Falco Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road, where they may call tomorrow night.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill.