Murder, Inc. trials

This article details the results of the criminal trials of various associates of Murder, Inc.

Harry Maione and Frank Abbandando

Harry Maione and Frank Abbandando were the first members of the Brooklyn 'Combination' to be put on trial for murder. In May 1940, the trial started for the May 25, 1937 ice-pick murder of George Rudnick in a Brooklyn parking garage. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70E1FFF3E54117A93C2AA1788D85F448485F9 ANOTHER MURDER LAID TO 3 IN RING; Brooklyn Gangsters Indicted as Killers of Stool Pigeon in Garage in 1937 POLICE GUARD O'DWYER Meanwhile, Jury in Bronx Is Due to Return True Bill in Penn Slaying] , "The New York Times", March 30, 1940 p.15 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B10F63B54117A93CAA9178ED85F448485F9 MURDER RING TRIAL DUE TO START TODAY; Jury to Be Picked From Special Blue-Ribbon Panel of 150] , "The New York Times", May 8, 1940 p.20 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0C10FB3A54107A93C6A8178ED85F448485F9 MURDER RING TRIAL GETS DEATH PROOF; State Witnesses Establish the Corpus Delicti and Tell of 63 Wounds on Body EX-DEPUTY SHERIFF HELD Accused of Allowing Thug to Threaten Prisoner--Machine Used to Dig for Bodies] , The New York Times", May 14, 1940, p.18 ] Harry Strauss was also indicted for the murder, and after initially agreeing to cooperate with the District Attorney's office, he was severed from the trial. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20616FF3A54117A93CBA9178ED85F448485F9 STRAUSS TO BARE MURDERS OF RING; 'Cruelest Killer' of the Gang Agrees to Talk--Gets Severance of Trial] , "The New York Times", May 9, 1940 p.1 ] On May 15, 1940, Abe Reles testified that Rudnick was marked for death after Strauss claimed he had obtained information that Rudnick was a "stool pigeon for the police." Reles also testified that he waited outside the garage while Maione, Abbandando and Strauss were inside with Rudnick. After Rudnick was believed to have been murdered, Abbandando called for Reles and summoned Angelo "Julie" Catalano to the garage to assist with moving the body. Since Rudnick was still alive, Strauss resumed his assault with an ice-pick and Maione used a meat cleaver to complete the murder. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70C16F93A54107A93C4A8178ED85F448485F9 RELES CONFESSES TO SIX MURDERS; Crime Ring Informer Gives 4-Hour Story of Killings to Brooklyn Jury COURT ROOM IS STUNNED Calm Recital of Strangling, Shooting and Stabbing Amazes Hearers] , "The New York Times", May 16, 1940 p.23 ] The next day, Catalano, who drove the automobile with Rudnick’s body, corroborated Reles' account of the murder. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F6091EFB3A54117A93C5A8178ED85F448485F9 WITNESS UPHOLDS RELES TESTIMONY; Catalano Testifies Against Two Accused in Killing of Rudnick, Gang Informer NAMES THEM AS SLAYERS Gives Graphic Description of Ice Pick Attack in Garage and Disposition of Body] , "The New York Times", May 17, 1940 p.17 ] "Duke" Maffetore and "Pretty" Levine testified that they stole the automobile that was used to dispose of the body. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0614F83A54107A93C7A8178ED85F448485F9 INFORMERS LINK 2 TO GARAGE MURDER; Maffetore and Levene Say They Stole Car in Which Body Was Found ONE SAW TWO KILLINGS Detectives Guard Courtroom to Prevent Vengeance by Brooklyn Gangland] , "The New York Times", May 15, 1940 p.20 ] Maione and 14 witnesses testified he was at his grandmother’s wake when Rudnick was murdered. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20916FE3554117A93C3AB178ED85F448485F9 MAIONE GIVES ALIBI IN RUDNICK SLAYING; 14 Witnesses Put the Alleged Murder Ring Leader at His Grandmother's Wake HE IS CALM ON THE STAND Firmly and Politely Denies All Charges--Contradicts Reles and Others] , "The New York Times", May 21, 1940 p.29 ] The funeral home undertaker and embalmer testified that Maione was not at the wake. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30911FF3554117A93C0AB178ED85F448485F9 UNDERTAKER HITS MURDER RING ALIBI; He and Embalmer Say They Did Not See Maione at His Grandmother's Wake 'DASHER' ALSO ON STAND Like Co-Defendant, He Says He Had No Part in Slaying--Both Sides Rest] , "The New York Times", May 22, 1940 p.21 ] Also, one of Maione's chief witnesses admitted that he committed perjury as ordered by Maione's brother whom he feared. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30917FB3554117A93C1AB178ED85F448485F9 MAIONE WITNESS ADMITS PERJURY; Asserts He Lied When He Said He Saw the Defendant in Murder Ring at Wake SHARP BLOW TO DEFENSE Counsel, Summing Up, Assails Reles--Brooklyn Case Goes to the Jury Today] , "The New York Times", May 23, 1940 p.23 ] On May 23, 1940, Maione and Abbandando were convicted of first-degree murder, which meant a mandatory sentence of death in the electric chair. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0071FFE3558127A93C6AB178ED85F448485F9 TWO IN MURDER RING QUICKLY CONVICTED; Maione and Abbandando Are Found Guilty by Kings Jury, Must Go to the Chair LEPKE INDICTED IN 2 CASES Racketeer Accused in O'Dwyer Inquiry of Slayings by the Brooklyn 'Syndicate'] , "The New York Times", May 24, 1940 p.21 ] New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, overturned the conviction on a 4-3 vote in December 1940. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0D15FA3E5F167B93C3A9178AD85F458485F9 2 IN MURDER RING TO GET NEW TRIAL; Court of Appeals Reverses the Lower Tribunal in Maione and Abbandando Case FINDS JUDGE MADE ERROR Four-to-Three Decision Holds He Accepted Undisputed Testimony From Reles] ,"The New York Times", January 1, 1941, p.46 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20B16F73B5F167B93C6A8178AD85F458485F9 FIVE BACK FROM SING SING; Maione and Others Convicted as Slayers to Get New Trials] ,"The New York Times", January 14, 1941, p.42 ] The second trial started on March 10, 1941. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C15FB385F167B93C3A81788D85F458485F9 MURDER RING TRIAL BEGINS; Maione and Abbandano Again Face Jury in Killing] , "The New York Times", March 11, 1941 p.25 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0091EFC3B59167B93C7A81788D85F458485F9 RELES REPEATS TALE OF RUDNICK SLAYING; Testifies Against Maione and Abbandando at New Trial] , "The New York Times", March 15, 1941 p.32 ] At one point during the trial Maione lost his temper and threw a glass of water at Reles. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70F17F63B59167B93C2AB1788D85F458485F9 MAIONE IN TANTRUM AT MURDER TRIAL; Brooklyn Florist and Gang Leader Hurls Water Glass at Reles on Stand SCREAMS OATHS IN RAGE Courtroom Thrown Into Uproar When Defendant Objects to Ex-Partner's Testimony] , "The New York Times", March 20, 1941 p.44 ] Maione and Abbandando were convicted of first-degree murder for a second time on April 3, 1941. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30D1EFC355F167B93C6A9178FD85F458485F9 2 IN MURDER TRIAL ARE FOUND GUILTY; Abbandando and Malone Are Convicted at 2d Trial for Icepick Killing JURY OUT FOR 3 HOURS Both Men Stoical as Verdict Is Returned--Sentence to Death Mandatory] , "The New York Times", April 4, 1941 p.44 ] Maione and Abbandando were formally sentenced to death for a second time on April 14, 1941. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40D10FE3559167B93C7A8178FD85F458485F9 2 OF MURDER RING TO DIE; Court Sets Week of May 18 for Maione and Abbandando] , "The New York Times", April 15, 1941, p.25 ] The Court of Appeals upheld the second conviction on January 8, 1942. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30D10F9345C167B93CBA9178AD85F468485F9 HIGH STATE COURT DOOMS 3; Convictions of Maione, Abbandando and Cvek Are Affirmed] , "The New York Times", January 9, 1942, p.23 ] Maione and Abbandando were executed at Sing-Sing prison on February 19th, 1942. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0C12FC3F5D167B93C2AB1789D85F468485F9 2 IN MURDER RING ARE PUT TO DEATH; Maione and Abbandando Bring to Four the Number to Die for Syndicate Slayings 3 OTHERS FACE SAME FATE Executions Carried Out on Standard Time as Prison Has Not Changed Clocks] , "The New York Times", February 20, 1942, p.36 ]

Harry Strauss and Martin Goldstein

Harry "Pittsburgh Phil" Strauss, and Martin "Buggsy" Goldstein were put on trial for the September 4, 1939 strangulation murder of bookmaker Irving ("Puggy") Feinstein, whose body was set on fire and left in a vacant lot. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30B1EF83C55177A93C6A9178FD85F448485F9 CARS KILLERS USED ARE FOUND JUNKED; Oscar the Poet Sends Police to Yard Where They Uncover Parts of 30 'Hot' Autos HIS BAIL SET AT $50,000 But He Is Jailed for His Safety--Maione Offers to 'Sing,' but O'Dwyer Won't Listen] , "The New York Times", April 4, 1940, p.19 ] The trial started in September 1940 with Strauss feigning insanity. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0817FF345D10728DDDAB0994DE405B8088F1D3 Strauss's Sanity to Be Tested] , "The New York Times", June 12, 1940 p.20 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40A17FE3D5C10728DDDAB0894D0405B8088F1D3 PRISONER FIGHTS TO RETAIN BEARD; Strauss, Gang Gunman, Holds to Be Shaved Would Violate Constitutional Rights COURT RESERVES DECISION Ponders on Procedure if the Ex-Convict Were a Nudist or Needed a Bath] , "The New York Times", August 2, 1940 p.25] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20D17FB3554107A93C1A91783D85F448485F9 PITTSBURGH PHIL FAILS TO GET WRIT; Court Dismisses Habeas Corpus Plea of Murder Ring Suspect Involving Psychiatrist CASE OF BEARD PENDING Prisoner Awaits Ruling on Prosecutor's Request That He Be Ordered to Shave] ,"The New York Times", August 3, 1940 p.12] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10816FE3B5A11728DDDAC0894D1405B8088F1D3 COURT RULES THUG MUST SHAVE BEARD; Refuses to Allow Strauss to Wear His Disguise at Murder Ring Trial] , "The New York Times", September 5, 1940 p.25] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30813FA3D5C10728DDDA90994D1405B8088F1D3 MURDER RING TRIAL OPENS IN BROOKLYN; 3 Jurors Chosen and Locked Up for Night -- Strauss Stares, Mutters Continually] , "The New York Times", September 10, 1940 p.25 ] Abe Reles, the chief prosecution witness, testified that Feinstein was murdered on orders of Albert Anastasia since he supposedly “crossed” Vincent Mangano. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70D1EF9345810738DDDAE0994D1405B8088F1D3 RELES CONFESSES 5 MORE KILLINGS; Increases Number to Eleven as He Appears at the Trial of Strauss and Goldstein TURNS ON 2 OLD FRIENDS Tells of Getting Orders From 'Boss,' Waterfront Leader, to 'Take' Feinstein] , "The New York Times", September 17, 1940 p.23 ] Reles testified that he, Goldstein and Strauss murdered Feinstein in his house. Reles’ mother-in-law also testified that Reles and Strauss had asked her for an ice-pick and clothesline earlier in the day, and while at the house, heard loud music masking a commotion in the living room. She also testified hearing Strauss say that he had been bitten. Goldstein’s former bodyguard/driver Seymour Magoon corroborated the story as he testified that on the night of the murder Goldstein told him that he along with Reles and Strauss had murdered Puggy Feinstein and that shortly after the crime was committed, Goldstein and "Duke" Maffetore burned the body. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB071EFA3E54157A93CAA81782D85F448485F9 GANGSTER IN COURT PLEADS FOR LIFE; Goldstein Interrupts Murder Trial With Dramatic Appeal to His Ex-Bodyguard CRIES 'YOU'RE BURNING ME!' Magoon, State Witness, Turns Away and Corroborates Reles Story of Slaying] , "The New York Times", September 18, 1940, p.21 ] Goldstein's attorney decided not to put up a defense. Strauss's attorney claimed his client was insane. Strauss was briefly allowed on the witness stand but refused to take his oath, and was "babbling incoherently" as he was led back to the defense table. Strauss then began chewing on a leather strap of a briefcase. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F4091FF93454107A93CBA81782D85F448485F9 MURDER RING TRIAL HEARS NO DEFENSE; Goldstein's Counsel Pleads With Jury to Spare Client He Terms 'a Poor Bum' STRAUSS STARES VACANTLY Two Psychiatrists Testify He Could Not Tell Date--Opinion on Sanity Forbidden] , "The New York Times", September 19, 1940 p.22 ] On September 19, 1940, Strauss and Goldstein were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in the electric chair a week later. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0812FC3B5A11728DDDA90A94D1405B8088F1D3 TWO IN MURDER RING QUICKLY CONVICTED; Strauss and Goldstein to Die in the Chair - Judge Praises O'Dwyer Drive on Crime] , "The New York Times", September 20, 1940 p.1 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00812FF3D5D177A93C5AB1782D85F448485F9 TWO IN MURDER RING SENTENCED TO DIE; Goldstein Launches a Tirade at Judge, but Strauss Stares Vacantly CALLS ACCUSERS 'RATS' Leaders of Gang, Linked to 83 Slayings, Hear Week of Nov. 4 Set for Doom] , "The New York Times", September 27, 1940 p.22 ] On April 24, 1941, Strauss and Goldstein's convictions were affirmed by New York’s Court of Appeals on a 4-3 decision. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B11FA3559167B93C7AB178FD85F458485F9 TWO IN MURDER RING FAIL IN THEIR APPEAL; Conviction of Strauss and Goldstein Upheld at Albany] , "The New York Times", April 25, 1941 p.22 ] Strauss and Goldstein were executed in the electric chair on June 12th, 1941. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50713FD3F5B147B93C1A8178DD85F458485F9 2 IN MURDER RING ARE PUT TO DEATH; Pittsburgh Phil Strauss and Buggsy Goldstein Go to Chair for Brooklyn Slaying 83 KILLINGS LAID TO GANG Strauss Was Termed the 'Most Vicious' of Mob] , "The New York Times", June 13, 1942 p.15 ]

Charles Workman

Charles Workman was indicted in New Jersey on March 27, 1940 for the October 23, 1935 murder of Dutch Schultz and three members of his gang. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70F1FFB3A5F167B93CAAB1788D85F458485F9 SCHULTZ'S MURDER LAID TO LEPKE AIDE; Workman, Witness in Brooklyn Syndicate Slayings, Indicted in Essex County EXTRADITION TO BE SOUGHT O'Dwyer to Cooperate in Action by Jersey Prosecutor, Who Reopened the Case] , "The New York Times", March 28, 1941 p.46 ] Workman was extradited to New Jersey in April 1941. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40D14FB3F5A1B7B93C4AB178FD85F458485F9 WORKMAN GOES TO JERSEY; He Is Extradited to Answer Dutch Schultz Murder Charge] , "The New York Times", April 26, 1941 p.32 ] The trial, which opened in June 1941 featured testimony from Abe Reles and Albert Tannenbaum as the primary underworld witnesses against Workman. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B17FD3A59167B93C3AA1788D85F458485F9 'THE BUG' TO BE TRIED FOR SCHULTZ KILLING; Murder Ring Witness Will Be Extradited to New Jersey] , "The New York Times", March 31, 1941 p.17 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B17FE3F5B147B93C5A9178DD85F458485F9 SCHULTZ SLAYING LAID TO WORKMAN; Tannenbaum and Reles Testify Newark Defendant Bragged of Killing 'Dutchman' ROW WITH WEISS IS TOLD He Also Claimed 'Credit' for Fatal Shooting and Lepke Sought to End Dispute] , "The New York Times", June 7, 1941 p.19 ] The trial opened with two state witnesses, the restaurant bartender and a woman who was outside the restaurant, failing to identify Workman. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70B14F73C5B147B93C4A9178DD85F458485F9 TESTIFY IN SCHULTZ CASE; Two State Witnesses Fail to Identify Workman as Killer] , ‘‘The New York Times", June 6, 1941 p.23 ] The next day Reles and Tannenbaum provided their testimony implicating Workman. Next, a female friend of slain gangster Danny Fields, who was described as a “collector for the payroll” of Lepke, testified that Workman showed up at her apartment the day after Schultz's murder and asked Fields to burn his clothes. The woman, who used a pseudonym on the witness stand, testified that Workman openly talked about the Schultz killing and how he was left behind in the restaurant. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00717FD3E5F1A7A93CAA9178DD85F458485F9 WORKMAN KILLER, WOMAN TESTIFIES; He Called at Her Apartment and Told How Schultz Met His Death, She Adds] , "The New York Times", June 8, 1941 p.45 ] Workman’s defense opened with testimony from Marty Krompier, a close associate of Dutch Schultz, who was shot in Manhattan the same night Schultz was murdered in New Jersey. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50B11FA3C5812738DDDAD0A94D8415B858FF1D3 SCHULTZ AIDE SHOT HERE HOUR LATER; Krompier, Lieutenant of the Gangster, Critically Wounded in Broadway Barber Shop. COMPANION ALSO INJURED Assailant Opens Door Just as Pair Prepare to Leave and Fires Into Room] , "The New York Times", October 24, 1935 p.1 ] Krompier testified that Tannenbaum told him that he did not shoot him as he was in New Jersey and killed Schultz. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0E14FF3F5B147B93C2A8178DD85F458485F9 TANNENBAUM NAMED AS SCHULTZ'S SLAYER; Admitted the Killing in 1938, Says Witness for Workman] , "The New York Times", June 10, 1941 p.24 ] Workman, in the middle of his defense, changed his plea from "not-guilty" to "no contest" after one of his chief witnesses, a Manhattan funeral director, who testified that Workman was employed by him during the time of the Schultz murder, and who was the brother-in-law of the late Lepke associate Danny Fields, recanted his testimony providing Workman with an alibi. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20710FF3F5B147B93C3A8178DD85F458485F9 LIFE FOR WORKMAN AS SCHULTZ KILLER; Gangster Sentenced After He Ends Trial by Changing Plea to No Defense WORKMAN JAILED AS SCHULTZ KILLER] , "The New York Times", June 11, 1941 p.1 ] The same day Workman changed his plea, he was sentenced to life in prison. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0813FD3F5B147B93C1A8178DD85F458485F9 Workman Goes to Prison] ,"The New York Times", June 13, 1941 p.15 ] Workman was paroled on March 10, 1964 after serving 23 years in prison. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20A1FFF3A5C147A93C3A81788D85F408685F9 SCHULTZ'S KILLER FREED IN TRENTON; Charles Workman Served 23 Years of Term] , "The New York Times", March 11, 1964 p.40 ]

Irving Nitzberg

Irving "Knadles" Nitzberg, who was "imported" by the Brooklyn “Combination” from the Bronx, was put on trial for the January 9, 1939 murder of Albert ("Plug") Shuman in Brooklyn based on the testimony of three accomplices, Abe Reles, Albert Tannenbaum and Seymour Magoon. Reles testified that Shuman was killed since he cooperated with the authorities who were conducting an inquiry of Lepke’s involvement in labor racketeering. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20A15FE3D5C1B7B93C5A8178ED85F458485F9 GANG KILLER TELLS WHY HE 'REFORMED'; Became Disgusted With Way of Life That Required 11 Murders, Reles Says BELIEVES IN GOD, HE ADDS Waxes Philosophical After He Details One Slaying to Jury in Brooklyn] , "The New York Times", May 17, 1941, p.32 ] Reles also testified that he helped plan the murder of Shuman with Lepke, who at the time, was a fugitive, and Mendy Weiss, and that Lepke received approval from Albert Anastasia to use a person who lived outside Brooklyn to help with completing the assignment. Seymour Magoon testified that he stole the car used in the murder on Reles’ orders. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A1FFD3F5D167B93C4A91788D85F468485F9 POLITE MURDERER EXPLAINS SILENCE; Magoon Didn't Tell What He Knew of Gangster Leaders Out of Sheer Courtesy OR SO HE INFORMS COURT Hired Slayer of the Brooklyn Ring Says He Stole Car at Request of Reles] ,"The New York Times", March 6, 1942, p.38 ] Albert Tannenbaum testified that he was the driver that picked up Nitzberg and Shuman under the pretense of performing a robbery. Nitzberg, who was in the back seat, shot Shuman twice in the back of the head when Tannenbaum gave a predetermined signal. Tannenbaum and Nitzberg then exited the murder car to join Reles and another gangster in the getaway car and departed from the crime scene. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F7061EFB3459167B93C2AB178ED85F458485F9 GANG KILLER TELLS OF RING'S SYSTEM; Tannenbaum Holds Nitzberg, on Trial for Murder, Shot Shuman on His Signal TESTIFIES FOR THE STATE Witness, the Death-Car Driver, Says He Asked Boss 'Why Did We Kill Him?'] , "The New York Times", May 20, 1941, p.46 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10614FB3F5D167B93C2A81788D85F468485F9 BROOKLYN KILLING JUST ANOTHER JOB; ' Who Was the Guy and Why Did We Kill Him?' Tannenbaum Asked Boss, Lepke Aide HIS INTEREST ENDED THERE Death-Car Driver Testifies for the State as Nitzberg Is Retried for Shuman Death] , "The New York Times" ,March 10, 1942, p.21 ] Nitzberg was convicted of first-degree murder on May 23, 1941 and sentenced to death in the electric chair. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10B10F63459167B93C6AB178ED85F458485F9 NITZBERG HELD GUILTY AFTER 18 MINUTES; Slayer in Brooklyn Murder Syndicate Faces Death] , "The New York Times", May 24, 1941 p.34 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00F10F83C5B147B93C1A9178DD85F458485F9 Nitzberg Sentenced to Chair] , "The New York Times", June 3, 1941 p.12] However, on December 10, 1941, the conviction was overturned on a 4-3 vote by New York's Court of Appeals, which questioned the use of testimony of non-accomplice witnesses, who were promised leniency, to support the testimony of Reles, Tannenbaum and Magoon. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20813F93F5E1A7A93C3A81789D95F458485F9 MURDER RING VERDICT REVERSED IN ALBANY; Appeals Court, in 4-3 Decision, Grants New Trial to Nitzberg] ,"The New York Times", December 11, 1941, p.25 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50A17F63D581B7B93CAA91789D95F468485F9 ROBBER WINS FREEDOM; Aided in Obtaining Conviction of a Brooklyn Slayer] , “ "The New York Times", December 8, 1942, p.29 ] Nitzberg was tried a second time in 1942 with the now-deceased Reles' testimony read to the jury. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B10FC3F5D167B93C7A91788D85F468485F9 Reles's Story Echoes Hollowly When Read By the Prosecutor at 2d Trial of Nitzberg] , "The New York Times", March 5, 1941, p.16 ] Nitzberg was convicted for a second time on March 12, 1942. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10A10FA3F5D167B93C1A81788D85F468485F9 NITZBERG CONVICTED IN SHUMAN MURDER; Brooklyn Ring Member Found Guilty for Second Time] , "The New York Times", March 13, 1942, p.10 ] The conviction was overturned again by the Court of Appeals on a 4-3 vote, but this time the court also dismissed the indictment as faulty since the only testimony presented to the Grand Jury was from accomplices without corroboration. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20D1EFE3C581B7B93C0AB178AD85F478485F9 TWICE CONDEMNED, RELES AIDE FREED; Appeals Court, 4 to 3, Saves Nitzberg From Chair, Finds Indictment Faulty] ,"The New York Times", January 22, 1943, p.8 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0E13F73D59147B93CAAB178AD85F478485F9 FREED FROM DEATH HOUSE; Man, Twice Convicted of Murder, Quits Sing Sing at Last] , "The New York Times", January 28, 1943, p.9 ]

Louis Buchalter, Emanuel Weiss, Louis Capone and Philip Cohen

Louis "Lepke" Buchalter , Mendy Weiss, Louis Capone and Philip ("Little Farvel") Cohen were indicted for the murder of candy-store owner Joe Rosen. Rosen was murdered in Brooklyn on September 13, 1936. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30C15FA3C5E1A7A93C7A91783D85F458485F9 LEPKE TRIAL OPENS; JURY-PICKING LAGS; Blue-Ribbon Talesmen Prove Reluctant to Serve in Brooklyn Murder Case] , The New York Times", August 5, 1941, p.40 ] Cohen had his murder indictment dropped prior to the start of the trial after his conviction on a federal narcotics charge and received a 10 year sentence. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30B17F93959167B93C3AA178AD85F458485F9 GUILTY IN NARCOTICS CASE; Cohen and 3 Others Convicted by Federal Court Jury] , The New York Times", January 31, 1941, p.36 ] Jury selection for the trial began in August 1941. However, securing a jury for Lepke proved difficult. After enough jurors were finally selected, the trial actually started in October 1941. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40A1EFA3D5916738DDDA10994D8415B8188F1D3 LEPKE JURY FILLED AFTER FIVE WEEKS; Prolonged Sessions in Racket Murder Case Seen as Record] , The New York Times", October 14, 1941. p.34 ] The trial featured the testimony of Rosen’s son, a teacher, and underworld turncoat Sholem ("Sol") Bernstein, who was marked for death after refusing to carry out a murder contract on Irving "Big Gangi" Cohen who fled to California after the murder of Walter Sage in 1937. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20912FC385F1A7A93C1AB178BD95F458485F9 SON OF SLAIN WITNESS HEARD AT LEPKE TRIAL; Teacher Says Father Trembled After Talk With Racketeer] , The New York Times", October 23, 1941. p.10 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A13F739591A728DDDAC0A94D8415B8188F1D3 MURDER RING AIDE INVOLVES 'BOSSES'; Bernstein, Who Fled After He Balked at 'Job,' Implicates Weiss and Capone] , "The New York Times", October 25, 1941. p.19 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60D11FB3B5C16738DDDA10A94D8415B8188F1D3 RAT' TELLS OF JOB IN MURDER RING; Self-Described Figure Says He Talks Because Brooklyn 'Combination' Sought Him] ,The New York Times", October 28, 1941. p.25] Lepke, Weiss and Capone were convicted on November 30, 1941. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F6091FFF3B5F1A7A93C2AA178AD95F458485F9 LEPKE CONVICTED WITH TWO AIDES; ALL FACE DEATH; Former Gang Chief, Weiss and Capone Found Guilty After Jury Ponders 4 1/2 Hours] , "The New York Times", November 30, 1941. p.1 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0714FB345B147B93C1A91789D95F458485F9 LEPKE AND 2 AIDES SENTENCED TO DIE; Gang Leader White-Faced and Shaken as He Hears Doom Pronounced by Court THEIR FAMILIES BARRED Nominal Execution Date of Jan. 4 Set, but Long Delay Because of Appeals Looms] ,"The New York Times", December 3, 1941. p.52] The Court of Appeals upheld the murder convictions of Lepke, Weiss and Capone in October 1942 on a 4-3 vote. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00613F83D5B167B93C3AA178BD95F468485F9 LEPKE CONVICTION UPHELD IN ALBANY; Court of Appeals Votes, 4 to 3, to Sustain Jury's Verdict of a Death Sentence] , "The New York Times", October 31, 1942. p.17 ] The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Lepke's appeal in Feb 1943. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20B11F83C581B7B93C4A81789D85F478485F9 HIGH COURT RULES LEPKE MUST DIE; Rejects Petition for Review of Racket Chief's Conviction for Brooklyn Murder] , "The New York Times", February 16, 1943. p.11 ] In March 1943, the Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision and granted a review to Lepke, Weiss and Capone. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30710FC3F581B7B93C4A81788D85F478485F9 LEPKE'S LAST HOPE REVIVED BY COURT; Supreme Bench, Reversing its Feb. 15 Ruling, Gives Review to 3 in Murder Case] , "The New York Times", March 16, 1943. p.21 ] The Supreme Court upheld the conviction in June 1943. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3071FFB3F54107B93C0A9178DD85F478485F9 HIGH COURT SEALS LEPKE TRIO DEATHS; Tribunal in Washington Says Brooklyn Gang Defendants Had a Fair Trial] , "The New York Times", June 2, 1943. p.27 ] Before Lepke could be executed, New York State needed the federal government to turn Lepke over as he was currently serving a 14 year sentence in federal prison. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60712FE3C5C167B93C5A8178CD85F478485F9 STATE WINS FIGHT TO SENTENCE LEPKE; U.S. to Produce Slayer Before Appeals Court Tuesday for Death Penalty Decree REVERSES ITS REFUSAL Gangster's Two Colleagues, Now in Sing Sing, Will Appear With Him] , "The New York Times", July 17, 1943. p.15] Lepke continued to vigorously appeal his death sentence in New York and transfer from federal custody. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F1081FFC3B54107B93C0AB178AD85F408485F9 Lepke Is Turned Over to State by the U.S.; Taken to Sing Sing and Put in Death House] ,"The New York Times", January 22, 1944 p.1 ] Lepke, Weiss and Capone were executed in Sing-Sing prison on March 4, 1944. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5091FFF3A58157A93C7A91788D85F408485F9 LEPKE IS PUT TO DEATH, DENIES GUILT TO LAST; MAKES NO REVELATION; TWO AIDES ALSO DIE] ,"The New York Times", March 5, 1944]

Vito Gurino

Vito "Socko" Gurino, a 275 pound gangster, was sought for questioning in the Brooklyn murder investigation as the member assigned to eliminate witnesses against the “Combination.” [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0914FE3854117A93C6AB178FD85F448485F9 GANG PRISON CALL TO BE INVESTIGATED; Queens Prosecutor Asserts if Crime Is Revealed He Will Take Definite Action NEW WARDEN APPOINTED Action Follows Report Gunman, Now Missing, Threatened Murder Ring Witness] , "The New York Times", April 24, 1940. p.24 ] First, Gurino attempted to silence a small time gangster and eyewitness to the George Rudnick murder. [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5061FF93F54117A93CBAB1788D85F448485F9 MURDER RING PLOT TO KILL A WITNESS FOILED BY POLICE; O'Dwyer Says Gang Got Man Out of Jail Against His Wish in Order to Slay Him ALMOST 'TAKEN FOR RIDE' Picked Up by Detectives as He Argued Against 'Trip'] , "The New York Times", March 29, 1940. p.1 ] Police picked up Angelo ("Julie") Catalano on the streets of Brooklyn, shortly after being bailed out by the syndicate, as Gurino tried to convince him to "hide out" on Long Island. Several days later, Gurino used a contact, corrupt Queens County Deputy Sherriff William Cassele, to enter the County’s civil prison on the night of March 29, 1940. Cassele then forced Joseph (“Joe the Baker”) Liberto, who was being held as a material witness in the George Rudnick murder, to meet with Gurino. According to Liberto, he was pushed up against a wall in his cell and threatened with death if he cooperated with the District Attorney. Liberto was taken into custody shortly after an acquaintance drove him to a farmhouse on Long Island. Liberto quickly exited through a window convinced he was going to be killed. Gurino, who was hiding out in New Jersey for much of 1940, was arrested on September 12, 1940 at the Church of the Guardian Angel in Manhattan screaming hysterically in fear for his life. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10610FC3454107A93C0A81782D85F448485F9 Murder Ring Fugitive Seeks Haven in Church; 'Trigger Man' Hysterical in Fear of Killers; GUNMAN SEEKS REFUGE IN CHURCH] , "The New York Times", September 12, 1940. p.1 ] Shortly after being arrested, Gurino confessed to three syndicate murders and implicated himself in four others. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60A10FD3454107A93C1A81782D85F448485F9 GURINO CONFESSES TO THREE MURDERS; Ring's 'Toughest Trigger Man' Implicates Himself in Four Others, O'Dwyer Says KILLED TWO IN APARTMENT Gained Access When Confederate, Now in Death House,Wore Woman's Clothes as Ruse] , ",The New York Times", September 13, 1940 ] In March 1942, Gurino pled guilty to three murders. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60E15FB345F167B93C6AB1788D85F468485F9 GURINO PLEADS GUILTY ON 3 MURDER COUNTS; Trigger Man of Brooklyn Ring Admits 2d-Degree Charges] , "The New York Times", March 24, 1942. p.1 ] . In April 1942, Gurino was sentenced to 80 years-to-life in prison. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40711FE3E5D167B93CAA9178FD85F468485F9 80-YEAR SENTENCES FOR MURDER RING 'ACE'; Gurino, Trigger Man, Gets Three Consecutive Terms] , "The New York Times", April 4, 1942,]

Jacob Drucker and Irving Cohen

Jacob ("Jack") Drucker and Irving ("Big Gangi") Cohen, were put on trial separately for the murder of racketeer Walter Sage in the Catskills. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30916FD3F54117A93C3AB1788D85F448485F9 FIVE ARE INDICTED IN MURDER FOR HIRE; Big Gangi Named in Sealed Bills Involving 2 Slayings in Sullivan County O'DWYER DENIES FRICTION Amen Also Scouts Talk of Clash -- Woman Accused of 'Fixes' for Brooklyn Gang] , "The New York Times", March 21, 1940, p.29 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70612FA3A54107A93C1AB1788D85F448485F9 NEW MURDER HUNT STARTED UP-STATE; Jack Drucker of Monticello Is Sought in Gang Killings Originating in City QUERIED IN OTHER CRIMES Reported Having Been in Miami Recently--County Aroused by the Revelations] , "The New York Times", March 23, 1940, p.3 ] Sage was killed with an ice-pick and had the frame of a slot machine tied to his body, which was found in Swan Lake on July 31, 1937. After the murder, Cohen fled to California believing he was also going to be killed and managed to secure small roles in films. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50C11F93E54117A93C3A8178FD85F448485F9 COHEN BROUGHT HERE AS CONTRACT SLAYER; Questioned 5 Hours by O'Dwyer, Then Sent to Monticello] "The New York Times," April 11, 1940, p.17 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50B10FC345D10728DDDA10994DE405B8088F1D3 MURDER ACCUSATION MAKES COHEN WEEP; Breakdown Necessitates Recess at Monticello Trial] , "The New York Times," June 8, 1940, p.25 ] According to the chief prosecution witness Abraham "Pretty" Levine, Sage was riding in a car with Cohen and Drucker when he was stabbed 32 times with an icepick as Levine and Harry Strauss were following in another car. During the assault and struggle, Drucker stabbed Cohen once in the arm as Sage had grabbed the steering wheel and wrecked the car. Levine also testified that he observed Drucker wiping the ice-pick clean before helping dispose of the body. Cohen tearfully testified in his own defense, stating that Levine had stabbed him with an ice-pick as he was walking home from a casino. Cohen stated that he was assaulted by Levine and another man on Drucker's orders since he refused to pay 25% profit on a game of chance that he operated. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50A14FD3554107A93C3AB178DD85F448485F9 GANG SLAYING DENIED BY COHEN, 'BIT' ACTOR; Testimony Ends in Up-State Case Linked to Brooklyn Ring] , "The New York Times", June 21, 1940, p.15] Cohen was acquitted on June 21, 1940. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3071EFD345D10728DDDAB0A94DE405B8088F1D3 BIG GANGI COHEN CLEARED OF MURDER; Slaying Was One of 57 Laid to Syndicate in Brooklyn] ,"The New York Times", June 22, 1940, p.34 ] Drucker, who was a suspect in four murders in the Catskills, was a fugitive for over three years until the FBI located him in Delaware. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0C16F93B58157A93CAAB1789D95F478485F9 FUGITIVE DRUCKER SEIZED AS SLAYER; Brooklyn Gang Figure, Sought in Up-State Killing, Found by FBI in Delaware] , "The New York Times", December 28, 1943, p.19 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40C12FF3B54107B93C2AA1789D95F478485F9 FBI GIVES UP DRUCKER; Extradition Move to Start Now Against Alleged Slayer] , "The New York Times", December 30, 1943, p.19 ] Drucker was convicted of second-degree murder on May 5, 1944 and received a sentence of 25 years-to-life. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00E16FA385C167B93C4A9178ED85F408485F9 DRUCKER GUILTY OF ICE-PICK MURDER; Brooklyn Ring's Finger-Man Is Convicted in Second Degree] ,"The New York Times", May 6, 1944, p.30 ] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0617F93959147B93C0A8178ED85F408485F9 DRUCKER GETS 25 YEARS; Murder, Inc., Alleged Trigger Man Sentenced at Monticello] , "The New York Times", May 12, 1944, p.21 ] Drucker died in Attica prison in January 1962. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0811FF3E551A7B93C6AB178AD85F468685F9 Murder Inc. Figure Dies] , "NY Times", January 24, 1962. p.21 ]

Others

Max (the "Jerk") Golob was indicted with Frank Abbandando for first-degree murder in the slaying of gangster John ("Spider") Murtha on March 3, 1935. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10612FD3F54117A93C7AB1788D85F448485F9 2 LEPKE MEN SEIZED IN MURDER INQUIRY; Held as Vagrants, but One Is Wanted in Up-State Killing--Maxie the Jerk Jailed] , "The New York Times, March 25, 1940, p.1] With little evidence other than the eyewitness testimony of Murtha's female companion, Golob was permitted to plead guilty to second-degree assault and received a maximum term of five years. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0D16FE3E5F167B93C7A91789D85F468485F9 AVOIDS TRIAL FOR MURDER; Max Golob, Member of Brooklyn Ring, Allowed Lesser Plea] , "The New York Times, February 5, 1942, p.14]

Jack (the "Dandy") Parisi was acquitted of two murders, Teamsters official Morris Diamond in Brooklyn and music-publishing executive Irving Penn, in the Bronx. Penn was killed by mistaken-identity as the intended target, Philip Orlofsky, a Cutters Union official, left his home early to get a shave the day his killers waited for him. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30F13FF3D54107B93C5A81789D85F478485F9 PENN JURY HEARS INTENDED VICTIM; Orlofsky Says Killers Missed Him When He Left Home an Hour Early to Get Shaved] , "The New York Times, February 17, 1943, p.23] Parisi was a fugitive for 10 years until he was captured in Pennsylvania in 1949. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A12FB3A59157A93C7A8178BD95F4D8485F9 10-YEAR FUGITIVE CAUGHT; Parisi, Murder, Inc., Gunman, Surprised in Sleep] ,"The New York Times, October 15, 1949, p.30] Albert Tannenbaum was brought in from Atlanta, where was reportedly living, to testify for the prosecution. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0710FD355E10728DDDA90B94DB405B8089F1D3 MURDER WITNESS BACK; Accuser of Lepke Will Testify Against Another Suspect] ,"The New York Times, March 30, 1950, p.22] One accomplice in the Penn murder, Jacob ("Kuppy") Migden, who provided the erroneous idenfification of Penn, and who was also a fugitive for several years, pled guilty to attempted first-degree assault in the middle of his murder trial, and was sentenced to a term of 5-10 years. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0916F63C581B7B93CAA81789D85F478485F9 LEPKE AIDE ADMITS HIS GUILT IN KILLING; Halts Trial in the Mistaken Identity Penn Murder to Plead to Assault Charge] ,"The New York Times, February 18, 1943, p.24] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C12F6355D167B93C4A91788D85F478485F9 GETS 5 YEARS IN SLAYING; Migden Had Pleaded Guilty to Assault Attempt on Penn] , "The New York Times, March 6, 1943, p.15] Each of Parisi's murder trials ended with an acquittal as the judges directed a verdict of not-guilty due to the lack of corroborating evidence since the chief witnesses for the prosecution were accomplices. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00D10FF385C10728DDDAD0994DC405B8089F1D3 PARISI IS ACQUITTED, FACES NEW CHARGE] ,"The New York Times, April 14, 1950, p.24] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10B1FFB3F59157B93C7A8178FD85F448585F9 PARISI IS ARRAIGNED FOR BRONX MURDER] , "The New York Times, April 15, 1950, p.8] [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F13F93B5C1A718DDDAC0994DE405B8089F1D3 FREED IN MISTAKE-MURDER; Suspect Recently Won Freedom on Second Slaying Charge] , "The New York Times, June 15, 1950, p.4]

Sidney ("Fats") Brown was the subject of a sealed first-degree murder indictment in Sullivan County, New York. The indictment was dismissed after the death of Abe Reles, the sole witness. Brown was never arrested and the identity of the murder victim was never revealed. [ [http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F10F63E5F167B93C5A91789D85F468485F9 Murder, Inc., Indictment Dropped] , "The New York Times, February 7, 1942, p.9 ]

References