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== Trials == === 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 "Whitey" Rudnick in a Brooklyn parking garage.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/30/archives/another-murder-laid-to-3-in-ring-brooklyn-gangsters-indicted-as.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70E1FFF3E54117A93C2AA1788D85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174531/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70E1FFF3E54117A93C2AA1788D85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-03-30 }}</ref><ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174538/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B10F63B54117A93CAA9178ED85F448485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://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 β Machine Used to Dig for Bodies], ''The New York Times'', May 14, 1940, p. 18.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174544/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0C10FB3A54107A93C6A8178ED85F448485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> [[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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/09/archives/strauss-to-bare-murders-of-ring-cruelest-killer-of-the-gang-agrees.html Strauss to Bare Murders of Ring; 'Cruelest Killer' of the Gang Agrees to Talk β Gets Severance of Trial], ''The New York Times'', May 9, 1940 p. 1.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20616FF3A54117A93CBA9178ED85F448485F9 |title=STRAUSS TO BARE MURDERS OF RING; 'Cruelest Killer' of the Gang Agrees to Talk--Gets Severance of Trial |access-date=May 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174551/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20616FF3A54117A93CBA9178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-05-09 |last1=World |first1=Times Wide }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/16/archives/reles-confesses-to-six-murders-crime-ring-informer-gives-4hour.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70C16F93A54107A93C4A8178ED85F448485F9 |title=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 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=16 May 1940 |access-date=May 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174558/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70C16F93A54107A93C4A8178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> The next day, Catalano, who drove the automobile with Rudnick's body, corroborated Reles' account of the murder.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/17/archives/witness-upholds-reles-testimony-catalano-testifies-against-two.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F6091EFB3A54117A93C5A8178ED85F448485F9 |title=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 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=17 May 1940 |access-date=May 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174607/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F6091EFB3A54117A93C5A8178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> "Dukey" Maffetore and Abe "Pretty" Levine testified that they stole the automobile that was used to dispose of the body.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/15/archives/informers-link-2-to-garage-murder-maffetore-and-levene-say-they.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0614F83A54107A93C7A8178ED85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174618/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0614F83A54107A93C7A8178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-05-15 }}</ref> Maione and 14 witnesses testified that he was at his grandmother's wake when Rudnick was murdered.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/21/archives/maione-gives-alibi-in-rudnick-slaying-14-witnesses-put-the-alleged.html 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 β Contradicts Reles and Others], ''The New York Times'', May 21, 1940 p. 29.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20916FE3554117A93C3AB178ED85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174633/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20916FE3554117A93C3AB178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-05-21 }}</ref> The funeral home undertaker and embalmer testified that Maione was not at the wake.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/22/archives/undertaker-hits-murder-ring-alibi-he-and-embalmer-say-they-did-not.html 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 β Both Sides Rest], ''The New York Times'', May 22, 1940 p. 21.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30911FF3554117A93C0AB178ED85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174639/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30911FF3554117A93C0AB178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-05-22 }}</ref> Also, one of Maione's chief witnesses admitted that he committed perjury as ordered by Maione's brother, whom he feared.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/23/archives/maione-witness-admits-perjury-asserts-he-lied-when-he-said-he-saw.html 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 β Brooklyn Case Goes to the Jury Today], ''The New York Times'', May 23, 1940 p. 23.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30917FB3554117A93C1AB178ED85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174650/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30917FB3554117A93C1AB178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-05-23 }}</ref> On May 23, 1940, Maione and Abbandando were convicted of first-degree murder, which meant a mandatory sentence of death in the [[electric chair]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/24/archives/two-in-murder-ring-quickly-convicted-maione-and-abbandando-are.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0071FFE3558127A93C6AB178ED85F448485F9 |title=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' |access-date=May 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174656/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0071FFE3558127A93C6AB178ED85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-05-24 }}</ref> New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, overturned the conviction on a 4β3 vote in December 1940.<ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174702/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0D15FA3E5F167B93C3A9178AD85F458485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/14/archives/five-back-from-sing-sing-maione-and-others-convicted-as-slayers-to.html Five Back from Sing Sing; Maione and Others Convicted as Slayers to Get New Trials] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174710/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20B16F73B5F167B93C6A8178AD85F458485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', January 14, 1941, p. 42.{{subscription required}}</ref> The second trial started on March 10, 1941.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/03/11/archives/murder-ring-trial-begins-maione-and-abbandano-again-face-jury-in.html Murder Ring Trial Begins; Maione and Abbandano Again Face Jury in Killing], ''The New York Times'', March 11, 1941 p. 25.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C15FB385F167B93C3A81788D85F458485F9 |title=MURDER RING TRIAL BEGINS; Maione and Abbandano Again Face Jury in Killing |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174717/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C15FB385F167B93C3A81788D85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-03-11 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/03/15/archives/reles-repeats-tale-of-rudnick-slaying-testifies-against-maione-and.html Reles Repeats Tale of Rudnick Slaying; Testifies Against Maione and Abbandando at New Trial], ''The New York Times'', March 15, 1941 p. 32.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0091EFC3B59167B93C7A81788D85F458485F9 |title=RELES REPEATS TALE OF RUDNICK SLAYING; Testifies Against Maione and Abbandando at New Trial |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174726/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0091EFC3B59167B93C7A81788D85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-03-15 }}</ref> At one point during the trial, Maione lost his temper and threw a glass of water at Reles.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/03/20/archives/maione-in-tantrum-at-murder-trial-brooklyn-florist-and-gang-leader.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70F17F63B59167B93C2AB1788D85F458485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174738/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70F17F63B59167B93C2AB1788D85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-03-20 }}</ref> Maione and Abbandando were convicted of first-degree murder for a second time on April 3, 1941.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/04/04/archives/2-in-murder-trial-are-found-guilty-abbandando-and-malone-are.html 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 β Sentence to Death Mandatory], ''The New York Times'', April 4, 1941 p. 44.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30D1EFC355F167B93C6A9178FD85F458485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174749/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30D1EFC355F167B93C6A9178FD85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-04-04 }}</ref> Maione and Abbandando were formally sentenced to death for a second time on April 14, 1941.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/04/15/archives/2-of-murder-ring-to-die-court-sets-week-of-may-18-for-maione-and.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40D10FE3559167B93C7A8178FD85F458485F9 |title=2 OF MURDER RING TO DIE; Court Sets Week of May 18 for Maione and Abbandando |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174755/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40D10FE3559167B93C7A8178FD85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-04-15 }}</ref> The Court of Appeals upheld the second conviction on January 8, 1942.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/01/09/archives/high-state-court-dooms-3-convictions-of-maione-abbandando-and-cvek.html High State Court Dooms 3; Convictions of Maione, Abbandando and Cvek Are Affirmed], ''The New York Times'', January 9, 1942, p. 23.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30D10F9345C167B93CBA9178AD85F468485F9 |title=HIGH STATE COURT DOOMS 3; Convictions of Maione, Abbandando and Cvek Are Affirmed |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174800/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30D10F9345C167B93CBA9178AD85F468485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1942-01-09 }}</ref> Maione and Abbandando were executed at Sing Sing prison on February 19, 1942.<ref>[https://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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174810/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0C12FC3F5D167B93C2AB1789D85F468485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', February 20, 1942, p. 36.{{subscription required}}</ref> === Harry Strauss and Martin Goldstein === [[Harry Strauss]] and [[Martin Goldstein]] were put on trial for the September 4, 1939, strangulation murder of bookmaker [[Irving Feinstein]], whose body was set on fire and left in a vacant lot after Feinstein had been strangled.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/04/archives/cars-killers-used-are-found-junked-oscar-the-poet-sends-police-to.html 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 β Maione Offers to 'Sing,' but O'Dwyer Won't Listen], ''The New York Times'', April 4, 1940, p. 19.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30B1EF83C55177A93C6A9178FD85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174822/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30B1EF83C55177A93C6A9178FD85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-04-04 }}</ref> The trial started in September 1940 with Strauss feigning insanity.<ref>[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0817FF345D10728DDDAB0994DE405B8088F1D3 Strauss's Sanity to Be Tested], ''The New York Times'', June 12, 1940 p. 20.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174903/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0817FF345D10728DDDAB0994DE405B8088F1D3 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/02/archives/prisoner-fights-to-retain-beard-strauss-gang-gunman-holds-to-be.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40A17FE3D5C10728DDDAB0894D0405B8088F1D3 |title=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 |access-date=September 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174909/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40A17FE3D5C10728DDDAB0894D0405B8088F1D3 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-08-02 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/03/archives/pittsburgh-phil-fails-to-get-writ-court-dismisses-habeas-corpus.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20D17FB3554107A93C1A91783D85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=September 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174917/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20D17FB3554107A93C1A91783D85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-08-03 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/05/archives/court-rules-thug-must-shave-beard-refuses-to-allow-strauss-to-wear.html Court Rules Thug must Shave Beard; Refuses to Allow Strauss to Wear His Disguise at Murder Ring Trial] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174926/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10816FE3B5A11728DDDAC0894D1405B8088F1D3 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 5, 1940 p. 25.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/10/archives/murder-ring-trial-opens-in-brooklyn-3-jurors-chosen-and-locked-up.html Murder Ring Trial Opens in Brooklyn; 3 Jurors Chosen and Locked Up for Night β Strauss Stares, Mutters Continually] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174934/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30813FA3D5C10728DDDA90994D1405B8088F1D3 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 10, 1940 p. 25.{{subscription required}}</ref> Abe Reles, the chief prosecution witness, testified that Feinstein was murdered on orders of [[Albert Anastasia]], since he supposedly "crossed" [[Vincent Mangano]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/17/archives/reles-confesses-5-more-killings-increases-number-to-eleven-as-he.html 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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174941/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70D1EF9345810738DDDAE0994D1405B8088F1D3 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 17, 1940 p. 23.{{subscription required}}</ref> Reles testified that he, Goldstein and Strauss murdered Feinstein in his house. Reles's 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.<ref>[https://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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175452/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB071EFA3E54157A93CAA81782D85F448485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 18, 1940, p. 21.{{subscription required}}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/19/archives/murder-ring-trial-hears-no-defense-goldsteins-counsel-pleads-with.html 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 β Opinion on Sanity Forbidden] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175502/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F4091FF93454107A93CBA81782D85F448485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 19, 1940 p. 22.{{subscription required}}</ref> On September 19, 1940, Strauss and Goldstein were convicted of first-degree murder and a week later sentenced to death in the electric chair.<ref>[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0812FC3B5A11728DDDA90A94D1405B8088F1D3 Two in Murder Ring Quickly Convicted; Strauss and Goldstein to Die in the Chair β Judge Praises O'Dwyer Drive on Crime] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175508/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0812FC3B5A11728DDDA90A94D1405B8088F1D3 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 20, 1940 p. 1.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/27/archives/two-in-murder-ring-sentenced-to-die-goldstein-launches-a-tirade-at.html 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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175516/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00812FF3D5D177A93C5AB1782D85F448485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 27, 1940 p. 22.{{subscription required}}</ref> On April 24, 1941, Strauss and Goldstein's convictions were affirmed by New York's Court of Appeals on a 4β3 decision.<ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175524/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B11FA3559167B93C7AB178FD85F458485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> Strauss and Goldstein were executed in the electric chair on June 12, 1941.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/13/archives/2-in-murder-ring-are-put-to-death-pittsburgh-phil-strauss-and.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50713FD3F5B147B93C1A8178DD85F458485F9 |title=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 -- Workman Goes to Jersey Prison |access-date=May 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175531/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50713FD3F5B147B93C1A8178DD85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-06-13 }}</ref> ===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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/03/28/archives/schultzs-murder-laid-to-lepke-aide-workman-witness-in-brooklyn.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70F1FFB3A5F167B93CAAB1788D85F458485F9 |title=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 |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175540/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70F1FFB3A5F167B93CAAB1788D85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-03-28 }}</ref> Workman was extradited to New Jersey in April 1941.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/04/26/archives/workman-goes-to-jersey-he-is-extradited-to-answer-dutch-schultz.html Workman Goes to Jersey; He Is Extradited to Answer Dutch Schultz Murder Charge], ''The New York Times'', April 26, 1941 p. 32.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40D14FB3F5A1B7B93C4AB178FD85F458485F9 |title=WORKMAN GOES TO JERSEY; He is Extradited to Answer Dutch Schultz Murder Charge |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175547/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40D14FB3F5A1B7B93C4AB178FD85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-04-26 }}</ref> The trial, which opened in June 1941, featured testimony from [[Abe Reles]] and [[Albert Tannenbaum]] as the primary underworld witnesses against Workman.<ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175557/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B17FD3A59167B93C3AA1788D85F458485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175605/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B17FE3F5B147B93C5A9178DD85F458485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> The trial opened with two state witnesses, the restaurant bartender and a woman who was outside the restaurant, failing to identify Workman.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/06/archives/testify-in-schultz-case-two-state-witnesses-fail-to-identify.html Testify in Schultz Case; Two State Witnesses Fail to Identify Workman as Killer], ''The New York Times'', June 6, 1941 p. 23.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70B14F73C5B147B93C4A9178DD85F458485F9 |title=TESTIFY IN SCHULTZ CASE; Two State Witnesses Fail to Identify Workman as Killer |access-date=August 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175614/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70B14F73C5B147B93C4A9178DD85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-06-06 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/08/archives/workman-killer-woman-testifies-he-called-at-her-apartment-and-told.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00717FD3E5F1A7A93CAA9178DD85F458485F9 |title=WORKMAN KILLER, WOMAN TESTIFIES; He Called at Her Apartment and Told How Schultz Met His Death, She Adds |access-date=August 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107225553/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00717FD3E5F1A7A93CAA9178DD85F458485F9 |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-06-08 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/24/archives/schultz-aide-shot-here-hour-later-krompier-lieutenant-of-the.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50B11FA3C5812738DDDAD0A94D8415B858FF1D3 |title=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. SCHULTZ AIDE SHOT HERE HOUR LATER |access-date=September 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175628/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50B11FA3C5812738DDDAD0A94D8415B858FF1D3 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1935-10-24 }}</ref> Krompier testified that Tannenbaum told him that he did not shoot him as he was in New Jersey and killed Schultz.<ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175638/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0E14FF3F5B147B93C2A8178DD85F458485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> Workman, in the middle of his defense, changed his plea from 'not guilty' to 'no contest' after one of his chief defense 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 that had provided Workman with an alibi.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/11/archives/life-for-workman-as-schultz-killer-gangster-sentenced-after-he-ends.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20710FF3F5B147B93C3A8178DD85F458485F9 |title=Life for Workman as Schultz killer; Gangster Sentenced After He Ends Trial by Changing Plea to No Defense Workman jailed as Schultz killer |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175646/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20710FF3F5B147B93C3A8178DD85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-06-11 }}</ref> The same day Workman changed his plea, he was sentenced to life in prison.<ref>[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0813FD3F5B147B93C1A8178DD85F458485F9 Workman Goes to Prison], ''The New York Times'', June 13, 1941 p. 15.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175654/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0813FD3F5B147B93C1A8178DD85F458485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> Workman was paroled on March 10, 1964, after serving 23 years in prison.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/11/archives/schultzs-killer-freed-in-treton-charles-workman-served-23-years-of.html Schultz's Killer Freed in Trenton; Charles Workman Served 23 Years of Term], ''The New York Times'', March 11, 1964 p. 40.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20A1FFF3A5C147A93C3A81788D85F408685F9 |title=Schultz's Killer Freed In Trenton; Charles Workman Served 23 Years of Term |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175704/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20A1FFF3A5C147A93C3A81788D85F408685F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1964-03-11 }}</ref> === Irving Nitzberg === Irving Nitzberg, who was "imported" by the Brooklyn "Combination" from the Bronx, was put on trial for the January 9, 1939, murder of Albert 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/17/archives/gang-killer-tells-why-he-reformed-became-disgusted-with-way-of-life.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20A15FE3D5C1B7B93C5A8178ED85F458485F9 |title=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 |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175710/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20A15FE3D5C1B7B93C5A8178ED85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-05-17 }}</ref> Reles also testified that he helped plan the murder of Shuman with Lepke, who was a fugitive at the time, and [[Emanuel Weiss|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's orders.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/06/archives/polite-murderer-explains-silence-magoon-didnt-tell-what-he-knew-of.html "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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A1FFD3F5D167B93C4A91788D85F468485F9 |title=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 |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175717/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A1FFD3F5D167B93C4A91788D85F468485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1942-03-06 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/20/archives/gang-killer-tells-of-rings-system-tannenbaum-holds-nitzberg-on.html "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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F7061EFB3459167B93C2AB178ED85F458485F9 |title=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?' |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175729/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F7061EFB3459167B93C2AB178ED85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-05-20 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/10/archives/brooklyn-killing-just-another-job-who-was-the-guy-and-why-did-we.html "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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10614FB3F5D167B93C2A81788D85F468485F9 |title=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 |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175736/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10614FB3F5D167B93C2A81788D85F468485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1942-03-10 }}</ref> Nitzberg was convicted of first-degree murder on May 23, 1941, and sentenced to death in the electric chair.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/24/archives/nitzberg-held-guilty-after-18-minutes-slayer-in-brooklyn-murder.html "Nitzberg Held Guilty after 18 Minutes; Slayer in Brooklyn Murder Syndicate Faces Death"], ''The New York Times'', May 24, 1941 p. 34.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10B10F63459167B93C6AB178ED85F458485F9 |title=Nitzberg Held Guilty After 18 Minutes; Slayer in Brooklyn Murder Syndicate Faces Death |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175743/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10B10F63459167B93C6AB178ED85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-05-24 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/03/archives/nitzberg-sentenced-to-chair.html "Nitzberg Sentenced to Chair"], ''The New York Times'', June 3, 1941 p. 12.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00F10F83C5B147B93C1A9178DD85F458485F9 |title=Nitzberg Sentenced to Chair |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175753/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00F10F83C5B147B93C1A9178DD85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-06-03 }}</ref> However, on December 10, 1941, the conviction was overturned on a 4β3 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/12/11/archives/murder-ring-verdict-reversed-in-albany-appeals-court-in-43-decision.html "Murder Ring Verdict Reversed in Albany; Appeals Court, in 4β3 Decision, Grants New Trial to Nitzberg"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175759/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20813F93F5E1A7A93C3A81789D95F458485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', December 11, 1941, p. 25.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/12/08/archives/robber-wins-freedom-aided-in-obtaining-conviction-of-a-brooklyn.html "Robber Wins Freedom; Aided in Obtaining Conviction of a Brooklyn Slayer"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175806/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50A17F63D581B7B93CAA91789D95F468485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', December 8, 1942, p. 29.{{subscription required}}</ref> Nitzberg was tried a second time in 1942 with the now-deceased Reles's testimony read to the jury.<ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175814/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0B10FC3F5D167B93C7A91788D85F468485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> Nitzberg was convicted for a second time on March 12, 1942.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/13/archives/nitzberg-convicted-in-shuman-murder-brooklyn-ring-member-found.html "Nitzberg Convicted in Shuman Murder; Brooklyn Ring Member Found Guilty for Second Time"], ''The New York Times'', March 13, 1942, p. 10.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10A10FA3F5D167B93C1A81788D85F468485F9 |title=Nitzberg Convicted In Shuman Murder; Brooklyn Ring Member Found Guilty for Second Time |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175820/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10A10FA3F5D167B93C1A81788D85F468485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1942-03-13 }}</ref> The conviction was overturned again by the Court of Appeals on a 4β3 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/01/22/archives/twice-condemned-reles-aide-freed-appeals-court-4-to-3-saves.html "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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20D1EFE3C581B7B93C0AB178AD85F478485F9 |title=Twice Condemned, Reles Aide Freed; Appeals Court, 4 to 3, Saves Nitzberg from Chair, Finds Indictment Faulty |access-date=June 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175829/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20D1EFE3C581B7B93C0AB178AD85F478485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1943-01-22 }}</ref><ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175842/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0E13F73D59147B93CAAB178AD85F478485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> === Louis Buchalter, Emanuel Weiss, Louis Capone, Harry Strauss, James Feraco and Philip Cohen === [[File:Louis Buchalter sentencing.jpg|thumb|[[Louis Buchalter|Louis "Lepke" Buchalter]], standing in court during sentencing, December 2, 1941]] [[Louis Buchalter]], [[Emanuel Weiss]], [[Louis Capone]], [[Harry Strauss]], James Feraco went on trial August 5, 1941.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/08/05/archives/lepke-trial-opens-jurypicking-lags-blueribbon-talesmen-prove.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30C15FA3C5E1A7A93C7A91783D85F458485F9 |title=LEPKE TRIAL OPENS; JURY-PICKING LAGS; Blue-Ribbon Talesmen Prove Reluctant to Serve in Brooklyn Murder Case |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175853/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30C15FA3C5E1A7A93C7A91783D85F458485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1941-08-05 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/31/archives/guilty-in-narcotics-case-cohen-and-3-others-convicted-by-federal.html Guilty in Narcotics Case; Cohen and 3 Others Convicted by Federal Court Jury] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175900/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30B17F93959167B93C3AA178AD85F458485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', January 31, 1941, p. 36.{{subscription required}}</ref> James Feraco had vanished without a trace and was presumably killed in 1940 or 1941, and Harry Strauss had already been executed for the murder of Irving Feinstein. 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/18/archives/lepke-jury-filled-after-five-weeks-prolonged-sessions-in-racket.html Lepke Jury Filled after Five Weeks; Prolonged Sessions in Racket Murder Case Seen as Record] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175913/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40A1EFA3D5916738DDDA10994D8415B8188F1D3 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', October 14, 1941. p. 34.{{subscription required}}</ref> The trial featured the testimony of Rosen's wife and son, a teacher, and underworld turncoat Sholem Bernstein, who was marked for death after refusing to carry out a murder contract on Irving Cohen, who fled to California after the murder of Walter Sage in 1937 in [[Swan Lake, New York]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/23/archives/son-of-slain-witness-heard-at-lepke-trial-teacher-says-father.html Son of Slain Witness Heard at Lepke Trial; Teacher Says Father Trembled After Talk With Racketeer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175927/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20912FC385F1A7A93C1AB178BD95F458485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', October 23, 1941. p. 10.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/25/archives/murder-ring-aide-involves-bosses-bernstein-who-fled-after-he-balked.html Murder Ring Aide Involves 'Bosses'; Bernstein, Who Fled After He Balked at 'Job,' Implicates Weiss and Capone] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175935/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A13F739591A728DDDAC0A94D8415B8188F1D3 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', October 25, 1941. p. 19.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/28/archives/rat-tells-of-job-in-murder-ring-selfdescribed-figure-says-he-talks.html 'Rat' Tells of Job in Murder Ring; Self-Described Figure Says He Talks Because Brooklyn 'Combination' Sought Him] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175942/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60D11FB3B5C16738DDDA10A94D8415B8188F1D3 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', October 28, 1941. p. 25.{{subscription required}}</ref> Lepke, Weiss and Capone were convicted on November 30, 1941.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/11/30/archives/lepke-convicted-with-two-aides-all-face-death-former-gang-chief.html Lepke Convicted with Two Aides; All Face Death; Former Gang Chief, Weiss and Capone Found Guilty After Jury Ponders {{frac|4|1|2}} Hours] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175953/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F6091FFF3B5F1A7A93C2AA178AD95F458485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', November 30, 1941. p. 1.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1941/12/03/archives/lepke-and-2-aides-sentenced-to-die-gang-leader-whitefaced-and.html 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.{{subscription required}}</ref> The Court of Appeals upheld the murder convictions of Lepke, Weiss and Capone in October 1942 on a 4β3 vote.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/10/31/archives/lepke-conviction-upheld-in-albany-court-of-appeals-votes-4-to-3-to.html Lepke Conviction Upheld in Albany; Court of Appeals Votes, 4 to 3, to Sustain Jury's Verdict of a Death Sentence] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180010/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00613F83D5B167B93C3AA178BD95F468485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', October 31, 1942. p. 17.{{subscription required}}</ref> The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Lepke's appeal in February 1943.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/02/16/archives/high-court-rules-lepke-must-die-rejects-petition-for-review-of.html High Court Rules Lepke Must Die; Rejects Petition for Review of Racket Chief's Conviction for Brooklyn Murder] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180016/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20B11F83C581B7B93C4A81789D85F478485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', February 16, 1943. p. 11.{{subscription required}}</ref> In March 1943, the Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision and granted a review to Lepke, Weiss and Capone.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/03/16/archives/lepkes-last-hope-revived-by-court-supreme-bench-reversing-its-feb.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30710FC3F581B7B93C4A81788D85F478485F9 |title=LEPke's LAST HOPE REVIVED BY COURT; Supreme Bench, Reversing Its Feb. 15 Ruling, Gives Review to 3 in Murder Case |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180023/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30710FC3F581B7B93C4A81788D85F478485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1943-03-16 }}</ref> The Supreme Court upheld the conviction in June 1943.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/06/02/archives/high-court-seals-lepke-trio-deaths-tribunal-in-washington-says.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3071FFB3F54107B93C0A9178DD85F478485F9 |title=HIGH COURT SEALS LEPKE TRIO DEATHS; Tribunal in Washington Says Brooklyn Gang Defendants Had a Fair Trial |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180029/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3071FFB3F54107B93C0A9178DD85F478485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1943-06-02 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/07/17/archives/state-wins-fight-to-sentence-lepke-us-to-produce-slayer-before.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60712FE3C5C167B93C5A8178CD85F478485F9 |title=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 |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180037/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60712FE3C5C167B93C5A8178CD85F478485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1943-07-17 }}</ref> Lepke continued to appeal his death sentence vigorously in New York and transfer from federal custody.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1944/01/22/archives/lepke-is-turned-over-to-state-placed-in-sing-sing-death-house-lepke.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F1081FFC3B54107B93C0AB178AD85F408485F9 |title=Lepke is Turned over to State; Placed in Sing Sing Death House; Lepke is Turned over to State by the U.S.; Taken to Sing Sing and Put in Death House |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180043/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F1081FFC3B54107B93C0AB178AD85F408485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1944-01-22 }}</ref> Lepke, Weiss and Capone were executed in [[Sing-Sing]] prison on March 4, 1944.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1944/03/05/archives/lepke-is-put-to-death-denies-guilt-to-last-makes-no-revelation-two.html Lepke Is Put to Death, Denies Guilt to Last; Makes No Revelation; Two Aides Also Die], ''The New York Times'', March 5, 1944{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5091FFF3A58157A93C7A91788D85F408485F9 |title=Lepke is Put to Death, Denies Guilt to Last; Makes No Revelation; Two Aides Also die |access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116135620/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5091FFF3A58157A93C7A91788D85F408485F9 |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1944-03-05 |last1=Feinberg |first1=Alexander }}</ref> === Vito Gurino === [[Vito Gurino|Vito "Socko" Gurino]] was sought for questioning in the Brooklyn murder investigation as the member assigned to eliminate witnesses against the "Combination".<ref name="Gurino1">[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180457/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0914FE3854117A93C6AB178FD85F448485F9 |date=November 6, 2012 }}</ref> First, Gurino attempted to silence a small-time gangster and eyewitness to the George Rudnick murder.<ref name="NYT_1940-03-29_p1">[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/29/archives/murder-ring-plot-to-kill-a-witness-foiled-by-police-odwyer-says.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5061FF93F54117A93CBAB1788D85F448485F9 |title=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'-- Woman Held in $100,000 |access-date=July 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180503/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5061FF93F54117A93CBAB1788D85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-03-29 }}</ref> Police picked up Angelo "Julie" Catalano on the streets of Brooklyn shortly after he was bailed out by the syndicate, as Gurino tried to convince him to "hide out" on Long Island.<ref name="NYT_1940-03-29_p1"/> Several days later, Gurino used a contact, corrupt Queens County Deputy Sheriff William Cassele, to enter the county's civil prison on the night of March 29, 1940.<ref name="Gurino1"/> 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.<ref name="Gurino1"/> According to Liberto, he was pushed up against a wall in his cell and threatened with death if he cooperated with the District Attorney.<ref name="Gurino1"/> 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.<ref name="Gurino1"/> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/12/archives/murder-ring-fugitive-seeks-haven-in-church-trigger-man-hysterical.html Murder Ring Fugitive Seeks Haven in Church; 'Trigger Man' Hysterical in Fear of Killers; Gunman Seeks Refuge in Church] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180509/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10610FC3454107A93C0A81782D85F448485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 12, 1940. p. 1.{{subscription required}}</ref> Shortly after being arrested, Gurino confessed to three syndicate murders and implicated himself in four others.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/09/13/archives/gurino-confesses-to-three-murders-rings-toughest-trigger-man.html |title=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 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 13, 1940 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180518/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60A10FD3454107A93C1A81782D85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 }}{{subscription required}}</ref> In March 1942, Gurino pleaded guilty to three murders.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/03/24/archives/gurino-pleads-guilty-on-3-murder-counts-trigger-man-of-brooklyn.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60E15FB345F167B93C6AB1788D85F468485F9 |title=GURINO PLEADS GUILTY ON 3 MURDER COUNTS; Trigger Man of Brooklyn Ring Admits 2d-Degree Charges |access-date=July 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180527/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60E15FB345F167B93C6AB1788D85F468485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1942-03-24 }}</ref> In April 1942, Gurino was sentenced to 80 years to life in prison.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/04/08/archives/80year-sentences-for-murder-ring-ace-gurino-trigger-man-gets-three.html 80-Year Sentences for Murder Ring 'Ace'; Gurino, Trigger Man, Gets Three Consecutive Terms], ''The New York Times'', April 4, 1942,{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40711FE3E5D167B93CAA9178FD85F468485F9 |title=80-YEAR SENTENCES FOR MURDER RING 'ACE'; Gurino, Trigger Man, Gets Three Consecutive Terms |access-date=July 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180534/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40711FE3E5D167B93CAA9178FD85F468485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1942-04-08 }}</ref> He died of a heart ailment on April 22, 1957, at [[Clinton Correctional Facility|Dannemora Hospital for the Criminally Insane]].<ref>http://news2.nnyln.net/plattsburgh-press-republican/plattsburgh-press-republican-1957-february-may/plattsburgh-press-republican-1957-february-may%20-%200905.pdf{{dead link|date=May 2016}}</ref> === Jacob Drucker and Irving Cohen === Jacob Drucker and Irving Cohen were put on trial separately for the murder of racketeer Walter Sage in the [[Catskills]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/21/archives/five-are-indicted-in-murder-for-hire-big-gangi-named-in-sealed.html 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 β Woman Accused of 'Fixes' for Brooklyn Gang], ''The New York Times'', March 21, 1940, p. 29.{{subscription required|date=May 2016}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30916FD3F54117A93C3AB1788D85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106180542/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30916FD3F54117A93C3AB1788D85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-03-21 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/23/archives/new-murder-hunt-started-upstate-jack-drucker-of-monticello-is.html 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 β County Aroused by the Revelations], ''The New York Times'', March 23, 1940, p. 3.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70612FA3A54107A93C1AB1788D85F448485F9 |title=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 |access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181021/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70612FA3A54107A93C1AB1788D85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-03-23 }}</ref> Sage was killed with an ice pick and had the frame of a slot machine and a 30 pound rock tied to his body. He floated to the surface and was found in [[Swan Lake, New York]] on July 31, 1937 by tourists. After the Sage murder, believing he was also going to be killed, Cohen fled to California and managed to secure small roles in films.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/11/archives/cohen-brought-here-as-contract-slayer-questioned-5-hours-by-odwyer.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50C11F93E54117A93C3A8178FD85F448485F9 |title=COHEN BROUGHT HERE AS CONTRACT SLAYER; Questioned 5 Hours by O'Dwyer, then Sent to Monticello |access-date=May 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181027/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50C11F93E54117A93C3A8178FD85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-04-11 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/18/archives/murder-accusation-makes-cohen-weep-breakdown-necessitates-recess-at.html Murder Accusation Makes Cohen Weep; Breakdown Necessitates Recess at Monticello Trial], ''The New York Times'', June 8, 1940, p. 25.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50B10FC345D10728DDDA10994DE405B8088F1D3 |title=MURDER ACCUSATION MAKES COHEN WEEP; Breakdown Necessitates Recess at Monticello Trial |access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181051/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50B10FC345D10728DDDA10994DE405B8088F1D3 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-06-18 }}</ref> He was identified two years later by the chief prosecution witness, Abraham Levine, who spotted Cohen in one of the ringside crowd scenes in the 1939 film ''[[Golden Boy (1939 film)|Golden Boy]]''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OEDsAAAAIAAJ&q=Murder,+Inc+golden+boy|title=Murder, Inc: The Story of "the Syndicate"|first=Burton T.|last=Turkus|year=1951|publisher=Da Capo Press|isbn=9780306804755}}</ref> According to 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 icepick clean before helping dispose of the body. Cohen testified in his own defense, stating that Levine had stabbed him with an icepick 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/21/archives/gang-slaying-denied-by-cohen-bit-actor-testimony-ends-in-upstate.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50A14FD3554107A93C3AB178DD85F448485F9 |title=GANG SLAYING DENIED BY COHEN, 'BIT' ACTOR; Testimony Ends in Up-State Case Linked to Brooklyn Ring |access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181058/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50A14FD3554107A93C3AB178DD85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-06-21 }}</ref> Cohen was acquitted on June 21, 1940.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/22/archives/big-gangi-cohen-cleared-of-murder-slaying-was-one-of-57-laid-to.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3071EFD345D10728DDDAB0A94DE405B8088F1D3 |title=BIG GANGI COHEN CLEARED OF MURDER; Slaying Was One of 57 Laid to Syndicate in Brooklyn |access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181109/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F3071EFD345D10728DDDAB0A94DE405B8088F1D3 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-06-22 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181118/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0C16F93B58157A93CAAB1789D95F478485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', December 28, 1943, p. 19.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/12/30/archives/fbi-gives-up-drucker-extradition-move-to-start-now-against-alleged.html FBI Gives up Drucker; Extradition Move to Start Now Against Alleged Slayer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181126/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40C12FF3B54107B93C2AA1789D95F478485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', December 30, 1943, p. 19.{{subscription required}}</ref> Drucker was convicted of second-degree murder on May 5, 1944, and received a sentence of 25 years to life.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1944/05/06/archives/drucker-guilty-of-icepick-murder-brooklyn-rings-fingerman-is.html 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.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00E16FA385C167B93C4A9178ED85F408485F9 |title=DRUCKER GUILTY OF ICE-PICK MURDER; Brooklyn Ring's Finger-Man is Convicted in Second Degree |access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181132/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00E16FA385C167B93C4A9178ED85F408485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1944-05-06 }}</ref><ref>[https://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.{{subscription required}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423005014/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0617F93959147B93C0A8178ED85F408485F9 |date=April 23, 2014 }}</ref> Drucker died in Attica prison in January 1962.<ref>[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0811FF3E551A7B93C6AB178AD85F468685F9 Murder Inc. Figure Dies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422231824/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0811FF3E551A7B93C6AB178AD85F468685F9 |date=2014-04-22 }}, ''The New York Times'', January 24, 1962. p. 21.{{subscription required}}</ref> === Jack Parisi === [[Jack Parisi|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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/02/17/archives/penn-jury-hears-intended-victim-orlofsky-says-killers-missed-him.html Penn Jury Hears Intended Victim; Orlofsky Says Killers Missed Him When He Left Home an Hour Early to Get Shaved] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181155/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30F13FF3D54107B93C5A81789D85F478485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }}, ''The New York Times'', February 17, 1943, p. 23.{{subscription required}}</ref> Parisi was a fugitive for 10 years, until he was captured in Pennsylvania in 1949.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1949/10/15/archives/10year-fugitive-caught-parisi-murder-inc-gunman-surprised-in-sleep.html 10-Year Fugitive Caught; Parisi, Murder, Inc., Gunman, Surprised in Sleep],''The New York Times'', October 15, 1949, p. 30.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A12FB3A59157A93C7A8178BD95F4D8485F9 |title=10-YEAR FUGITIVE CAUGHT; Parisi, Murder, Inc., Gunman, Surprised in Sleep |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181203/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F70A12FB3A59157A93C7A8178BD95F4D8485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1949-10-15 }}</ref> Albert Tannenbaum was brought in from Atlanta, where he was reportedly living, to testify for the prosecution.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/30/archives/murder-witness-back-accuser-of-lepke-will-testify-against-another.html Murder Witness Back; Accuser of Lepke Will Testify Against Another Suspect],''The New York Times'', March 30, 1950, p. 22.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0710FD355E10728DDDA90B94DB405B8089F1D3 |title=MURDER WITNESS BACK; Accuser of Lepke Will Testify Against Another Suspect |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181215/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0710FD355E10728DDDA90B94DB405B8089F1D3 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1950-03-30 }}</ref> One accomplice in the Penn murder, [[Jacob Migden|Jacob "Kuppy" Migden]], who provided the erroneous identification of Penn and who was also a fugitive for several years, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree assault in the middle of his murder trial and was sentenced to a term of 5β10 years.<ref>[https://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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181220/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0916F63C581B7B93CAA81789D85F478485F9 |date=2012-11-06 }},''The New York Times'', February 18, 1943, p. 24.{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1943/03/06/archives/gets-5-years-in-slaying-migden-had-pleaded-guilty-to-assault.html Gets 5 Years in Slaying; Migden Had Pleaded Guilty to Assault Attempt on Penn], ''The New York Times'', March 6, 1943, p. 15.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C12F6355D167B93C4A91788D85F478485F9 |title=GETS 5 YEARS IN SLAYING; Migden Had Pleaded Guilty to Assault Attempt on Penn |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422232416/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C12F6355D167B93C4A91788D85F478485F9 |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1943-03-06 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1950/04/14/archives/parisi-is-acquitted-faces-new-charge.html Parisi Is Acquitted, Faces New Charge],''The New York Times'', April 14, 1950, p. 24.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00D10FF385C10728DDDAD0994DC405B8089F1D3 |title=Parisi is Acquitted, Faces New Charge |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423005003/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00D10FF385C10728DDDAD0994DC405B8089F1D3 |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1950-04-14 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1950/04/15/archives/parisi-is-arraigned-for-bronx-murder.html Parisi Is Arraigned for Bronx Murder], ''The New York Times'', April 15, 1950, p. 8.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10B1FFB3F59157B93C7A8178FD85F448585F9 |title=Parisi is Arraigned for Bronx Murder |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181243/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10B1FFB3F59157B93C7A8178FD85F448585F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1950-04-15 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1950/06/15/archives/freed-in-mistakemurder-suspect-recently-won-freedom-on-second.html Freed in Mistake-murder; Suspect Recently Won Freedom on Second Slaying Charge], ''The New York Times'', June 15, 1950, p. 4.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F13F93B5C1A718DDDAC0994DE405B8089F1D3 |title=FREED IN MISTAKE-MURDER; Suspect Recently Won Freedom on Second Slaying Charge |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423004936/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F13F93B5C1A718DDDAC0994DE405B8089F1D3 |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1950-06-15 }}</ref> He died at home of natural causes on December 27, 1982, at the age of 83.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/30/obituaries/jack-parisi-85-accused-of-links-to-murder-inc.html|title=Jack Parisi, 85, Accused of Links to Murder Inc. β New York Times|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=1996-12-30|access-date=2018-06-26}}</ref> === Others === [[Max Golob|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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/25/archives/2-lepke-men-seized-in-murder-inquiry-held-as-vagrants-but-one-is.html 2 Lepke Men Seized in Murder Inquiry; Held as Vagrants, but One Is Wanted in Up-State Killing β Maxie the Jerk Jailed], ''The New York Times'', March 25, 1940, p. 1.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10612FD3F54117A93C7AB1788D85F448485F9 |title=2 LEPKE MEN SEIZED IN MURDER INQUIRY; Held as Vagrants, but One is Wanted in Up-State Killing --Maxie the Jerk Jailed |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106181256/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10612FD3F54117A93C7AB1788D85F448485F9 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1940-03-25 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0D16FE3E5F167B93C7A91789D85F468485F9 Avoids Trial for Murder; Max Golob, Member of Brooklyn Ring, Allowed Lesser Plea] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422233131/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0D16FE3E5F167B93C7A91789D85F468485F9 |date=2014-04-22 }}, ''The New York Times'', February 5, 1942, p. 14.{{subscription required}}</ref> [[Sidney Brown (gangster)|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.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1942/02/07/archives/murder-inc-indictment-dropped.html Murder, Inc., Indictment Dropped], ''The New York Times'', February 7, 1942, p. 9.{{subscription required}} {{Cite news |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F10F63E5F167B93C5A91789D85F468485F9 |title=Murder, Inc., Indictment Dropped |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422231629/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F10F63E5F167B93C5A91789D85F468485F9 |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1942-02-07 }}</ref>
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