Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-08-17
Detective Griffin Is Found
Dead at Sydney, MS.
Was Searching for ResteNi, The
Quincy, Mass, Murderer.
Probably Murdered, Though Sui.
eide Theory Is Advanced.

Sydney, N. s., Aug. 16-That f. j.
Griffin, ostensibly detective from
Quincy, Mass, who came here in
search of Luigie Restelli, the Quincy
double murderer, was the victim of
foul play is the general theory now
held here. Gritfin's body was found
| early today in an alleyway near Es
planade with his throat cut from ear
to ear. The body was lying in pool of
blood and a blood-covered razor was
under the body and at first it was
thought to be case of suicide, but
the sensational evidence that developed
at the inquest now points to murder.
The police, however, have not yet fully
abandoned the suicide theory DR.. C.,
j. Johnson, who examined the wound,
| is strongly of the opinion that it was
not self-infiicted. From the nature of
the wound the hospital officials also
state that it is improbable that Crit
fin himself cut his throat The wound
was over five inches in length. very
deep and every artery was severed.
| At the inquest Mrs. Christina Mac
Gowan and John Young, who reside
near where the body was found, testi-
| fled that they heard terrible screams
in the early hours of the morning in
The vicinity of the Esplanade. The
screams appeared as if some person
vas being strangled. Mrs. MACEDONIAN
Stated that she was suffering from
rheumatism and being unable to sleep
E.was moving about the house the great
Fer part of the night After she heard
the clock strike three. she looked out
of her window and saw five men across
the street walking along the sidewalk,
she having counted them as they pass
ed under the light. All proceeded into
an alleyway near the Esplande. Five
minutes later she heard the screams.
John Young also heard two piercing
screams. There were evidences of a
scuf1e in the alleyway.
Griffin's body was found lying face
downward with the arms folded. 1t is
considered improbable that a person
ending their own life would be found
in such a position.
He was nearly six feet tall, heavy built
weig hing nearly 200 pounds with sandy
hair, light complexion and loose. fleshy
face. He wore a brown, suit. He had
been here two weeks.
The popular theory is that he was muir
dered by Italian friends of Restelli, but
the police think he suicided while in de-
lirium tremens. The inquest has been
| adjourned until Wednesday night SO as
to get other witnesses.
Quincy, Mass. Aug. 16.-"Griffin found
dead this morning. throat cut was the
text of a message received today by
ND
bearing the signature of Chief of Police
McEachern of North Sydney. C. B. Crit
fin. who is believed to belong in Lynn.
conducted on his own account search
for Luigi. Restelli the Italian stone work
er who killed two persons and wounded
three others in this city nearly three
weeks ago.
Chief Burrell does not known whether
the message intended to convey the idea
of suicide of murder. and is awaiting fur
Their advces from the Cape Breton city.
Griffin had sent several kilograms to
Mayor Shea and Chief Burrell detailing
various incidents of his pursuit of the
person whom he suspected of being Res
tell. He was also dissatisfied with the
apparent inactivity of the North Sydney
police in failing to apprehend the person
| whom he suspected of being the fugitive
murderer Finally, upon Griffin's repre-
sentations an Italian was detained by
the North Sydney police. This man. how
ever. did not answer the description of
the fugitive, and upon his proving that
he came from Richmond Ind, he was
discharged from custody
Chief of Police Burrell said today that
Griffin was not known in Quincy. but as
far the police could learn the man
lived at one time at 40 Central avenue,
Lynn.
Chief Burrll this afternoon received the
following telegram from Columbia Falls,
Me-, signed by L. II. Grant. sheriff: I'VE
are holding. man who resembles Restelli.
Advise if you wish man sent for" Chief
Burrell telegraphed a description Of Res
tell to Sheriff Grant.