New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-07
Cocchi Ran Book
On the Races, with
Police as Patrons
His Escape Known Only
When Patrolman Tried to
Cash In on Long Shot
By BRIGGS

Evidence which is declared TO show
that Alfredo Cocchi, self-confessed
murderer of Ruth Cruger, conducted a
book" as agent of a formerly well
known track gambler, and that his prln-
cipal clients were policemen, will be
presented to the grand jury investigat-
ing the Cruger crime and the police
bungling or worse connected with it.
Representatives of District Attorney
Swami learned yesterday that the po-
lice were apprsed Of Cocchi's disap-
pearance on February 16 only when a
policeman who called at his shop TO
"cash in a 20 TO 1 shot" found the
Italian gone. The informants of the
District Attorney say that but for the
investigation started by the sggrievcd
bluecoat Cocchi's going would not have
come to the knowledge of the police
when it did.
Backed by Fight Promoter
The District Attorneys representa-
tives were told that Cocchi had done a
thriving business with police patrons
of the turf for more than a year prior
to the murder of the eighteen-yea old
Wadleigh High School girl and the
subsequent flight of Cocchi. The "book"
conducted by the Italian, they were in
formed, was backed by well known
Harlem fight promoter as we'll as the
ex-bookmaker. Several witnesses have
been subpenaed 10 tell all they know
to the grand jury when that body re-
convenes on Monday.
Henry d. Cruger, father of the mur-
dered girl, was the first witness before
the grand jury yesterday. He was so
overcome by the necessity of again
testifying concerning his daughters
death that he was excused after five
minutes examination. He will appear
again on Monday, when he will recite
his story of police indifference with
which he met while prosecuting the
search for his missing daughter.
Detective Will, of the Fourth Branch
Detective Bureau. testified concerning
the way in which the report of Ruth
died. Leonard A. Wallstein, Commits
sioner of Accounts, told of his inquiry
into the matter of police negligence in
the case. Numerous witnesses were
called to testify regarding the charge
that Lieutenant William Browne COM
mitted perjury when he told Commits
sioner Wallsteip in the latter's inquiry
that he had taken immediate steps 10
start a search for Ruth Cruger when
the girls disappearance was reported
70 him. at Q p m. OF February Is, by
Mr.. and Mrs. Arthur Brown, friends of
the Cruger family.
Commissioner Wallstein was ques-
toned regarding Lieutenant Brownies
statements to him, as were two ste
nographcrs who made shorthand notes
of his testimony.
Browne Valves Immunity
The accused lieutenant signed a
waiver Of immunity. to be used if the
grand jury should accept his offer to
go before il and testify on his own be-
half Police Commissioner Arthur
W Gods, in pursuance Of his pledge TO
give all possible support TO the grand
jury investigation, yesterday relieved
Detective Sergeants McGec, Lagarenne
and Dillon. of the Fourth Branch Blu
rcau, of all duty. ordered them TO re-
port to the District Attorney, sign
waivers of immunity and await the
pleasure of Mr.. Swami. The detectives
recently were relieved from all detec-
tive duty and ordered 70 report 70 In
spector Joseph A. Faurot, who is con-
Quoting the police investigation into
the case.
Twelve members Of the Police De-
partment who have been recommended
for trial BY Commissioner Wallstein
will be placed on trial next week, Com
missioner Woods announced.
Police investigation of graft in the
motorcycle squad is being held up by
the fact that all records required for
investigation are in the hands of the
grand jury. The inquiry will be re-
sumed as soon as the records are avail
able TO the police
Car Strike in Which Troops