The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-12-03
SIMON MAY CLEAR
BAFF MURDER CASE
Alleged Accomplish Released
on His Own Recognizance
by Justice Tompkins.
AGREEMENT IS REACHED
Tt Is Indicated That He Will
Turn States Evidence
Both Sides Reticent.

Developments that Decdno puoilN
yesterday when the case OF William
simon, indicted in connection with the
murder Of Barnett Bar in West Wash
ington Market four years ago. wal
called for trial indicate that the au'
thorities at last may be on the way tc
clear UP one Of the most perplexlhs
murder mysteries in New York's Grim.
inal history.
Barnett Bafr, wealthy poultry dealer
was shot and killed on the late after
noon Of November "a. 1914, by two
gunner, who made their escape in ar
automobile. The poultry dealer had
been summoned from his place of busi-
ness by telephone call. 1t was soon
established that Bar was the victim OF
n feud with the organized poultry
dealers and Chicken pullers." who as
an independent dealer he fought for
some years.
When Simon's case was called yes
terday before Supreme Court Justice
Tompkins of Nyack. who had been spe-
cially assigned. it developed that Simon
had been temporarily released from
custody following an agreement be-
tween the Attorney General and the
defendants counsel. Samuel s. Koanig
and Martin w. Littleton. The agree
ment was concurred in by Justice
Tompkins and the order of release
signed by him Simon, 1t was said, ate
his Thanksgiving dinner at home.
May Turn States Evidence.
Neither Deputy Attorney General
Becker nor counsel for Simon would
discuss the case yesterday. although
each side indicated that Simon's re-
lease was the result OF an understand
ing by which he would become State s
evidence and divulge the names of the
men who contributed to the murder
fund. Simon was in tho poultry bust
ness at SOC East Sixth street with
Louis Cohen, said to be a distant rela
tive of the murdered Baff. but not a
relative of the Joseph Cohen who. with
Frank Ferrara, was convicted OF the
murder.
That repeated attempts had been
made TO kill Baf during the months
preceding the actual murder of the
poultryman was one of the statements
Simon made to the Deputy Attorney
General and his counsel during the
conference before his release from the
Tombs. In all his statements he de-
MED being implicated other than in q
passive way in the plotting of Bans
death. although he processes to know
the most minute details Of the con-
spiracy.
On several occasions, he says, efforts
were made to lure Bah to different
places selected by the conspirators
II was planned to kin the poultryman
and dispose of his body or at least
make the motive for the crime appear
10 be other than 1t really was. Baff.
however, was continually on his guard
knowing his life was in danger, and
on one occasion when a meeting OF
the plotters and their intended victim
was arranged Baff sent his son, who
was not molested.
Frustrated Their Plans.
Hired gunner at other times lay
in wait for Baf, intending to shoot
him down, but the poultryman frus-
trated their plans by frequently
changing routes when going home
from the Washington Market. 1t is
said that men who have hitherto felt
safe in the Investigations of tho Raff
murder have been named b. ION
who also has named the MOUNTS
given by them to the murder fund.
Mr.. Becker made it plain yesterday
that the indictment against Simon still
stands and declined to say what actor
the authorities might take toward the
defendant should he furnish the evi'
dence for which the authorities have
been searching four years
Simon was first released on Novem.
Der % on an order from Justice
Tompkins. He was taken away by
two attaches of the Attorney General;
ONCE. The agreement between Simon
his counsel and the Attorney Genera
was reached the next day. and thu
order for his indefinite release on hi.
own recognizance. signed by Justice
Tompkins, was filed yesterday.
Nothing to say. The next move I.
up to the Attorney was tn,
only comment Attorney Koenig woult
make on the case yesterday.