The New York herald., 1921-09-13
DRUG RAIDER SLAIN,
SAYS U. S. ATTORNEY
w. f. j. Collins Rejects Theory
That Frank J. Fitzpatrick
Killed Himself.
TWO SHOTS WERE FIRED
Window in WaShrOOm a Con-
venient Place for Murderer
to Have Stood.
TWO SHOTS WERE FIRED

That Frank J. Fitzpatrick. Federal
narcotic agent. was murdered in the
washroom of the Atlantic avenue ferry
house last Friday morning four hours
after the spectacular drug and liquor
raid on the steamship King Alexander
was the opinion expressed yesterday by
Wallace E. j. Collins, United States At
torney in Brooklyn.
The murder theory is based on the be-
lief that two shots were fired at Fitz-
patrick, the first bullet missing him
and going through thin partition.
The second bullet passed through his
heart and was found lodged in his back.
The first bullet has not yet been found.
Directly opposite where Fitzpatrick 8
body was discovered there Is an open
window. the sill Of which is about four
feet from the floor, leading to a blind
passageway from the washroom The
shots could easily have been fred
through this window, according to Mr..
Collins
IT do not believe that Fitzpatrick
committed suicide" said Mr. Collins.
II believe the first bullet was fired at
him while he was passing the window
and he drew back when he saw re-
voiver thrust at him. The first bullet
missed. but the second went through
Fitzpatrick's heart"
Col. o. G. Farrer Of the narcotic di-
vision of the Internal Revenue Depart
ment at Washington. who was sent here
to make an investigation into the cir
cumstances surrounding Fitzpatrick s
death. after a conference with Mr.. Col
Inns visited the ferryhouse and it is
understood Is now working on the mur-
der theory.
Il am under strict orders from Wash
ington not to divulge any informa ton
until this investigation Is completed"
he said. II cannot say at this time
whether 1t was case of suicide or mur-
der. The investigation will not be over
for several days"
Fitzpatrick's revolver was found on
the floor of the washroom with two
empty chambers about a foot away
from his body. At the time it was re-
ported that powder marks were found
on his clothing and body near the heart
This would indicate that the fatal shot
as fired at close range. 1t Is not known
whether Fitzpatrick, while engaged in
the raid on the King Alexander, fred
his revolver.
1t was learned that for several months
FITZPATRICK had been working on the
Brooklyn piers ard had taken part In
several successful drug raids on incom-
ing steamers, resulting in the confisca-
ton of thousands of dollars worth Of
narcotics and numerous arrests. He was
feared not only by the smugglers but
others who had been paid protection
money to aid in the Illicit traffic.
Despite reports to the contrary. friends
say he was In the best Of spirits prior
to his death and had not the slightest
reason to end his life.
Col Forrer is not only investigating
F:tzpatricks death but also the cause of
the friction between customs officers and
field agents of the Internal Revenue
Department working for the narcotic
division. Customs men are supposed to
have searched the King Alexander upon
the vessels arrival here. In the raid on
the ship by the narcotic squad, assisted
by Federal prohibition enforcement
agents, large quantities of drugs and
liquors were seized.
George w. Aldridge, Collector of Gus
toms. has taken up the action of the
revenue men with the Washington au-
tliorities. claiming that customs men are
the only persons legalizeG to raid ships
In this harbor.