Evening star., 1921-10-03
GROCER BRUT|ALLY
MURDERED IN HOME
Wte> Domico Stabbed to.
Death-ldentity of AS
sailant Is Unknown.
onppcpv NAV De M01luE
ROBBERY MAY BE MOTIVE
Rumor of Hidden Wealth and Ran
sacked House Point
to Theft.

Vito Domico, SiXty-SiX years old,
who was in the wholesale liquor busi-
ness at 11S L street until several
years ago, was murdered in his home
on Ottawa street. Capitol Heights.
Prince Georges county. Md, late Sat-
urday night or early yesterday morn
ing. Prince Georges county author-
tiles are being assisted IN the IN
vestigation by Detective Frank Sand,
berg, Identification expert of the local
police department..
1t is hoped that fingerprints and
prints of the slayer's shoes obtained
by the detective will lead to the iden-
tiication of the individual who is
wanted by the Maryland authorities.
Indications are that Domico was slain
with a cieaver he used in his little
store in the lower front room of his
home. The weapon was not found.
p c. Howell, a neighbOr of the
grocer. visited the store yesterday
morning about o'clock, as had been
his custom, and, entering the build
ing. discovered Domico's body on the
dining room floor.
An examination of the body made it
appear that death had occurred sew
eral hours before Mr.. Howell visited
the store. There were five stab wounds
in the chest, inflicted with some sharp
instrument. The grocers chin was
badly cut and the back of his head
hacked.
BlOOdstains in Rooms.
Bloodstains. undoubtedly made by
the slayer. were found in every room
in the house. Deputy Sheriff Robert
rison were summoned to Capitol
Heights shortly after the body Of the
slain man was found. They made a
careful examination of the premises.
They also questioned number of
neighbors. and reached the conclusion
that robbery was the motive.
In support of the robbery theory
the officers reported finding evidence
of careful search having been made
of the store and other rooms in the
two-story frame structure. Trunks in
the upper rooms had been opened and
their contents strewn about the floors.
and the grocer's bed also had been
searched for cash. Domico's pistol
was not taken.
Domico was married. His wife did
not reside with him in the Maryland
suburb. the couple having separated
many years ago. it is stated. They had
no children. Mrs. Domico called at
Sardo's undertaking establishment to-
day and made arrangements for the
funeral.
It was impossible for the officers to
determine what. if any, money was
taken by the slayer. Residents of
capitol heights said they had heard
Domico tell of the large sum of money
he kept in his. house. but the search
made by Deputy Sheriff Wells result
ed in locating only about $50. The
money was found hidden behind a box
on shelf in the store.
A few coins of small denominatio
were found scattered on the floor of
one Of the living rooms. where they
probably were dropped by the mur-
.derer. Blood on some of the coins
made it appear certain that they had
been@in the hands of the slayer
Heard Groans In Nteht.
It wasslearned from a nefEhbor of
the slain man that she heard q noise
about her premises, followed by the
barking OF. dogs, shortly after mid
night. She got her pistol. she
stated. and made a search, but failed
to find any trace of an intruder.
About that time. she stated, she
heard noises which sounded like
groans of suffering man.
No further attention was paid to
suspicious noises, however until it
was learned that the grocer had
been murdered.
Vito Domico had no enemies in
Capitol Heights. the county officers
were told. He was a general
favorite. 1T is stated. and numerous
persons had been in the habit of
paying friendly calls on him. 1t was
reported that an unidentified col
ored man had been seen in the
vicinity of the store recently.