South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-09-30

been identified other than by the
label in his coat, which carried
the name Rams, was shot and
almost instantly killed about
1870 o'clock this morning while
crossing the f. Lasalle bridge.
Five shots were said to have
been fired. three of which en-
tered the body from the rear.
and were imbedded in the breast
and abdomen. A man, said to
have ran north on Michigan st. a
minute after the shooting, was
being sought this morning by
the police and detectives. A
suspect. who could not give a
clear story of his whereabouts
during the evening and at the
time of the murder, was being
grilled by the police.
Police were baffled for a the
Dry to the shooting. hut were
working on the clue that the
man was the victim of a fued.
I and, that a member of his own race
fired the shots that caused his death.
Although officers were without his
identity, the man was known 10
various members of the department
! and was said to be prominent in
| underworld" circles here
Robbery Not Motive.
He associated with leaders Of the
Italian gang" it was said and Off
GERS were seeking his friends in an
efforts 20 establish his identity.
Whether the name appearing in the
raincoat that ne wore was his Christ
ian name or whether ii was the name
Of the manufacturer, officers did not
know.
The suspect was arrested by Sergt
Roberts who trailed him in a taxi
cab after he Is said 10 have run
north in Michigan ST. after turning
from +. LaSaIe. He was fatigued
at the time Of the arrest. il was said
and appeared unnerved. OFFICERS
believe that he may be able to solve
the mystery. The shooting occurred
in an isolated spot on the bridge
; spanning the St. Joseph river on E
LASalle ST.
That robbery was not the motive
OF the crime was evident when the
clothing worn by the man poured
p forth S5.95 in cash. This was found
J in the raincoat. This fact strength
ems the officers belief that the muir
der was the result Of trouble with
an associate or associates, by on,
seeking revenge.
Sergt. Luther of the police depart
= ment found the body lying on the
LaSalle st. bridge. Shots fired. three
OF which he heard. attracted him q
. the scene The officer saw no one
, run. The police ambulance wa.
{, called
The man was dead. however
when the ambulance reached Ep
worth hospital The body late
was removed 10 the Kreighbal %
undertaking parlors where the cor
oner viii hold an inquest today.
Black Handlers Here?
Was the local man q victim O
black handlers? That he nigh
have been Is evident by the murder
following closely upon three i'm Gary
Elkhart and LaLorte during the pas
few weeks Police believe that
gang Of black handlers are operating
in Northern Indiana. and a suspec
o. now is being held az Crisman. Por
/, ter county. in the Staying Of JOSEPH
, Cucinella, al Gary a short time ago
! Six victims have been found shot 70
, death, a sextet Of mystery murders
t Planned by Gang
l While It is believed that only on'
= man fired the five shots. three o.
which sent the local target TO hi
> death. officers do not believe tina
the death was planned and carried
out by one. They think that Rams.
II that should be his name, has be-
come another victim in the ItaiaT
feud war raging in Chicago. and u
D cities in the northern part Of this
state.
They are working also upon tina
clue. and expect 10 reveal today tn
F differences that the South Bend mar
had with others Of his race.
Cficers throughout this section o.
the country are working 20 clear VI
what IS termed in official circles q
be one OF the most mysterious and
battling series OF murders in tha
part OF the state.
Police were unable % find tn
weapon from which the shots wer'
fred Il is believed that il va.
thrown into the river Lake Shor'
detectives are said 20 have found th'
clue that three men ran away from
the scene Of the mystery murder
Local officers dtscredited this, how
ever
, The murdered man was % medi
; UNI height, dark compiectioned, anc
was attIred in a brown suit. tan clott
shoes. a dark raincoat lie wore 4
] hat. He appeared 20 be about 81
years OF age.
Although he said that he had
> spent the evening in a local theater
= ne could not tell The name OF III
picture showing. nor its screen story
{ He was placed IN the city jan 70
, further grilling.
I Onceus az $50 this morning haC
! left the station IN search ~ mel
] and who. when questioned. may b
; and who. WIN questioned. may h'
, able 10 throw new light upon tn
mystery.