New Britain herald., 1922-03-24

Mike Ruggerio. At this juncture he again went through the story of the crime. He told of the cars meeting. The conversation held was in the Italian language. Only three men were on the road, he said. He re- mained in the car at the order of the Cowboy" who told him to keep the car in second speed gear. He said he joined the party because he thought he was going to carry some whiskey He could not say whether or not Renaldino stopped the motor of his car. Cianhone got out of their car first, then Ruggerio followed.
 The three men then met in the road and held discussion in Italian, Renaldino opening it with an inquiry about whiskey. that is as to the quail ity of certain whiskey. Cowboy as sured him it was good stuff and that he was getting a good buy.
 Is Coldly Murdered. 7...
 Cowboy" then asked him how much money he had. Renaldino re- piled that he had 5000. Up to this point the witness said, there were no harsh words or argument. When Rem aldino turned to get into his car, Rug gerio grabbed him from the back. The Cowboy" then started to pull at Rem aldino. They pulled him up into the seat of the Renaldino car, Ruggerio holding by the arms and the Cow boy' pushing his head. The Cow boy" then opened the back door and jumped into the car and helped to pull Renaldino into the front seat, blindfolding him at the same time.
 Rcnnldino Cries Out.
 Renaldino started to shout and the Cowboy" gave him a punch in the jaw, warning Him to keep quiet. Rem aldino pleaded to be let free, promis- ing to hand over his money The Cowboy" then extracted a handker- chief and tied it around Renaldino's mouth. He searched the victims pockets then and drew out piece of paper and lead pencil. In the jacket pocket, he found and extracted re- volver. Renaldino's arms were held in fashion that permitted him to offer but little resistance, the wit ness explained.
 Shoots Helpless Man.
 The, Cowboy" held the revolver about two inches away from Renal dinos right ear and fired once, Crop anese testified. He then placed the gun in Renaldino's hand. Cowboy" then took a book out of his own pocket and laid it alongside the body on the seat. He then threw some of the money while standing in the road way, into nearby lot. Upon getting back to the Cadillac car, according to the witness all that was said was:
 Conscience Hurt Him.
 Its all done now" Cropanese then told of driving by Stanley street to Ruggerio's home. The witness could not tell why Cianflone invited him along that day. Lawyer Calnen asked the witness why he was arrest ed. States Attorney Alcorn said he was detained as a state witness. Ask cd by Lawyer Calnen why he had told the story of the murder, the wit ness said it was preying on his mind so much that he could not sleep The witness said that in meeting with the Cowboy" after the crime, which was in John Cianflone's store, Joe said Renaldino stole the liquor, but he did not say he shot him for that reason. Cropanese denied that he had ever been convicted of any crime.
 Was Afraid To Tell.
 Asked by Lawyer Calnen if he saw any blood after the shot was fired, he replied in the negative but he did see blood the second time he sa ~ the body that day. He was asked by Lawyer Calnen why he waited so long before telling of the crime and he replied that he was afraid that Cow boy" or Ruggerio woul4 go to New York and shoot his folks. a He admit