New Britain herald., 1923-11-09
pr. Citizens Died, Friend Say While Death o. One Of His Patients Was Being Probed By Coroner.
Undertaken Brands Report as Absurd, But Governor TempletOn Orders a Thorough Investigation by Detective.

Waterbury. Nov. S.-News of start. ling developments resulting from the probe ot medical conditions in this state ordered by Governor Charles A Templeton became known today
 Lieut. Milton MacMullen of tho iccal detective department left tbis city early this morning for Cambridge. Mass. as result of information dis closed to Governor Templeton at the capitol yesterday afternoon. It was reported to the governor at that time that Dr. osear F. Gittens. who was beheNsd to have died in this city Feb- ruary 2s, was stin alive.
 Using Assumed Name.
 doctor. whose name has not yet been revealed, called on the governor yesterday to tell all that he knew about operations of the so-called diploma mill' in this state, md in- cidentally made the startling claim that pr. Gittens is practicing in Cam bridge, Mass, presumably under an assumed name. The governors in- tormant stated that Gittens has an office with n doctor Of Italian ex- traction. Governor Templeton has not disulged the details Of the conyer- sation, but he took prompt action in the matter upon his return to Wa terburS last night.
 Warrant Is Ready
 warrant was asked for to be served if Gittens should by any chance be located, the charge being illegal practice Of medicine. There was insufficient time to get tho war rant out last night. but Lieut.. Mac Mullen, who knew Dr. Gitiens, was assigned to the case with orders to go 10 Cambridge and investigate the report. He wus instructed that in the event he should find Gittens there io have him lYld as fugitive from justice pending sending of tho war rant.
 Lieut.. MacMullen left for Boston m the q. m. express out Of New Haven today for fine purpose of mak- i ing search for the man in Cam | bridge.
 A "Dicd" During investigation
 Inst prior 10 his sudden death, l tiiitcns was figuring prominently in l an investigation into the death of Miss l Fannie Comardo, 2. of this city. Git i tens had attended the young woman i In her last Illness. and returned q death certificate cf acute appendicitis. | The funeral was held up. however, and | after an autopsy. an investigation was | begun X few days before inc find i ing Of Coroner John T. Monzani was io have been given out. Citizens died.
 Harold B. Iawlor undertaken, who took care of the body. stated at the r1at tens could be alive. ss he had known \ him in life and had embalmed him. The body was supposed 10 have been taken 10 New York city and buried in Woodiawn cemetery. Officials Of the cemetery and Thomas H. Kierton. New York undertaken. have affirmed the interinent of Gittens' body at 
 Dr. r. q. Graves, who attended Git. fons. signed the death certificate. assigning influenza and pneumonia as l.rimsry causes of death, and pull inonary hemorrhage as a contributing ratuc. pr. Graves Is 2 physician of many years practice and high stand Ing in this city. lI
 Doctor says He's Dead Tpr. Frederick q. Graves of this city. Hlo was in attendance at the bedside ,f Dr. oscar r. Gittens. negro doctor. who was supposed to have died here February 2s. stated today that there ras not a possibility that the man 8 stili alive. 4 T was at Dr. Gittens' bedside when ,a died" said pr. Graves. "aud honrh I did not know the man per lonaily. I knew who he was. have ' ,ot the slightest hesitation tn saying hat pr. Gittens is dead"