The Washington times., 1925-03-30
CHAPMAN
WITH SKELLY
DEATH
Policeman J. NJ. LIeber First
Witness Against Bandit
in Staying Trial
InternatlonaI News Service.


HARTFORD, Conn, March 3d.
John M. Ls.cber, q policeman, took
the witness stand today at the trial
OF Gerald Chapman, notorious mail
robber. gun man and prison jumper,
and related the circumstances sur
rounding the robbery Of a depars-
ment store in New Britain. Conn.,, on
October 12Nlast, during which Patrol
man James Skelly was shot and
killed. Chapman Is charged with
the murder of Sicily.
Chapman appeared benefited by
the two-day rest when the trial
was resumed. His eyes were
bright, contrasting with his prison
pallor. He passed pleasantries with
counsel while awaiting the calling
Of the first witness.
A new guard OF uniformed DO.
licemen was added to the score of
deputies and detectives in the
court room. The space reserved
for spectators was filled two hours
beforet Judge Newell Jennings took
his place on the bench.
Half or the spectators were fash
ionably dressed women.
Saw Shean Fleeing
Lieber, the first witness called
this morning, testified that he and
four other policemen,N including
Sicily, responded to a safe break
ing alarm from the Davidson and
Levanthal store
When the police automobile APP
preached the store, he said, a man
with a brief case disappeared around
the corner Of Church and Main
streets.
This man was Walter e. Shean,"
Lieber testified.
Shean il alleged to have been a
confederate of Chapman's. Shean
turned States evidence and it was
on his confession that Chapman
was charged with the murder of
Lieber testified shean was ar.
rested as he was placing the brief
case in a Lincoln five-passenger
car. Shean did not have
any Switch key to the car. Lieber
said.
Il found an automatic gun
tucked under the cushion" Lieber
testified.
Found Shelly Shot
Frederick J.. Groehl, Chapman's
counsel, took up cross-examination
Of Lieber.
you know that the State will
contend that Walter Shean being
seen on the street proves that
else fired the shot?"
Il don't know"
Didn't you read that Shean |
was at first mentioned as the man
who did the killing?"
I don't remember"
What did you do after arresting
Gorehl asked.
L brought Shean back to the
store, ran into the alley and found |
Orflcer Sicily sitting on the stairs, !
shot, Lieber answered.
pa he say who shot him." /
Officer Walter Maloney, who was
with Lleber when he captured
onean' was the next witness called |
to the stand.
First Direct Link.
The first direct. evidence against |
Chapman that he killed SkelIV was
given by Officer Alfred E. Atwater, !
one OF the States star witnesses.
Mike Malona, another witness. |
identified burglary equipment found |
in the Lincoln car.
Inc defense in cross-examining |
Maiona forced the witness to admit |
Z was Henry johnson, the New |
britain hostler, who pointed out
Didn't you know johnson went
20 New York and identified a man !
mere as the one who knled Skellv?'.
YES Malona answered.
Chapman Remains Cool /
OFFICER Clarence Lamnher the
1ext witness. told of the killing of
Skelly.
I'VE went down the alley toward
ne back Of the department store.
AtWater went in the store first.
9kelly next and me afterwards"
ne testified. '''>' 49,
- .! heard three shots and officer
2Kelly tumbled back into my arms
His legs were sprawled out and
ne was dying"
Lampher's voice trennbled per-
septibly. Chapman listened to
Aampher's tale with his hands
Under his chin. He showed no |
emotion whatever.
Lampher said he searched the
store and alley after the shooting
put found no one.
GronI cross examined Lampher.
Didn't you hear that Sergeant
MCCnR said Offioo~ cytrn1I. - Aall