New Britain herald., 1925-11-30
STATE RESTS AND
DEFENSE Opens UP
Lawyer KoletSky Calls Witnesses
for Miss Maori
TRIAL BEHIND SCHEDULE
In First Trial. State Rested Case
Three Days Earlicr-Brothcr of
Slain Man One of Those Who
TcStifieS This Morning.

Litchfeld. Nov. 80 (P) - The
state rested its case against Olym-
pia Maori. on trial here for the
murder of John Bagnano in the
lobby Of the Palace theater at New
Haven on February &c, 1925. at II
o'clock this morning. The defense
thereupon called Theodore G. Pc
ters of New Haven to be its first
witness
Behind Schedule
This action came on the 18th day
Of the trial, which is running about
three days behind the schedule OF
the first trial at New Haven last
May. On the corresponding day at
that time, the rebutta witnesses
were heard and the final arguments
we're started. Nine prosecutions
witnesses who testified at the first
trial were not called this time. On
the other hand the testimony Of
three of the defense witnesses has
been taken. They were David
Gibbs, Miss Rachel Webster ayd
superintendent of Schools Frank II.
Beedc. AS the defense was unable
to produce these witnesses In per
son, their testimony given at the
first trial was allowed to be read
to the jury and put into the record.
Bagnano Tcstifies
John (FaD Bagnano was the
first witness put on by the state to-
day. He testified that he did not
at any time remove any weapons
from the body of his dying brother
and that he did not see any pistols
or rcvolvers removed from the car.
He testified that after he went to
the emergency room OF the hospital
with the body Of his brother, he
left 1t at no time until he went out
with Captain Clark. He told the
court that he was known as Ban
ME" a name given him by his
teacher.
He testified that he was In the
railroad station on the afternoon
Of the shooting. He saw his brother
John there between and o'clock.
The next time he saw him was
when he was lying on the side
walk.
Questioning by States Attorney
Alling brought out that the Wit
ness was known also as John Ban
ME" ami that this was the name
under which he entered the navy,
was married and took out his
drivers license.
Under cross examination he said
that he didn't know how many
shots were fired. your wife knew.
didn't she?" asked Attorney Ko-
lNtsky.
States Attorney Alllng objected
and the objection was sustained. He
was thirty feet from the entrance
Of the theater when he became
aware OF the shooting, he said.
Cross examination brought out
the statement that he was some
times known as Ralph Bunyon, but
that was a nickname. He said the
Fat" Bagnano was
given him at the first trial. His
brother. who was shot, was known
az Johnny Bagnano. He had an
other brother whose fighting name
was Ralph Eunyon.
Koletsky asked number OF
questions.
you went there ito the Palace
theater) In furtherance Of a de-
liberate scheme to kill Olympia,
diin't you?" he asked.
mo sir"
Denies Murder Plot
The witness said the car was
facing toward Congress avenue and
that the motor was running. He
said he happened TO be driving
past when the crowd gathered.
You knew your brother was go
Ing TO shoot Olympia that after
noon. didn't you?" said Koletsky.
No" was the answer.
do you remember my asking
you that question at the last trial?"
Yes"
You smiled, didn't YOU"
The prosecution objected and the
objection was sustained.
Did you tell Olympia you gave
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