New Britain herald., 1926-03-23

hatIlpfd, Conn, March 23 P) - Speedy developments are anticipated in the effort being made by counsel for Gerald Chapman 10 save him from the gallows. Chapman, sen fenced to die on April for the mur- der of Policeman James Skelly of New Britain, is depending on the l1th hour activities Of Judge Fred erlck J. Groehl of New York and as sociate counsel. and the New York attorney is fighting the cause to the last ditch.
 New Move Expected
 Disappearing from his office in New York Monday night after an- nouncing the discovery of new wit nesses whose testimony he believes will turn the tide in Chapman's fla vor, Judge Groehl finally headed for Hartford and was expected to reach this city about noon. The original plan has been for a conference of counsel in New York on Wednesday when arrangements would be made for a writ of hdbeas corpus in the federal court, but Judge Groehl's movements indicate something of much greater importance than the federal court petition.
 A conference was expected 10 be had in Hartford today, and there was much speculation whether it would lead to an effort for a fourth roprieve for Chapman pending the determination of a motion for a new trial. It was confidently expected here this morning that the day would see developments in the Chap man case.
 "I came ID to Connecticut for the purpose of conferriug with Chapman over certain aspects of the case" he was about to leave for Wethers- field to visit Chapman at the state prison. Judge Groehl would not dis close the reason for the hurried visit to the prison, nor would he indicate the nature of the court action he might take.
 "I shall return 10 New York this afternoon" said Groehl Tomorrow, in New York. we shall definitely de- eide our plan ot action. Ii may incn lake day or two fer the prepara- ton of papers.
 Seeks Local Witness
 "We are looking for Gregory as was announced last night in New York" said Judge Groehl, "and l also would like to obtain the names and addresses of certain witnesses in New Britain. These, together with others I have in mind, would undoubtedly result in an order for new trial, Individually they would not perhaps have much weight"
 Judge Groehl today said that dur ing the prograss of the trial at Hartford he was approached by a woman outside the county building. who was leading a little boy by the hand. The woman said she had been waiting all day to see him, and said she thought he should know the testimony given by Henry Heller of New Britain in the identification of Chapman on the morning of Octo- Der 12, 1924, was untrue. The wom- an said Heller had told two young women, personal acquaintances of hers, that he could not identify Chapman. Groehl said he told the woman to bring the two young women to the Hotel Bond that night or early the following morn ing and she promised to do so if the two would come. They did not ap- pear, however.
 4 communication more recently from a man in New Britain is 10 the effect that Heller's aunt said Heller had also told her he couli not identify Chapman. Groehl is NOW trying 10 locate the aunt and Inc person 10 whom she is alleged to have related the incident. With these three additional witnesses, coupled with the testimony Gregory is expected to give. and additional testimony claimed to be available in New York that Chapman ac- tually was in New York on the night of October II, Mr. Groehl contends will win a new trial for the condemned man.
 Who Heller Is
 Heller is the man who vas standing in front of the Davidson and Levcnthal store in New Britain with his wife, awaiting a trolley car. He saw a man leaving the store and identified Chapman as having been that man.
 Appeal to PardonS Board
 Judge Groehl in his conversation today, intimated that an appeal would be made by Chapman 10 the board Of pardons if all other plans failed. He discussed the procedure followed by the board in it's meet ings and the method Of filing n petition. If such petition were filed hearing could be had, ir the board saw fit before the date set for the execution.
 Seek Missing Witness
 n 4