Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-02
GRAND JURY GETS
BRUTALITY CASES.
Secrecy Marks Opening Of
Inquiry as Witnesses
Are Guarded.
Continued From First Page. \

IlOui hob ago.
and Policemen w. C. Groomes.
William r. Latin and William T.
Burroughs. Some of this quar-
tet are named singly or collec-
lively in the four other cases Of
alleged brutality to be presented
to the grand jury. A fifth police
man, whose identity has not been
revealed, also has been implicated
by allegations made to the agents
of the Bureau of Investigation.
United States Attorney Leo A. Rover
took personal charge of presentation of
the cases to the inquisitorial body
Rover was in conference with Director
Hoover and Inspector before the
grand jury convened
The district attornes >, 70 make
public the list of witnesses who have
been summoned to appear in the first
group of five cases, an indication OF the
care being taken to protect from pos
sible intimidation those who are to
testify. The precautions were decided
upon after threats had been made
against several important witnesses In
the Harker case. The Government
issued q warning that drastic action
would be instituted II any other wit
nesses were approached" Specific
warnings were given to alleged intim-
idators.
The parade OF witnesses into the
grand jury room moved rapidly and
there were indications that the grand
jury might not call many of the wit
nesses who are under subpoena. If
the present rate of progress continues
there appeared to be a possibility that
not only the Harker case. but several
or all of the additional cases might be
disposed of before adjournment this
afternoon. In this event. the grand
jury might dispense with. the question
ing of a number of first precinct po-
licemen. who had been notified to ap-
pear tomorrow morning.
In Room Long Time.
Harker remained in the grand jury
room for a considerable time, and
numerous witnesses were brought in
the room in his presence. Among
these was DR.. H. Watson Moffett,
Harker's physician, who examined the
youthful baker shortly after his release
had been obtained by Attorney S. Nc
ComaS Hawkcn.
While Hoover and Keith devoted the
day to the grand jury proceedings. a
staff Of special agents, under Gus
Jones, veteran Justice investigator. was
seeking evidence in other third-degree
cases. Jones was brought here from
San Antonio Tex, to assist Inspector
Keith in the investigation. Jones is
agent in charge of the San Antonio
branch office of the Bureau of Inves-
tigation.
Harker remained in the grand jury
room until 1245 pm. Is minutes be-
fore the scheduled adjournment time.
II was understood he had completed his
testimony unless recalled by the jury.
Harker was followed after the mid
day recess by his sister. MRS. Adelaide
Marcos. She previously had told in
vestigators she heard her brother scream
when she visited the first precinct police
station on the night of the alleged beat
ing. Shortly afterward, she said. she
saw detectfve-later identified as
Mostyn-emerge from the so-Called
third degree room" with length of
rubber hose in his han6. Mrs. Marcos
remained in the grand jury room nearly
a half hour.
Hose and Whip as Evidence.
Evidence which it is expected the Gov
eminent will introduce includes piece
of rubber hose, leather whip and the
handle of a sledge hammer. The hose
was found in an alley adjoining the FIRST
precinct station and the other two ar
ticles we're taken from the locked door
OF desk in the so-called third degree
room of the station house.
Harker charged that he was beaten
numerically with piece of rubber hose
welded by Detective Mcstyn in the
presence of Groomes, Latin and Bur-
roughs. The rubber hose turned over
to Justice agents by police is declared
TO be different In appearance from that
described by HaTker. Apparently the
other piece of hose has Disappeared,
although policemen have stated that q
section of hose similar to tket mem
toned by Harker was about the station
house some time prior to the bakers
alleged beating.
Arrested as Robber Suspect.
Harker was arrested at an early
morning hour as q suspect in q house
precinct until late the following night
Several hours before lunch, he alleges.
he was taken from his cell to q small
brick-walled room adjoining the once
of Capt w. E. Holmes, commander of
the precinct. Capt Holmes end In
spectOr Louis J. Stoil, who later was
assigned by Police supt. Pratt 10 in
vestigate Harker's original conp.a int,
time. but both officials have stated they
captains Office from the small room Is
disclosed would act as . barrier against