Evening star., 1932-02-08


and other criminals to contribute cash
to the Coll bank roll under threat of
being slain.
He would send word to a victim. -
police said, that he was waiting out
side to see him, and for the man to
come out or send out some money
$500 up to SIS 1000. The mention of the
name Coll was enough to produce the
money, no questions asked"
Coll was unarmed. Police explained
that he probably was starting out on a
round of night clubs. On such occa-
sions he seldom carried a weapon. but
always was accompanied by a body
guard His bodyguard on this occa-
sion, police are certain. was traitor.
A report was published only a few
hours before Coils death that Chicago
gunner had arrived last Friday by
plane to get Coll.
Less than week ago two men and
a woman were shot dead in their Bronx
home by gunmen hunting Coll.
Chicago Methods Seen.
After trying New York gangdom S
most approved method of rubbing out
a foe, Coils enemies had to hire Chicago
assaSsins to do the job, police believe.
They based their theory on a COM
parison Of methods used in the two
most recent attacks on him and his
followers.
They expressed the opinion Chicago
Tommy gunners" did the killing. 1t
was known that Coll was familiar with
the habits and appearance of most of
the New York trigger men" and had
been successful in thwarting ambushes
laid by them.
Besides his other activities, Coils
name has been closely connected with
the kidnapping racket, police said. Dur
ing the last year he is reported to have
Big Frenchy" De Mango, reputed
partner Of Owney Madden. beer runner
and Broadway racketeer, and Billy
Warren. bookmaker.
Despite all these reported activities,
Coils notoriety did not really become
Nationwide until the baby massacre
of last July sent wave of horror wide
spread. Gang gunners, apparently seek
ing foe, opened fire with machine
gun in a crowded street as they rolled
slowly through it in an automobile.
The bullets spattered into a group of
small children playing in the street.
Five-year-old Michael Vengah was
killed and several Of his playmates
wounded
Witness Destroys Case.
Coll and reputed henchman, Frank
Giordana were arrested after a long
search and at their trial for first degree
murder the States case seemed strong
until the star witness for the prosecu-
ton admitted, under croSs-eXamination,
that he had lied in his direct testi-
mony. This mystery witness from Mis-
souri, George Brecht admitted after
he broke down that he had been con-
victed of jewel theft in St Louis when
he was IS years old and had been a
witness for the State in the trial OF
Louis Mandel and Lee Orlando, men,
bers of the Cuckoo gang" OF st. Louis,
fer the murder Of August Sante, st.
Louis physician. in 1927.
Since Brecht was the only witness TO
identify the prisoners as the Slayers
they were acquitted on a directed ver-
dict after his admission Of lying.
Police examinat ton today of employees
and patrons of the drug store in which
Coll was given deadly dose OF his own
medicine revealed that the youthful
gangster had last minute warning that
he was about to die.
The door of the telephone booth IN
which Coll stood was partly open, eye
witnesses told police, and the killer
paused before it momentarily before
tightening his finger on the trigger.
Turn around. Vincent" the gunman
directed, and get ready for it. I'm 60
ing TO give it TO you"
Coll turned with a sneer and the un-
derworld chopper" loosed his stream
of lead.
The underworld grapevine" appar-
emily flashed the news Of Coils demise
almost before the machine gun stopped
firing. for when detectives descended on
Broadway's haunts all the big shots
had fed A half dozen small fry picked
up were released quickly.
They're running true TO form by not
telling anything Police Commissioner
Edward P. Mulrooney said.
Unusually large sales Of American