Evening star., 1936-07-16
BELL GIRLS STORY
PUBLICITY HOAX,
DETECTIVE SAYS
Report of Gang MutiIation
Called "Weird Fabrication
of Lies"
WASHINGTON POLICE
HOLD CASE COMPLETED
Baltimore Authorities to Prefer
Charges of Bonus Cash
Theft.

Margaret Louise Bells graphic story
of an attempt on her life by New
York gangsters, who she claimed
scratched the letters &c. L." on her
body and left her bound in gas
filled apartment, this afternoon was
branded by Detective Chief Bernard
w. Thompson as "a weird fabrication
of lies concocted in fanatical desire
for publicity"
In announcing Washington police
have completed the case, Thompson
said the 23-year old auburn haired
woman will be held for Baltimore au-
thorities, who want her on charge
of robbing a World War veteran OF
$700 bonus money.
In formal statement issued shortly
after Joseph Silver and Leo Maimone,
suspects in the case, had been re-
leased following a hearing before
United States Commissioner Needham
c. Turnage, Thompson said the fol-
lowing facts have been revealed:
"After through and exhaustive in
vestigation conducted under the direc-
ton of Capt Ira E. Keck, in close CO.
operation with New York officials,
it has been determined beyond a rea-
sonable doubt that the alleged at
tempt on the life Of Miss Bell at
1890 New Hampshire avenue early
Sunday was absolutely groundless and
has no foundation on facts"
Every Angle Investigated.
Although the woman told many
varied versions of the case, Thomp-
son said, nothing was overlooked and
every possible conceivable angle was
entirely investigated.
ITO the Investigators who handled
this case" Thompson continued, II
give credit for the most able investi-
cation of the most fabricated false
hoods I have ever been confronted
with"
The arrest of Silvers and Maimone
climaxed the investigation which
was started after Miss Bell was
found in a gas-reeking apartment
at 1890 New Hampshire avenue
early Sunday with the initials
&C L" and numerals 1912" scratched
on her body. She attributed the mutt
lation to gangsters and told police she
saw Joe Silver and a man named
LEO" at the Hangar Club few hours
before the assault.
Under glaring lights, parade OF
seven men, including Silvers and Mai
none, passed before Miss Bell at head
quarters last night AS Maimone went
by she gave no indication she had seen
him before. She looked at Silvers and
later told Inspector Bernard W.
Thompson, detective chief, that he
bore a resemblance" to a man she
saw at the club Saturday night.
After the lineup Inspector Thomp-
son asked her If she recognized any of
the men.
"One has great resemblance, but
I can't identify him. she answered.
Which one?" Thompson asked.
1.-THE one with the black and white
shirt" she said.
Silvers wore black and white
shirt.
To further questioning, Miss Bell
said she would not go before a grand
jury and charge the man who bore
q great resemblance" with the al
legged attack. Pressed still further,
she fatty refused to identify any one
Of the seven in the lineup.
Thompson then ordered her back
to detectives for further questioning.
One police official said the woman's
failure to positively identify either
Silvers or Maimone convinced him
beyond any doubt her story was q
hoax.