DRAMATIC TRIAL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 127, 1 June 1942, Page 5

DRAMATIC TRIAL

murder of rich refugee

NEW YORK, May 30.

"You've crucified me," shrieked Madeline Webb when an all-male jury convicted her of having taken part in the murder of Susan Reich, a rich refugee, in the Hotel Sutton, New York City. Her accomplice and lover, Eli Shonbrun, shouted: "You can't do that! She's as innocent as my mother!"

This scene climaxed Shonbrun's confession of guilt in the witness box in a dramatic bid to absolve the girl of complicity. The jury recommended Webb, former New YurK World Fair show girl, to mercy. This means mandatory life imprisonment. Shonbrun and another accomplice, John Cullen, were convicted of first degree murder. Judge Goldstein set June 19 for imposing sentence. Defence counsel notified intention to appeal.

For having turned State witness, a separate trial will be given Marcus Hirschl. He admitted trying to dispose of a £470 ring for which elderly Mrs. Reich was murdered on March 4 in a Manhattan Hotel. When Shonbrun was formally asked what his occupation was, he pointed at State Prosecutor Grumet and shrieked: "Im a murderer, just like him!"