EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 46, 17 November 1937, Page 5

EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE

Gangsters Active in Los Angeles (Received 17, 8.45 a.m.) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15. Aa epidemic of. vifolent crimes has roused the- fear that Los Angeles is becoming a gangster. stronghold. Hymie Miller, aged 31, a movie actor and cafe owner, whose nose was blown off and wounded in the neck, hand and thijgh by a gunman who entered his Hollywood appartinent, has died. Three blood transfusions were futile. The police said Miller died without providing a singlo clue to the identity of his slayer. Ironically it was a film, "A Slight Case of Murder" in which Miller was scheduled to participate today. Officials claim that they have nncovered a plot to homb the home of such Jewish film notables as Eddie Cantor and Louis Mayer. The wildest rumours are circulated Tegarding unrevealed cases of blackmail and extortion. It is even reported that several studios enlisted the aid of the underworld to provide strike-breakers recently, after which they imported gunmen. The shooting is attributed to the vengeance of a New York gang. Other recent crimes have borne the gangster imprint, notably the shooting dead of George Bruneman, also a Hollywood cafe-owner, while he was sitting in a beer parlour a few weeks ago, It is believed Mr Pewey's vigorous campaign as a speeial prosecutor caused a wholesale influx of desperadoes from New York. Gambling houses rre flourishing. They are supported by film stars and other affluent people who wager fantastic aoiounts, A noted screen aitress who is an associate of a notonous gangster is using her friendship with a high puhlic official to warn the gambling ring of impending rai^s. The authorities are most alarmed and are planning to establish a speeial rackets bureau similar to Mr Dewey's. Emissariea of the district attorney are at present in New York endeavouring to recruit detectives experienced in gangster methods.