KIDNAPPING CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 December 1928, Page 5

KIDNAPPING CASE

TEN STATE WITNESSES DISAPPEAR. (United Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright). NEW YORK, Dec. 21. V News from Chicago states that rorism aimed at tiie obstruction A justice to-day closed its talons on ten persons who were to lie State nesses in the Ranieri kidnapping The ten have disappeared; either to cover hy fear of vengeance, or napped. Lieut. Paul Riccio reported to Assistant State Attorney, Air I man, that ten people had hceri j poenaed to testify about the 1 j practices of Angelo Pottiti, who, ! Andrew and Tony Cappallano, is I trial before Judge Gentzel on of kidnapping Billy Ranieri. Incidentally, Judge Gentzel a letter threatening death to The Judge showed little concern the threat. . He handed the letter Mr Hoffman, with the remark that it <fl should lie fileil for possible use. then mounted the bench to continue the case. Mike Devito, whom Potitti yesterday told tile Court bailiff would ho the next one killed, explained from tho B witnesses stand, after the jury was taken out, why Hal inns wlio i.got unsigned Black Hand letters always went to Petitti. “Everybody down there knows that Petitti is the head of the gang.’’ He said, in answer to a question in cross-examination, that lie had gone to Petitti after lie had received four letters demanding money, and threatening the bombing of his house, the kidnapping of his children and murder, if he did not comply.

KIDNAPPER S SENTENCED

POLICE GUARDING HOMES OP

WITNESSES,

VANCOUVER, December 24

A message (from Chicago says that homes of the chief witnesses after the special police remained guarding the jury convicted Angelo Pettiti and Andrew Capellano of kidnapping for ransom a ten-year-old . boy, Billy Ranieri. Judge Gentzel, sentenced them to twenty-five years’ imprisonment.

“I commend you for your courage, your patriotism and your judgment. You have my profound respect,” declared the Judge to the jurymen. The Judge asked the jurors to report to the police immediately if they received more threats of death. “I have re> ceived death threats during this trial, hut I hope to get home all right,” said the Judge.