District Attorney's subject files, 1934-1959

Scope and Contents

This series consists of the district attorney's subject files for Murder, Inc. investigations which were never brought to trial. The documents indicate investigations carried out not only in Brooklyn but also in upstate New York, New Jersey and California. The records include correspondence, transcripts, memoranda, reports, mug shots and criminal records, crime photos and bullets.

The information represented in this series include investigative records against such figures as Albert Anastasia, the Shapiro brothers, Abraham "Petty" Levine, Mike Spataro, Irving Penn, "John-the-Polack," John Bagdonowitz (Begdone), Joseph Salerno, George de Feo, Whitey Fiedman, "Tootie," and Rubin Smith. There are also investigative files regarding the murder of Dutch Schultz and Robert Vacarino, as well as more information on Abe Reles. It also includes files on Detective Frank Bals, who was chief investigator for Mayor O'Dwyer when he was the District Attorney. His miscellaneous papers include notes on investigations into William Thalis and Abraham Edelstein among others, memorandums of murders that related to Murder, Inc.'s activities in Brooklyn, and handwritten notes regarding various cases.

Extent

.5 cubic feet

Dates

1934-1959


Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Portions of this collection are restricted under United States privacy laws. Advance notice is required for using original material. Please contact us to arrange access.

Arrangement

The series is arranged alphabetically by folder heading and then alphabetically by sub-heading.