"POISON RING"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

"POISON RING"

People Murdered for Life Insurance

LATEST discoveries by the police investigating the sensational ■ "poison ring' of Philadelphia, United States, reveal that some of the insurance victims died from the effects of the obscure poison, hemlock, writes a New York correspondent of the News of the World. Hemlock is one of the oldest death potions in the world. It was used by executioners in ancient Greece. According to history the philosophei Socrates took it in 399 B.C. when be was condemned to death. Leaders Escape Police inquiries now extend over many States. Yet, in spite of the elucidation of the ring's ramifications, the chiefs have so far evaded the arm of the law. . The authorities are convinced, however, that in duo time they will provo that the "rin<'" was responsible for at least 300 deaths. Captain Jamos Kelly, who is in charge of investigations, states that in the later part of the "ring's" activities the organisers were out not only to Kill people on whom they could collect insurance, but persons who might be brought as witnesses against theiil. Central figure in the newest sensation is Dr. Horace I). Perlman, aged 50, one of Philadelphia's greatest obstetricians, who has been charged as an accessory before and alter the fact of homicide. When Dr. Perlman was arraigned in court, the District Attorney alleged: "Ho furnished poison and also obtained the prospects." Afterwards. Dr. Perlman's consulting room was visited. It was stripped of furnishings and all equipment was seized. The police alleged that they found clues which strengthened their suspicion that there were other suppliers of poison, and several doctors are likely to he arrested. One of the six persons so far arrested, Herman Petrillo, who is alleged to have

admitted taking part in 21 killings, has now given the police a new list of victims in the hope of avoiding the electric chair. The "ring" is alleged to havo provided wives with poison to kill their husbands, and to have employed "professional widows" to marry potential victims and induce them to take out life assurance policies. " Witches' Brew " Another allegation is that the syndicate sold a poison known as "witches' brew" for £6O a pint. The poison was dropped into food and produced symptoms similar to pneumonia. This was the cause of death given on most of the death certificates. Maurice Bolder, regarded as one of the "brains of the ring" was taken into custody in South Philadelphia. He is alleged to have admitted dealing in love potions, and acting as "consultant to scores of women seeking cures for erring husbands." Still being sought is Bolder's exsecretary, Bose Carina, known as the "girl with the kiss of death." ft is alleged that her three husbands died in mysterious circumstances.