VIOLENT CRIMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23351, 17 November 1937, Page 11

VIOLENT CRIMES

EPIDEMIC IN LOS ANGELES GANGSTER VENGEANCE AUTHORITIES ALARMED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15. (Received Nov. 16, at 5.5 p.m.) An epidemic of violent crimes has roused the fear that Los Angeles is becoming a gangster stronghold. The shooting of Mr Hymie Miller is attributed to the vengeance of a New York gang. Other recent crimes have borne the gangster imprint, notably the shooting dead of George Druneman, also a Hollywood cafe owner, while sitting in a beer parlour a few weeks ago. It is believed that Mr Dewey's vigorous campaign as special prosecutor has caused a wholesale influx of desperadoes from New York. Gambling houses are flourishing, supported by film stars and other affluent people who wager fantastic amounts. A noted screen actress, who is an associate of a notorious gangster, is suspected of using her friendship with a high public official to warn the gambling ring of impending raids.

The authorities are most alarmed and are planning to establish a special rackets bureau similar to that of Mr Dewey. Emissaries of the district attorney are at present in New York endeavouring to recruit detectives who are experienced in gangster methods.

A gunman, in the early morning, entered the apartment of Mr Hymie Miller, aged 31, a movie actor and cafe owner, and fired four shots, blowing off Mr Miller's nose and wounding him in the neck, hand and thigh. Mr Miller was unable to describe the gunman. He heard a noise and woke up. A dim figure in the darkness immediately opened fire. Mr Miller was scheduled to appear in a scene in the film " Robin Hood."