GANG TERRORISM EXPOSED IN CHICAGO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 24 December 1928, Page 4

GANG TERRORISM EXPOSED IN CHICAGO.

(United Press Assn. —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) NEW YORK, December 21. News from Chicago states that terrorism aimed at the obstruction of justice to-day closed its talons on about ten persons who were to be State witnesses in the Ranieri kidnapping case. The ten have disappeared, either driven to cover by fear of vengeance, or kidnapped. Lieutenant Paul Riccio reported to the Assistant State Attorney, Mr Hoffman, that ten people had been subpoenaed to testify about the extortion practices of Angelo Petitti, who, with Andrew and Tony Cappallano, is on trial before Judge Gentzel on charges of kidnapping Billy Ranieri. Incidentally, Judge Gentzel received a letter threatening death to him. The Judge showed little concern over the threat. He handed the letter to Mr Hoffman, with the remark that it should be filed for possible use. He then mounted the bench to continue the case.

Mike Devito, whom Petitti yesterday told the'Court bailiff would be the next one killed, explained from the witnesses’ stand, after the jury was taken out, why Italians who 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 he had gone to Petitti after he had received four letters demanding money, and threatening the bombing of his house, the kidnapping of his children murder, if he did not comply.—United Service.