CHILD REPORTED AS KIDNAPPED. FOUND DEAD IN CREEK

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 November 1949, Page 5

CHILD REPORTED AS KIDNAPPED. FOUND DEAD IN CREEK

NEW YORK, Nov 7 (Red 6 pm).—The body of a six weeks old Stephen Komorek, who was reported kidnapped on Friday, was found today floating in a creek near his parents' home in Clayville, New York State. Mrs. Stella Komorek, aged 27, told the police that a man snatched the child from its crib and made off in a ramshackle car driven by another man, after he had knocked her down when she pursued him barefooted through the snow. The lather, Mr. Henry Komorek, aged 34, a factory worker, made a radio and newspaper appeal yesterday begging the kidnapper not to harm his son. He also gave the baby's feeding formula. The police had stated they were puzzled by the absence of a ransom note and the mother’s inability to describe the kidnapper. An autopsy showed that the infant had died from a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage. The coroner said the fatal blow could have been accidental or intentional. The body was clothed and swathed in blankets, and had been placed in a bag. The mother and father collapsed when the body was recovered in sight of their home. They had one other son who was killed in a traffic accident four years ago. Stephen was to have been baptised yesterday. The district Attorney-General and State police inspector resumed questioning of Mrs. Komorek after the autopsy.