HINES’ TRIAL

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20718, 31 January 1939, Page 7

HINES’ TRIAL

SENSATIONAL EPISODE SUICIDE OF A WITNESS DETECTIVE’S NEGLIGENCE (United Pres» as»d. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Jan. 29 There was a sensational development to-day in connection with the second trial, now proceeding, of Janies Hines, formerly a district leader of Tammany Hall, who was arrested last May on charges of being implicated in the lottery racket and attempting to influence and Intimidate judicial officers and others charged with the duty of enforcing and administering the laws of New York. George Weinberg, who was expected to be the star witness at this second trial, shot himself dead in the

bathroom at his home, using a pistol belonging to a detective who had been assigned by Mr T. E. Dewey, New York County District Attorney, to watch Weinberg to prevent just such an occurrence. Weinberg found the gun in a pocket of the detective's overcoat, which was hanging in the bedroom closet. Mr Dewey lias suspended the detective for negligence. He said he would use a transcript of Weinberg s testimony at the previous trial, but he thought it would not be nearly as effective. The Hines trial has been productive of many sensations, indicating the extent of racketeering in high official circles.