by Gene Epstein
Reilly noticed them looking. “That's my uncle. He's been a superior court justice for ten years and my inspiration. I clerked for him when I graduated law school.
“Gentlemen, I'm not looking to be a thorn in any one’s side. If anything, I'm trying to find a good way out so neither of you are embarrassed or possibly be facing criminal charges. First of all, Billy Thompson was in the hospital the night of Mrs. Moore's murder. I have spoken with the doctor and a nurse at Episcopal hospital and after they were shown his records, they confirmed it. I have a written statement from the person that brought him to the hospital and brought him back to his apartment hours after the homicide. Secondly, Hampton court, the residence of the former Mrs. Jacqueline Phyllis Moore, was not robbed. The articles that were found in the trunk of the vehicle that my clients were driving came from a home three doors up belonging to the Johnsons. They were good friends of the Moores. Four years ago, Rodney Moore personally gave his golfing trophy to his buddy Mr. Johnson.
“Theo, for some reason or other you never notified me or the court that you received a call from the Philadelphia Police Department informing you that they had no interest in William Thompson because the warrant was issued incorrectly and withdrawn. Yet you use that as additional evidence in the hearing to show cause.” He continued, “Then you, Theo, entered the evidence room on the pretense of leaving the search warrant there and then walked out with a 22-caliber pistol that had serial numbers on it. That pistol had remained in the evidence room for the past six months from another case. You removed the serial numbers from the pistol and bored out the barrel and then hid it in the drawer of Billy Thompson's apartment, pretending to let the Philadelphia officer think that he found it. The police officer knew that you placed it there because he saw you do it from the other room. So now here we are. We have a person and his friend that you have ridiculed and accused of first-degree murder. You both conspired to have these charges brought against these victims. Now, what do we do?”
The room was silent. Both representatives of the law were speechless. Then Mazur asked, “What would you suggest?”
Reilly responded, “There is an easy way out of this, causing no harm and possibly keeping your pension. First Mazur, I want you to drop all charges against both my clients. Whatever excuse you come up with that's OK with me. As far as the burglary which Billy Thompson admitted to the Johnsons—after being told what he was put through—decided that they are not even going to report a burglary, especially since those items were going to be given to a charity.
“We all now know that of Mrs. Moore’s murderer is out there. I want you guys to do everything possible to find that murderer. Legally. In the name of my uncle the superior court justice. I demand that you do it legally.
“As far as Billy Thompson driving a stolen vehicle, which it turns out, he did not steal but affixed a stolen license plate, I would suggest that we come together on a plea bargain. He will admit that he drove a vehicle that turned out to be stolen and steal the license plate. I want you to suggest a one-year sentence with two years’ probation. And both my clients should be eligible for release after six months minus the one month that they have spent so far in jail.
“Are we all in agreement gentlemen?”
A very shaky district attorney confirmed.
“I will write up the papers tomorrow to that effect and present it to the court.”
Marcus C Reilly proudly stood up and looked at his uncle’s picture on the wall while holding back a smile. “Gentlemen. Let's all get on with our lives and thank you for your cooperation.”
***
Newspaper and television reporters covered news conference at which District Attorney Dennis Mazur praised the efforts of Detective Theo Harrison, who made certain that even the accused are treated fairly. Through his diligent work and that of his staff they were able to discover new evidence that proves neither of the accused William Thompson nor Albert Young Jr. had anything to do with the homicide of Mrs. J.P Moore, Mazur told them. He informed the press that they are following other leads in the investigation.
Then the district attorney thanked everyone for attending and refused to take any questions. Both he and Detective Harrison went their respective ways.
***
Upon returning to his office Harrison found Detective Simpson going through his case file notes. Picking up the phone he told Harrison that he is trying to reach Joanne Lawrence the physical therapist.
“You did a background check on her before and found that she was living was a drug dealer. Did you just drop it?” Harrison asked.
“No, I did not. I met with her at her apartment and questioned her thoroughly; it's all in the report. She never had a pistol. The two times that she was arrested she was released with no charges. She was only arrested because she was living with that Chaz Galloni, the drug dealer. Theo, I don't understand. You told me to drop everything; that the two burglars were the ones that killed Mrs. Moore. It was no sense following any further. Besides, there's nothing that links her at all, plus both Lawrence and her boyfriend had good alibis that we checked out. What else is there to check?”
“Well let's get into that file deeper and don’t drop the ball since everybody's got their eyes on this case.”
Simpson was a bit pissed. As soon as Harrison left Simpson’s cubicle Simpson realized that he never checked out Victor thoroughly, nor a Rico Rodriguez who Victor fought with and now was supposedly now living in Trenton.
He also noticed that he never got back in touch with the housekeeper, who was supposed to get him information about her boyfriend Aleksander. He dreaded that, since it was so difficult to understand anything that she said.
He spent over an hour on the phone trying to track the whereabouts of Rico Rodriguez in Trenton. The local police weren’t cooperative, as well as and a detective who complained that he had more than enough problems on his hands to look for anybody.
“We have Puerto Ricans fighting Guatemalans. Blacks fighting both. This area turned into a hell hole I don't have time to track somebody down for you.”
After hearing that response from the disgruntled detective, Simpson was very happy being a detective in Lower Marion. He planned to take a dreaded drive to Trenton.
The following morning after checking in, he took his file with him and drove the expressway to the interstate heading into New Jersey. One hour later he came to an address that was in a complaint associated with Rodriguez.
The entire area looked very similar to some areas in Chester. It seemed to him that there were hundreds of homes squeezed together on every city block. Finding the address, he walked up three steps and knocked on the door. A minute later a 16-year-old boy opened the door.
“What choo want? Ain't nobody here.”
Then someone from the rear of the house yelled, “Somebody looking for Rico?”
The detective knew that this was a typical response from anybody who thought that the police meant trouble.
“I'm only here to ask him some questions. It's about his friend Victor.”
Then a large Hispanic man came to the front door and identified himself as Jose, Rico’s brother-in-law.
"Victor is no friend of Rico’s and besides Rico hasn't been here since he got involved with that bad dude in Chester. ”
“I heard that they both fought over money from a deal that went bad.” Simpson was testing him.
“That’s right.” Jose continued, “Rico and Victor were buying this guy’s taxicab in Chester real cheap. They was going to be partners and be legit. Rico knew this guy who was going back to Puerto Rico and he had a taxicab with a license for sale. He had to sell it quickly to get the money for his family and he told Rico that it was worth $25-$35,000 but he would take $10,000 quickly instead of using one of those brokers that take a big share and maybe never sell it.
“When Rico gave the guy the $10,000, the guy gave him the taxi and the title and told him he'll bring the taxi license papers over the next day to get tran
sferred at the State. Next day the dude never showed. Rico and Victor wound up with a car that was worthless and Victor wanted his $5000 back that he gave Rico. That's what they was fighting about.”
“So you're telling me that they both got defrauded out of $10,000.”
Detective Simpson then thanked the man and handed him his card requesting that he have Rico call him since there might be a warrant for him which he would rather not see happen. Simpson wanted to put a little fear into this man even though there was no warrant.
After taking notes, Simpson headed back to the office to report to Harrison. When he arrived at the office Harrison was on the phone talking to Robert Snyder. Simpson wrote a quick note asking Harrison to hand him the phone when he's done talking to Snyder.
“I don't know what to tell you, Mr. Snyder. There's nobody more disappointed than all of us here. Everything fell into place and then we checked to make sure everything was perfect for a trial and we found out overwhelming proof that neither of those two that we had in custody were involved in any way with the murder of Mrs. Moore nor did they steal anything out of the house.”
“But Detective, I identified the trophy as belonging to Mr. Rodney Moore. How do you explain that?" Snyder asked.
“It seems as though Mr. Moore and Sam Johnson were golfing buddies. For over three years Mr. Moore supposedly won almost every round that they played and as a joke, Mr. Moore gave his buddy Johnson the trophy on his birthday. It did not come from Hampton Court it came from the Johnson home up the road. Mr. Snyder that's why none of the other objects looked familiar to you.”
“I understand, Detective. It's just very disappointing. Thinking one day you have the murderers in hand and the next day nothing. Back to step one. Is there anything that I can help with? I'm starting back to law school soon and won't be as available.”
“Mr. Snyder, I realize you're disappointed. As I said we all are.” Harrison was glad that he didn’t have to answer any other questions. “If anything comes up I will leave a message on your answering machine. Hold on, Detective Simpson has a question for you.”
“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Snyder, but is there anything that you can tell me about Stasha's boyfriend Aleksander?”
“Only that about every week or so he’d be there to drop her off to work and then later in the day he would return to pick her up.”
“Did you ever meet him?”
“I really never paid much attention, but one time I saw this burly, seedy-looking character removing something from the trunk of his car, which I assumed was some of Stasha's cleaning materials, and that morning I saw her with a black eye. I asked her what happened and she said, ‘No. No. No.’ So I just dropped it. I didn't think she bumped her head on the door. But that wasn't my business.”
Simpson continued, “I interviewed Stasha with great difficulty. Can you give me her phone number? I just want to get Aleksander's last name and information.”
“I may have the address book in my car. When I get in I'll call you.”
As soon as Robert hung up the phone, it rang. It was Amanda calling to tell him she just heard the on the news that additional information just received proved that the two suspects that were being held for trial were innocent. She tried to console Robert that eventually, they'll find the murderer. She asked him about staying over for the weekend and he was glad to accept the invitation.
***
Going through the mind of Detective Harrison was the question of who benefited from the attempted burglary that led to the murder? His mind flashed to Robert. Was Robert being too cooperative in calling several times a week? It was a simple thing to do. Was he doing this to see if we were on a trail that would possibly lead to him? Why did Robert tell me that he was the sole beneficiary? Was it because he knew he would look bad if we found out first? Being that he was the sole beneficiary, he would have access to the safe deposit box which every person of means would have. What could have been in there? Did he notify the IRS about the safe deposit box? He was there at the house the night that the murder took place. He told us that he was sleeping in his apartment but was he? He seemed upset but he was also an actor. I baited him by letting him think that we traced his name and found records that he owned a 22-caliber pistol. He didn't realize that without us having the serial number of the pistol it would be impossible to check. The NRA made sure that there was not a public registry. He then admitted that he owned a 22-caliber pistol that he supposedly sold to a pawnshop for $25. Could he still have it? Could that pistol be the one that killed Mrs. Moore?
"Theo. Have time to talk?" Detective Simpson asked.
“I want to brew a fresh pot of coffee. Do you want some also? Then I'm all yours.” They walked to the small backroom office that was used as a conference room.
As the coffee was brewing, Simpson went over what he had on Victor and Rico Rodriguez. He explained about the business deal with somebody Rico knew who was selling their taxicab and taxi license for $10,000 and how both of them were going to run a legit business. Victor wound up getting screwed, and supposedly so did Rico, but Victor felt all along that he was set up. They had an argument that turned into a fight and then Rico agreed to give Victor $2500, supposedly out of his pocket.
After Simpson spoke with Victor he realized that the $2500 went towards his security deposit to rent the apartment. As far as Simpson was concerned, neither of them had anything to do with anything at Hampton Court.
Harrison went over all of the thoughts that he had about Robert Snyder. Some things just did not add up. He asked Simpson to get in touch with Robert Snyder and ask him when he purchased the pistol and the name of the store that he purchased it from. Then the name of the pawnshop where he supposedly sold it.
“According to the law, storekeepers are supposed to keep records of all gun sales for a period of 20 years. It’s a bitch trying to search them, since they're all handwritten records and usually kept in the storage room. But let's start somewhere,” Harrison instructed Simpson.
***
“The word in our office is that one of the detectives planted the supposed murder weapon in the apartment of one of the burglars,” Amanda told Robert.
“I can't believe it. I met with both detectives numerous times since it happened and I am shocked that they would do anything like that.”
“Bobby, it happens all too often. Most of the time, it's one detective or officer trying to help another out of a jam which might've been a bad judgment by an officer, especially when it comes to a shooting. Now the pressure is on them even more to find out who killed her. They will. It may take time but they will find out.”
"Do you want to take a shower with me?" asked Amanda. “It will get your mind off everything else and on me.”
“My mind is always on you and my eyes would enjoy taking a shower with you.”
Chapter 24
The following morning at breakfast Amanda mentioned to Robert that detective Harrison was somewhat put off with her when she inquired about activity with the case.
“He seemed fixated on you. My concern is that he continues that course and doesn't see the forest for the trees.”
Sitting in the living room, he called his answering machine to check for messages. One message was from the admissions secretary at Temple University giving him the starting date for his class. The other was from Detective Simpson.
“Mr. Snyder. Just looking back over our notes I wanted to know if you remember the date when and the gun shop where you purchased your 22-caliber pistol? Also the name of the pawnshop that you sold it to. I realize that was several years back but I could use your assistance. We’re just trying to fill in all the blanks. You have my card with my phone number. I'll await your call.”
“You must have ESP,” Robert joked to Amanda. “I just checked with the answering machine and there was a message from Detective Simpson requesting information about a 22-caliber pistol that I bought years ago in Philadelphia. He also wanted the name of the pawnshop that I sold it
to. How do I ever find a date that I bought about ten years ago? Not only that, but a while back they asked me what I did with my 22-caliber pistol. If they knew that I owned one then they would have the information. Wouldn't they?”
“Bobby, they probably just baited you when they asked about your pistol before. All sales records of handguns are required to be held for 20 years. But there is no way that they could know that you owned one unless they had the serial number and the vendor who sold it to you. It seems like their prior fixation is back on you. Don't pay attention to it. They finally are doing their job.”
***
“This is Detective Simpson. Can I help you?”
“This is Robert Snyder returning your call.”
“Glad you called, Mr. Snyder. Were you able to find any information for me?”
Robert gave the detective all the information that he could think of. “Ruttenberg’s in Philadelphia. Frankly, I thought you had that information when you asked me about the gun before. As for the date, I don't remember but it was around the time when Nixon resigned if that helps. The pawnshop was on Samson Street about one block east of Broad Street. There's no way that I'd be able to find my receipt for it. I would not even know where to look.”
“Thank you so much. I appreciate getting back to me so soon. If I have any more questions I’ll get back to you.”
As soon as Simpson hung up he looked in the phone directory for Ruttenberg’s Gun Shop. It was easy to find in the Yellow Pages since they had a full-page ad. He called and asked for the manager or owner and identified himself. An assistant manager picked up the phone and informed Simpson that he did not have access to any of the records of sales beyond four years ago and he’s not authorized to open up their storage unit in the industrial park where old records are kept.