Blood in the Water

by Thompson, Heather Ann

  8. Ibid.

  9. As quoted in: Rockefeller, Deposition, Meyer Commission, August 8, 1975, 8841, FOIA request #110818, FOIA p. 000563.

  10. Eric Pace, “Officer in Inquiry at Attica Scored,” New York Times, October 2, 1971.

  11. Goldman Panel to Protect Prisoners’ Constitutional Rights, Report, New York State Archives.

  12. WCBS News, Copy Transcript, Sunday October 3, 1971, 11:15 p.m., Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.

  13. James Clarity, “Attica Prisoners Opposing a Double Role in the Inquiry,” New York Times, October 6, 1971.

  14. As quoted in: Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives, 66.

  15. Special Agents, Lee Mason and Carl Underhill, FBI Memorandum, October 21, 1971, Attica, New York, Buffalo File 44-592, FOIA request #110818 of the New York State Attorney General’s Office, FOIA p. 000157.

  16. Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives, 124. There were in fact two investigators assigned to the retaking from the outset including Michael McCarron, but they were given virtually no support and pressure was coming their way to get the job done.

  17. Investigator T. J. Sullivan, Organized Crime Task Force Memo to Robert Fischer, Subject: “Interview with John Flowers: 2/18/72,” February 22, 1972. Also see: John Flowers, Testimony, In the Matter of the Additional, Special and Trial Term of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Designated Pursuant to the Order of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department. County of Wyoming, June 11, 1972, Erie County courthouse, 8–9.

  18. Frederick Berry, Interview, Attica Investigation, State of New York Organized Crime Task Force, September 22, 1971, 1:45 p.m., Erie County courthouse.

  19. Warren Cronan, Interview, Attica Investigation, State of New York Organized Crime Task Force, February 22, 1971, Erie County courthouse. Handwritten Statement from Cronan attached.

  20. Sergeants Fay Scott and Edward Qualey, Interview, Attica Investigation, State of New York Organized Crime Task Force, Buffalo Office, October 29, 1974, Erie County courthouse.

  21. Ibid.

  22. Ibid.

  23. Ibid.

  24. Ibid.

  25. Ibid.

  26. Ibid.

  27. Rockefeller Administration, Confidential Memo, “Events at Attica: September 8–13, 1971,” 38. Also see: Correction Office Don Jennings, Interview, Attica Investigation, State of New York Organized Crime Task Force, November 14, 1974, Erie County courthouse.

  28. Robert Fischer, Letter to Louis Lefkowitz, June 14, 1972, as quoted in: Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives, 124–25.

  29. Ibid.

  30. Handwritten notes, FOIA request #110818 of the New York State Attorney General’s Office, FOIA p. 001217.

  31. Rockefeller, Deposition, Meyer Commission, August 8, 1975, 8704, FOIA request #110818, FOIA pp. 000346–000451.

  32. Whiteman, Testimony, Meyer Commission, June 12, 1975, 1634-1635, FOIA request #110818, FOIA pp. 000657–000658.

  33. Robert E. Fischer, Deputy Attorney General, Memorandum to Superintendent Mancusi, October 1, 1971, State of New York Organized Task Force, Attica uprising–related documents kept at the Attica Correctional Facility, Attica, New York.

  34. Leon J. Vincent, Deputy Superintendent Attica Prison, Memorandum to All Employees, October 1, 1971, Attica uprising–related documents kept at the Attica Correctional Facility, Attica, New York.

  32. STICK AND CARROT

  1. This investigation uncovered much evidence of prisoner abuse but ultimately did not pursue any civil rights cases on behalf of the prisoners.

  2. FBI notes in the matter of allegation of National Guardsman and inmate abuse with screwdriver, April 10, 1972, File: Buffalo 44-592, FOIA request #1014547-001 of the FBI, September 28, 2009.

  3. Edward Kowalczyk, also known as Angelo Martin, Affidavit, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), October 12, 1974, Ernest Goodman Papers, Walter Reuther Library.

  4. Charles “Flip” Crowley, Testimony, Wade Hearing, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), January 22, 1975, 586–87, 595–98, 628–31, as quoted in: Annette T. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,” Pamphlet, Charter Group for a Pledge of Conscience, New York City, New York, December 1975. Transcripts for Attica Wade Hearings can also be found in the Ernest Goodman Papers, Series IV, Subseries A: Trial Records, Boxes 24–32, Walter Reuther Library.

  5. Ibid.

  6. Ibid.

  7. Ibid.

  8. Robert E. Fischer, Memorandum to Dunham, June 5, 1972, as reported in: Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives, 79.

  9. Fischer, Memorandum to Attorney General Lefkowitz, June 14, 1972, as quoted in: Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives, 102.

  10. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  11. From Wade Hearing, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), February 20, 1975, 3152–54. As quoted in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  12. From Wade Hearing, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), February 20, 1975, 3229–31; 3225–26, as quoted in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  13. Ibid., 3229–31.

  14. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,”, 31.

  15. William M. Kunstler, Ted L. Wilson, Edward Kowalczyk, and Barbara Handschu, Annexed Affirmations (affidavits), September 5, 1973, in: People of the State of New York v. Dacajewiah, Indicted as John Hill, Transcript, 49 A.D.2d 1036 (1975), and People of the State of New York v. Mariano Gonzalez, 43 A.D. 2D 793 (N.Y. App. Div. 1973), Erie County courthouse.

  16. Attica News, Attica Now Collective, April 1972, Lieutenant H. Steinbaugh Papers, in author’s possession.

  17. Ibid.

  18. Kunstler, Wilson, Kowalczyk, and Handschu, Annexed Affirmations (affidavits), People of the State of New York v. Dacajewiah, Indicted as John Hill, Transcript, 49 A.D.2d 1036 (1975), and People of the State of New York v. Mariano Gonzalez, 43 A.D. 2D 793 (N.Y. App. Div. 1973), September 5, 1973.

  19. David Hightower, Affidavit, Attica Investigation, State of New York Organized Crime Task Force, November 29, 1974. Ernest Goodman Papers, Accession number 1152, 10/14/94. Box 7, Walter Reuther Library.

  20. Ibid.

  21. Ibid.

  22. Wade Hearing Vol. XXIII, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), 5424–29, 5434–50 quoted in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  23. Ibid.

  24. Palmer, Memorandum to Dunham and Whiteman, June 22, 1972, as quoted in: Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives, 98.

  33. SEEKING HELP

  1. “Attica Con Hangs Self in Cell,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), November 20, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

  2. Information from the record book kept by Lieutenant Steinbaugh, correction officer at Attica Correctional Facility. Book was personal accounting of inmate haircuts, pants, shaves, soap, shirts, showers, recreation, meals, and who refused to participate in any of these. Lieutenant H. Steinbaugh Papers, in author’s possession.

  3. “Inmates to Seek Injury, Property Redress,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), December 9, 1971.

  4. “506 Convicts Sue the State,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), December 15, 1971.

  5. Inmates of the Attica Correctional Facility et al. v. Nelson Rockefeller, Governor, State of New York, et al.,
United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, 453 F.2d 12, Argued November 5, 1971, decided December 1, 1971.

  6. 92.S.Ct.35 Supreme Court of the United States. 7 Males of Attica Correctional Facility v. Governor Nelson Rockefeller, et al. Application No. A-385. October 12, 1971.

  7. “Attica Ruling Is Reversed,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), November 13, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

  8. “Attica Aide Explains Why 38 Inmates Are in Isolation,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), December 2, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

  9. Ibid.

  10. Ibid.

  11. Attica News, Attica Now Collective, April 1972, Lieutenant H. Steinbaugh Papers, in author’s possession.

  12. Inmates of the Attica Correctional Facility et al. v. Nelson Rockefeller, Governor, State of New York, et al., United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, 453 F.2d 12, argued November 5, 1971, decided December 1, 1971.

  13. Ibid.

  14. Ibid.

  15. William Hellerstein, telephone conversation with author, November 8, 2011.

  16. “Attica Women Tell Judge Isolation Must Continue,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), December 6, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

  17. Inmates of the Attica Correctional Facility, Mariano Gonzales, et al. v. Nelson Rockefeller, Governor, State of New York, et al., Western District Court, Buffalo, New York, December 14, 1971.

  18. Jim McAvey, “Federal Monitors for Attica Asked,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), December 31, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

  19. McAvey, “Federal Monitors for Attica Asked.”

  20. Ibid.

  21. Jim McAvey, “Guards’ Treatment Rough, 2 Attica Convicts Tell Court,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), December 14, 1971.

  22. David L. Norman, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice Memorandum to Acting Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, October 31, 1972. Attached is Curtin Order received by U.S. Attorney’s office. John T. Curtin, Order, Inmates of the Attica Correctional Facility, Mariano Gonzalez, et al. v. Nelson Rockefeller, et al., CIV 1971-410, August 1, 1972, Western District Court, Buffalo, New York.

  23. McAvey, “Federal Monitors for Attica Asked.”

  24. As quoted in: Annette T. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,” Pamphlet, Charter Group for a Pledge of Conscience, New York City, New York, December 1975.

  34. INDICTMENTS ALL AROUND

  1. David Prizinsky, “Justice Ball to Preside at Enquiry of Attica Riot,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), November 4, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, Box 85, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

  2. In the state of New York, the “Supreme Court” is merely a general jurisdiction court where trials take place—both civil and criminal.

  3. Richard J. Roth, “Scope of Grand jury Probe Hinted During Impaneling,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), November 30, 1971, investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, Box 85, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

  4. Ibid.

  5. Carolyn Micklem, “Updates on Attica Defense,” undated, New York State Coalition for Criminal Justice Records, 1971–1986, Series 9: Issues File, Box 1: Attica Aftermath, 1971–1974, Folder 1, M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, State University of New York, Albany, New York; Annette T. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,” Pamphlet, Charter Group for a Pledge of Conscience, New York City, December 1975. Also see this point made in: Malcolm Bell, The Turkey Shoot, 106.

  6. Attorney General Simonetti, Letter to Mr. Elwood Kelly, Chairman, Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, December 16, 1971, Erie County courthouse.

  7. Ibid.; Attica News, Attica Now Collective, April 1972, Lieutenant H. Steinbaugh Papers, in author’s possession.

  8. As quoted in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  9. Wade Hearing, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), 596, as quoted in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  10. Charles “Flip” Crowley, Testimony, Wade Hearing, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), January 22, 1975, 628–31, in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  11. As quoted in: Crowley, Testimony, Wade Hearing, People of the State of New York v. Shango Bahati Kakawana (Indicted as Bernard Stroble), 407 F.Supp. 411 (1976), January 22, 1975, 628–31, in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,”

  12. Jiri Newport, Affidavit, People of the State of New York v. Mariano Gonzalez, Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, 43 A.D. 2D 793 (N.Y. App. Div. 1973), January 24, 1973, Erie County courthouse.

  13. Ibid.

  14. Ibid.

  15. Ibid.

  16. Arthur O. Eve, President, and David Rothenberg, Secretary, Memorandum to Attica Observer Committee Members, April 11, 1972, Franklin Florence Papers, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, University of Rochester Library, Rochester, New York.

  17. As quoted in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  18. Dallas Simon, Statement, Interview by Investigator Ernest Milde, Attica Investigative Office, Buffalo, New York, February 19, 1975, Erie County courthouse; Warren Cronan, Interview, Attica Investigation, February 22, 1971. Handwritten Statement from Cronan attached.

  19. Joe Heath, Letter to Bernard “Shango” Stroble, November 24, 1973, Ernest Goodman Papers, Accession number 1152, Box 7, Walter Reuther Library.

  20. William M. Kunstler, Annexed Affidavit, June 14, 1974, and Patrick Baker, Annexed Affirmation (affidavit), June 7, 1974, People of the State of New York v. Dacajewiah, Indicted as John Hill, Erie County courthouse.

  21. As quoted in: Bernard S. Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives, 79.

  22. Background Paper for Statement Calling for Dropping of Indictments, New York State Coalition for Criminal Justice Records, 1971–1986, Series 9: Issues File, Box 1: Attica Aftermath, 1971–1974, Folder 1, M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, State University of New York, Albany, New York.

  23. Ibid.

  24. Document in: New York State Coalition for Criminal Justice Records, 1971–1986, Series 9: Issues File, Box 1: Attica Aftermath, 1971–1974, Folder 1, M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, State University of New York, Albany, New York; Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”

  25. David J. Rothman, “You Can’t Reform the Bastille,” The Nation, March 19, 1973.

  26. W. Mark Felt, Acting Director, FBI, Memorandum to SAC, Buffalo, Subject: “Indictments,” December 20, 1972, FOIA request #1014547-001 of the FBI, September 28, 2009.

  27. Ibid.

  28. Attica: Chronology of Events, 1971–1974, Attica Brothers Legal Defense, Buffalo, New York, Joseph A. Labadie Collection, Special Collections Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

  PART VII · JUSTICE ON TRIAL

  35. MOBILIZING AND MANEUVERING

  1. Bill Goodman, Interview, Speaking Freely: Bill Goodman, National Lawyers Guild, June 3, 2013.

  2. On February 27, 1973, two hundred Oglala Lakota (Sioux) activists and members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) began a protest in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, demanding that the U.S. government make good on treaties from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They remained for seventy-one days
in a standoff with law enforcement. Ultimately the protest ended after much gunfire, some deaths, and many of the protesters arrested. On the NLG Attica strategy, see: Goodman, Interview, Speaking Freely: Bill Goodman, National Lawyers Guild, June 3, 2013.

  3. Donald Jelinek, Attica Justice: The Cruel 30-Year Legacy of the Nation’s Bloodiest Prison Rebellion, Which Transformed the American Prison System (Jelinek Publishers, 2011), 240.

  4. Ibid., 237.

  5. Ibid., 235.

  6. Fred Ferretti, “4 Bar Groups Give Legal Aid to Inmates at Attica,” New York Times, October 26, 1971.

  7. Annette T. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,” Pamphlet, Charter Group for a Pledge of Conscience, New York City, December 1975, 36.

  8. Leonard J. Klaif and Dennis Cunningham, Petition to Judge Carmen F. Ball, Subject: “In the Matter of the Application for payment of legal fees and expenses incurred on behalf of the Attica brothers Legal Defense between December 1972 and July 1974,” Additional Special and Trial Term of the Supreme Court, State of New York, County of Erie, Filed October 24, 1974, request denied October 24, 1974, New York State Coalition for Criminal Justice Records, 1971–1986, Series 9: Issues File, Box 1: Attica Aftermath, 1971–1975, M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, State University of New York, Albany, New York.

  9. Background Paper for Statement Calling for Dropping of Indictments, New York State Coalition for Criminal Justice Records, 1971–1986, State University of New York, Albany, New York.

  10. In: New York State Coalition for Criminal Justice Records, 1971–1986, Series 9: Issues File, Box 1: Attica Aftermath, 1971–1974, M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections an Archives, State University of New York, Albany, New York.

  11. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,” 39.

  12. “Proposed Budget—1974. Attica Brothers Legal Defense,” in the papers of Elizabeth M. Fink, Brooklyn, New York.