Post by Michael on Feb 22, 2009 10:40:55 GMT -5
I've often written and commented about how others' allusions towards the Investigators working on behalf of Gov. Hoffman's re-investigations was mostly incorrect and/or misleading. Sure, Hoffman would receive letters from some unknowns (some even mentally "suspect" people) then write back telling them to share with him what they found - or find out.
You may agree or disagree with this tactic he employed but it was one way to gather information without spending money, without relying on the Troopers (who were headed by a man hell bent on sabotaging his efforts), AND without directly involving himself with what or how they did it.
However, the main thrust of his investigation was being handled by some very competent men. Trooper Lewis, who had been "let go" for failing to "rat out" Kelly was brought in via the Meade Detective Agency. Lewis was later rehired by the NJSP once Kimberling took over. Lewis was an Expert marksman and won many events representing the NJSP - he was also considered by many of his peers as an excellent Detective. On the other side of things, it was Kelly who had stolen the pictures, asked Dr. Hudson if fingerprints could be counterfeited, and told Mary Magill that "they" had framed ladder evidence against Hauptmann. This is what initially caused Dr. Hudson alarm then motivated him to ask questions about the fingerprints....which eventually caused him to "defect" to the Defense. Dr. Hudson also assisted Gov. Hoffman just as he had done with the NJSP in 1932.
And so, if you are on the "Fisher" side of events - you love Kelly but you hate Lewis and Dr. Hudson morphs into an idiot.
Meade had been employed (much to the satisfaction of) Prosecutor Hauck during the Curtis Investigation/Trial. Meade joined forces with Mustoe, Detective with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Never have I seen one negative thing in print about this man. In fact, the Prosecutor sent letters asking for his return to their Office ASAP because his skills were so badly missed/needed there.
The great Ellis Parker who needs no further reputation bolster from me.
Leon Ho-age, a proven and effective insurance fraud investigator.
Seriously, the list goes on and on. If anyone would like more information concerning the others who assisted let me know. I will give you the information I have and an honest personal opinion regarding them.
But the purpose of this post was to comment further on Lt. Robert Waverly Hicks...
Can the world be so small that this man is employed by the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office early in the case? Maybe, in fact - that happened with Meade. But also consider his employment with the Mixed Claims Commission wherein he helps solve the Black Tom and Kingsland Cases. Here he crosses paths with Palmer, and works directly with Bert Farrar as he would later work with Appel. As a result of his affiliation with the Mixed Claims Commission, he is granted (3) separate interviews with Gaston Means while at Leavenworth. Here his visits achieve (2) separate goals... Find out about what Means knew concerning murders committed during the period of neutrality while Means was working for the German Imperial Secret Service (Code name: Z-16) where he rec'd $100 a day plus expenses, and see if he is willing to tell the truth about the Lindbergh Kidnapping.
Think about the odds of this "cross-over" concerning both of these men for a minute if you will.....
Also consider Hick's involvement with Darrow and his eventual representation of Leopold, and his close relationship with Hoover.
Slouch? Dummy? Incompetent?
Hardly.
I think one of the developments most overlooked with Hicks, while working on the Lindbergh Case, definitely proved the shelves were lowered by the Police, that is, unless you believe he was lying.
I guess the point of this post is meant to wonder out loud how everyone and everything seems to be connected or "cross-over" into something else. I mean, simply consider Means who worked for the Germans and in the end attempts to save Hauptmann, albeit in his own twisted way - from the electric chair.
You may agree or disagree with this tactic he employed but it was one way to gather information without spending money, without relying on the Troopers (who were headed by a man hell bent on sabotaging his efforts), AND without directly involving himself with what or how they did it.
However, the main thrust of his investigation was being handled by some very competent men. Trooper Lewis, who had been "let go" for failing to "rat out" Kelly was brought in via the Meade Detective Agency. Lewis was later rehired by the NJSP once Kimberling took over. Lewis was an Expert marksman and won many events representing the NJSP - he was also considered by many of his peers as an excellent Detective. On the other side of things, it was Kelly who had stolen the pictures, asked Dr. Hudson if fingerprints could be counterfeited, and told Mary Magill that "they" had framed ladder evidence against Hauptmann. This is what initially caused Dr. Hudson alarm then motivated him to ask questions about the fingerprints....which eventually caused him to "defect" to the Defense. Dr. Hudson also assisted Gov. Hoffman just as he had done with the NJSP in 1932.
And so, if you are on the "Fisher" side of events - you love Kelly but you hate Lewis and Dr. Hudson morphs into an idiot.
Meade had been employed (much to the satisfaction of) Prosecutor Hauck during the Curtis Investigation/Trial. Meade joined forces with Mustoe, Detective with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Never have I seen one negative thing in print about this man. In fact, the Prosecutor sent letters asking for his return to their Office ASAP because his skills were so badly missed/needed there.
The great Ellis Parker who needs no further reputation bolster from me.
Leon Ho-age, a proven and effective insurance fraud investigator.
Seriously, the list goes on and on. If anyone would like more information concerning the others who assisted let me know. I will give you the information I have and an honest personal opinion regarding them.
But the purpose of this post was to comment further on Lt. Robert Waverly Hicks...
Can the world be so small that this man is employed by the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office early in the case? Maybe, in fact - that happened with Meade. But also consider his employment with the Mixed Claims Commission wherein he helps solve the Black Tom and Kingsland Cases. Here he crosses paths with Palmer, and works directly with Bert Farrar as he would later work with Appel. As a result of his affiliation with the Mixed Claims Commission, he is granted (3) separate interviews with Gaston Means while at Leavenworth. Here his visits achieve (2) separate goals... Find out about what Means knew concerning murders committed during the period of neutrality while Means was working for the German Imperial Secret Service (Code name: Z-16) where he rec'd $100 a day plus expenses, and see if he is willing to tell the truth about the Lindbergh Kidnapping.
Think about the odds of this "cross-over" concerning both of these men for a minute if you will.....
Also consider Hick's involvement with Darrow and his eventual representation of Leopold, and his close relationship with Hoover.
Slouch? Dummy? Incompetent?
Hardly.
I think one of the developments most overlooked with Hicks, while working on the Lindbergh Case, definitely proved the shelves were lowered by the Police, that is, unless you believe he was lying.
I guess the point of this post is meant to wonder out loud how everyone and everything seems to be connected or "cross-over" into something else. I mean, simply consider Means who worked for the Germans and in the end attempts to save Hauptmann, albeit in his own twisted way - from the electric chair.