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Post by Michael on May 5, 2014 18:39:29 GMT -5
Mr. Secret Agent Man: The 3X Killer of Queens, New York By Jason L. Morrow |
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Post by Michael on May 8, 2014 16:29:23 GMT -5
Harold Woolf wrote a manuscript advancing the theory that the Lindbergh Kidnapping was connected to the infamous "3X" Murders: Attachment Deleted |
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2014 16:35:40 GMT -5
So, Michael, how does Harold Woolf connect the 3X murders with what happened to Charlie? I read the story which was quite interesting. 3X sounds like he is suffering from schizophrenia. Aside from the 3X crimes being committed in Queens, NY and Dr. Schonfeld saying he thought the kidnapper of Charlie was suffering from this type of disorder, in what way does Woolf's manuscript tie these crimes together?
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Post by Michael on May 11, 2014 6:36:55 GMT -5
So, Michael, how does Harold Woolf connect the 3X murders with what happened to Charlie? I read the story which was quite interesting. 3X sounds like he is suffering from schizophrenia. Aside from the 3X crimes being committed in Queens, NY and Dr. Schonfeld saying he thought the kidnapper of Charlie was suffering from this type of disorder, in what way does Woolf's manuscript tie these crimes together? Aside from this case, I've always been interested in Hall-Mills, "3X," and The Battle at Jutland. As a result I've researched into each a bit, and I posted Jason L. Morrow's link here because he has, by far, done the best job re-telling the situation... In a nutshell, Woolf believed he knew the identity of "3X." He believes the description of Cemetery John matches his suspect. Next, he believes the "3X" letters were penned by the same hand as the Lindbergh Ransom Notes. He takes this a step further by saying he has found a "code" in them predicting/foretelling events in the Lindbergh Crime. Finally, he ties in Cerardi (a.k.a Gerardi) claiming he is involved in this crime as well. Finally, Woolf said "Mr. Blank" was a religious maniac. Sanford Stanton, of the New York American, turned over a copy of this manucript to the FBI with the position the information therein belonged to the paper and they retained the publicity rights and/or any further developments resulting from it. Agent Seykora informed him that the "3X" murders, and possible involvement of Cerardi " had been, and still are" the subject of inquiry by all investigative agencies connected to the Lindbergh Case; that, therefore, the mention of these events could not be considered as exclusive information... The information was turned over, and The FBI jumped into this manuscript immediately to examine it for whatever value they could squeeze out of it. Shortly thereafter, Charles A. Appel, Jr. made a report concerning Woolf's observations involving the handwriting. Here's the interesting part: With reference to the 3X letters the examiner has previously reported the possibility of similarities with the Lindbergh letters. The person who wrote the 3X letters is an accomplished writer and it is believed the same is true of the Lindbergh letter writer. Therefore, it is believed that whoever wrote these letters has a greater ability to disguise natural characteristics then the ordinary person. |
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Post by stella7 on May 11, 2014 14:45:10 GMT -5
Do you, Michael, have an idea who Woolf believed 3X to be, or is that still a mystery?
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Post by Michael on May 11, 2014 16:24:26 GMT -5
Do you, Michael, have an idea who Woolf believed 3X to be, or is that still a mystery? The manuscript only refers to him as "Mr. Blank" which of course is just a fake name he uses probably to keep from getting sued, or possibly killed. I know he names him "somewhere" and I think its in a letter to Hoffman but I cannot remember his name off the top of my head. It's no one ever mentioned in the files anywhere else. If I stumble onto it I will (hopefully) remember to follow it up here. |
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2014 0:39:47 GMT -5
Is Harold Woolf a writer or a reporter or an investigator? When did he start developing his theory?
When did he compare the 3X notes with the Lindbergh ransom notes?
I am surprised to read this! I didn't think that the Cerardi investigation angle lead anywhere and that he had dropped off the police radar. Now here he is being looked at as having something to do with the 3X murders. Incredible. I know that Cerardi was a strange guy and appeared to be stalking the Lindberghs and Charlie. I also believe that he was keeping his wife prisoner and starving her. Definitely something mentally not right with this guy. How did Woolf tie Cerardi into the 3X murders? When reading Jay Morrow's account of the killings, 3X is committing these murders alone. 3X makes it appear there is someone nearby with the use of his flashlight as a signaling device just before he shoots Noel Sowley. That is never confirmed by anyone though. Where does Cerardi fit in?
I have done some reading about the Hall-Mills case and it is one that I want to eventually look at more seriously. Like the Lindbergh case, the Hall-Mills case has its own "Pig Woman"! Will have to make time for more research into that case!
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2014 8:53:10 GMT -5
I have not seen the 3X letters to be able to comment on the similarities as far as handwriting goes but I do agree with Appel that the writer of the Lindbergh ransom notes is a skilled writer who very effectively communications his thoughts. It may be that the crudeness of the handwriting is intended to convey the image of a poorly educated foreigner as a way to disguise the true author of the notes.
Michael, are there any books available on the 3X murders?
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Post by Michael on May 12, 2014 19:25:04 GMT -5
Is Harold Woolf a writer or a reporter or an investigator? When did he start developing his theory? When did he compare the 3X notes with the Lindbergh ransom notes? He was an Actor who appeared on Broadway in several plays to include "Porgy and Bess," and "The Man Who Came to Dinner" ( ibdb.com/person.php?id=65628 ). His manuscript came to the attention of the FBI in the summer of '34. I assume he compared copies of the Lindbergh Ransom Notes...there were circulars all over the place with this handwriting available to the public. And in my judgement he either had copies of the "3X" communications or possibly even access to those letters because he quotes them to the extent its the only place I've ever seen all of the exact wording. I am surprised to read this! I didn't think that the Cerardi investigation angle lead anywhere and that he had dropped off the police radar. Now here he is being looked at as having something to do with the 3X murders. Incredible. I know that Cerardi was a strange guy and appeared to be stalking the Lindberghs and Charlie. I also believe that he was keeping his wife prisoner and starving her. Definitely something mentally not right with this guy. How did Woolf tie Cerardi into the 3X murders? I've looked closely at this claim and think they either never ruled out Cerardi completely or he was simply reserving the fact they had investigated him in case something forced them to come back to him. Know what I mean? Woolf ties him in for the exact reasons he was being looked at by the Police in the first place. The circumstances surrounding his movements and the locations, etc. As I read it, my first thought was an Investigator leaked this information to him - then later he used it to attempt to tie it in with "codes" he finds in the notes. Here is a page concerning him from the manuscript: Attachment DeletedWhen reading Jay Morrow's account of the killings, 3X is committing these murders alone. 3X makes it appear there is someone nearby with the use of his flashlight as a signaling device just before he shoots Noel Sowley. That is never confirmed by anyone though. Where does Cerardi fit in? That's a good question. I personally don't believe "3X" was involved in the Lindbergh Kidnapping. Certainly those crimes may have influenced the Criminals in some way, and I like to research this type of stuff to see what may come out as a result. Sometimes facts are developed that aren't anywhere else - despite whether or not the actual theory itself is true. I have done some reading about the Hall-Mills case and it is one that I want to eventually look at more seriously. Like the Lindbergh case, the Hall-Mills case has its own "Pig Woman"! Will have to make time for more research into that case! She really wasn't. The Reporters dubbed her that because of the Hall-Mills Case. |
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Post by Michael on May 12, 2014 19:31:24 GMT -5
Michael, are there any books available on the 3X murders? Not that I am aware of. There's a book called " The Encyclopedia of Unsolved Crimes" by Michael Newton where it gets mentioned (about a page and a half long). There's newspaper articles, some magazine articles, and other internet works. But I would agree there should be a book. I always felt that way about the Meaney case too, but Mark has taken care of that with his new book. |
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2014 10:50:56 GMT -5
I understand what you are saying. I have kept Cerardi in the background myself. The fact that he would relocate himself according to where the Lindberghs and Charlie were at various times plus the renting of Schippel's shack on Mt. Rose Road made me suspicious that he might have been the eyes and ears for those planning to kidnap Charlie. I see that Cerardi was a former boxer. I will have to add him to my list of names with this connection. Wonder if he ever encounted Al Reich, John F. Condon or possibly Hauptmann during his training and fighting years.
Really? I thought that Antonia Chowlewsky's livelihood was tied to the pig slaughtering business(yuck!). There is very little said about this lady and what she was able to share when she was questioned. In Jones' book "Murder of Justice" he says she was known as the "Amazon of the Hills" because of her knowledge of the terrain surrounding the Lindbergh estate. So the "Pig Lady" title must have come from the press as you say. I know that Chowlewsky did share information about the gangster type men who were making inquiries about the Lindberghs. She also told about a shack that might have been used by the kidnappers. In his book, Jones places this shack on Zion Road which figures in with possible sightings of one of the kidnap cars. Was any of this information investigated by LE?
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Post by Michael on May 16, 2014 5:25:40 GMT -5
Really? I thought that Antonia Chowlewsky's livelihood was tied to the pig slaughtering business(yuck!). There is very little said about this lady and what she was able to share when she was questioned. In Jones' book "Murder of Justice" he says she was known as the "Amazon of the Hills" because of her knowledge of the terrain surrounding the Lindbergh estate. So the "Pig Lady" title must have come from the press as you say. I know that Chowlewsky did share information about the gangster type men who were making inquiries about the Lindberghs. She also told about a shack that might have been used by the kidnappers. In his book, Jones places this shack on Zion Road which figures in with possible sightings of one of the kidnap cars. Was any of this information investigated by LE? Since your post I started to refresh my memory a bit by going through the file I put together on her. She seems to accuse a lot of people of involvement at various times. Below is a Report that might shed a little light on this and that "Pig Woman" title bestowed upon her. I do know that a shack on her property was investigated....supposedly there was a break-in with evidence of woman and a child having been inside. The Police took pictures of the footprints and dusted for fingerprints. In the meantime I will grab my Jones book to see what he's talking about so I can properly answer your question. Do you remember which page that was on? Attachment Deleted |
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2014 7:57:10 GMT -5
Thanks for that report. Jones mentions her on page 1128 of his book. That shack is interesting because of it being near Zion Road which is the direction that the car Lupica saw with the ladder came from if I am remembering correctly. Didn't LE check out this area? Wouldn't it have fallen in that 5 mile search radius? Did they only check this shack because it was brought to police attention by Chowlewsky or maybe the press (Laura Vitray)?
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Post by Michael on May 16, 2014 18:26:26 GMT -5
Thanks for that report. Jones mentions her on page 1128 of his book. That shack is interesting because of it being near Zion Road which is the direction that the car Lupica saw with the ladder came from if I am remembering correctly. Didn't LE check out this area? Wouldn't it have fallen in that 5 mile search radius? Did they only check this shack because it was brought to police attention by Chowlewsky or maybe the press (Laura Vitray)? It appears that while making the grid searches, Cpl. Ritchie (NJSP) and Det. Carr (Newark P.D.) noticed Reporters speaking to Cholosky (her name is spelled a million different ways) and searching one the outbuildings on her property. As a result, these Police Officers make an inspection as outlined in this portion of Ritchie's Report: Attachment Deleted |
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2014 21:00:44 GMT -5
B&R's book mentions Antonia Chowlewsky also. In that book she mentions about a man from Brooklyn who in July of 1931 moved into a house up the road from her. She says that he dropped guarded hints that someone who didn't like the Lindberghs might be well paid for what they might be able to share about them. She said this man was accompanied by another man and two women. She then said that she saw this same man appear on Zion Road in an automobile the day before the kidnapping. Another interesting sighting but nothing about what kind of car he was in or any physical description of this man. She should have been able to offer a good description of what he looked like if what she was saying was truthful. Since this is the 3X murder thread, I wanted to post a link to a newspaper article about 3X. The article is informing readers that according to a note received by the newspaper on Saturday (June 21) 3X says that the two murders he has already committed plus the warnings that have been published in the newspapers put fear into the hearts of those holding out on him allowing him to "reprieve" the persons marked for death. What is interesting about this article is first, that it appears right next to the main article which is about the birth of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., second, that 3X had written 9 notes while on his "assignment" and third, since his mission was now complete he "had nothing left to do but mount his speedy monoplane and take off on a non-stop flight for the Russian headquarters of the Red Diamond Society of which he was the avenging hand." (italics mine) Would you know if this note is actually one that was confirmed as written by the 3X murderer? That part about making a non-stop flight in a monoplane across the Atlantic Ocean is disturbing. news.google.com/newspapers?id=A7RFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=P70MAAAAIBAJ&dq=anne%20lindbergh&pg=6157%2C5571519 |
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Post by Michael on May 29, 2014 9:48:25 GMT -5
She should have been able to offer a good description of what he looked like if what she was saying was truthful. I've written her off, as I am sure you can tell. She's another one who knew everything while at the same time nothing at all. While its possible she may have seen something legit, its lost in her world of embellishment, lies, and attention seeking. As a result I personally can't trust a word she says. Since this is the 3X murder thread, I wanted to post a link to a newspaper article about 3X. The article is informing readers that according to a note received by the newspaper on Saturday (June 21) 3X says that the two murders he has already committed plus the warnings that have been published in the newspapers put fear into the hearts of those holding out on him allowing him to "reprieve" the persons marked for death. What is interesting about this article is first, that it appears right next to the main article which is about the birth of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., second, that 3X had written 9 notes while on his "assignment" and third, since his mission was now complete he "had nothing left to do but mount his speedy monoplane and take off on a non-stop flight for the Russian headquarters of the Red Diamond Society of which he was the avenging hand." (italics mine) Would you know if this note is actually one that was confirmed as written by the 3X murderer? That part about making a non-stop flight in a monoplane across the Atlantic Ocean is disturbing. This was confirmed as the "last" note. The wording I am not certain of, and to make matters worse there are questions concerning more writings attributed to "3X" later on - one specifically on June 22, 1931 announcing his return. But getting back to the June 21, 1930 letter according to Mauder's American Mercury article written in June 1940 (which I believe is Morrow's source) he quotes the letter as follows: Have you heard a plane? It was a monoplane, small very fast. The place circled twice over Flushing, C.P. Bayside then went away. If you did then you will know I was there.... However, in Woolf's manuscript he writes: He said he was going to Russia, and inferred he, in time would return, writing, "The next time no mercy will be shown. Death only will be the penalty". God knows he spoke the truth. And that was the end of 3-X for one year. "3-X is no more." He was winging his way across the Atlantic in is small monoplane, very fast. I am certain Woolf saw the letters because he made handwriting comparisons. Unfortunately, I don't have copies of these actual letters so I only have this information to consider. |
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2014 23:49:18 GMT -5
Reading through Jay Morrow's account of the 3X murders, the final letter from 3X does state there will be no mercy only death. His signature for this final letter changes also. He says "Quiet your people and tell them that 3X is no more." Then he uses the signature H.P. 12 W.A.
Does Woolf mention this 1931 letter in his manuscript? Was this letter signed 3X The Man Behind the Gun? Was he claiming to have a "new assignment"?
Some of the things I find unsettling about the man who was calling himself 3X:
He spoke with a German accent.
He was in the German Army.
The use of a symbol.
He claims to pilot a fast monoplane.
He thinks he is too cleaver for the police to catch.
The use of a newspaper as a means of communication.
He wore a lapel pin that said Rifle Association.
They are like eerie parallels to Lindbergh and the kidnapping.
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Post by Michael on May 31, 2014 9:47:11 GMT -5
Does Woolf mention this 1931 letter in his manuscript? Was this letter signed 3X The Man Behind the Gun? Was he claiming to have a "new assignment"? He mentions it, as well as the October 10, 1931 letter. But he doesn't quote them in their entirety. For the June letter he writes: In part, it read, "I am returning. Watch out for me and try and catch me." For the October letter he writes: "I am back. I will pay every cop a visit. 3-X."The New York Times wrote: The letter boasted of a fifth murder, which New York detectives are investigating. It read: "Ha! Ha! In my own little efficient way I have removed another undesirable from this world. A Pittsburgh girl between 18 and 25 is next. Tell Pittsburgh police to watch out for me and try and catch me." ( New Death Threat Ends '3X' Silence, June 29, 1931) Some of the things I find unsettling about the man who was calling himself 3X... Lou Wedemar also claimed the Writer used the word " gut" for " good." He doesn't say where or how often it was used. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2014 11:30:41 GMT -5
Did Woolf comment on any of the many suspects who were investigated in connection with the 3X murders such as:
1) Aaron Blattman, a fingerprint expert who was found to have numerous newspaper clippings about the murders in his cabin.
2) Joseph Oswald Clark, escaped lunatic from Creedmore Asylum, who was captured in Philadelphia Pa.
3) Sidney Buchan, a church worker suffering from delusions, whose handwriting closely resembled the 3X notes
In his manuscript, did Woolf put forth his theory of a person he thought was the 3X murderer?
Who is Lou Wedemar? It sounds like he has seen the notes.
Would you know if the police ever looked into the possibility that 3X might have been connected to law enforcement? Perhaps had been dismissed in the past for some reason and wanted to humiliate the police department. He took great pride in showing his superiority by letting them know he was present among them when the police covered the College Point area expecting there to be a 3rd victim that night but nothing happened. He was also sending them casings from the bullets from the crime scenes. Talk about rubbing your face in something!! He was doing that and enjoying it.
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Post by Michael on Jun 2, 2014 18:50:14 GMT -5
Did Woolf comment on any of the many suspects who were investigated in connection with the 3X murders such as:... No. His only suspect is "Mr. Blank" who doesn't appear to be any of those you have listed. In his manuscript, did Woolf put forth his theory of a person he thought was the 3X murderer? He calls him a " religious lunatic." He also believes he may have formerly been in Government Service, claiming the note(s) were marked "United States." I assume he is talking about water marks. Who is Lou Wedemar? It sounds like he has seen the notes. He was a Reporter. He was actually made famous for getting punched in the face by Governor Hoffman in the Rockefeller Center during a dinner marking the opening of the National Exhibition of American Art in May of '36. Hoffman was quoted in the New York Times about it ( 6-4-36): If Mr. Wedemar is so unfamiliar with normal life that he does not know that the use of the term he applied to me, when not followed by an apology, invites punishment, Mr. Wedemar's education has been more neglected then his vocabulary....
....So far as the advertised disparity of weight is concerned, it was Mr. Wedemar's choice. The next time he wishes to offer to a Governor the insult of fighting words he should pick a Governor in his weight class. Would you know if the police ever looked into the possibility that 3X might have been connected to law enforcement? Perhaps had been dismissed in the past for some reason and wanted to humiliate the police department. The only thing I've found concerning this angle is in a Washington Post article dated 2-10-36. It mentions a former Police Sgt. being picked up as a suspect in the "3X" murders. It doesn't mention his name, so I have no idea who he was. He was sent to the Insane Asylum at Kings Park to be evaluated by a Dr. D. Stoddart Dooman. |
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Post by deedee1963 on Jun 27, 2014 13:17:28 GMT -5
I have not seen the 3X letters to be able to comment on the similarities as far as handwriting goes but I do agree with Appel that the writer of the Lindbergh ransom notes is a skilled writer who very effectively communications his thoughts. It may be that the crudeness of the handwriting is intended to convey the image of a poorly educated foreigner as a way to disguise the true author of the notes. Michael, are there any books available on the 3X murders? Cerardi (who had several aliases as well as a background in boxing) did indeed, along with his mistress, starve his wife down to 53 pounds. He also had kept her locked up for some time while he did this. I did a lot of research on him some years back. He was a sadistic man to do this in my opinion. He also had lived on 169th in the Bronx roughly a couple of blocks from the home Jafsie & his siblings grew up in. This home remained in the Confon family for a number of years. I was never able to make a connection giving me proof that Cerardi knew Jafsie. But due to the geographic proximity I always felt they did. And then there's the boxing. So many of these ppl had connections to boxing it seemed. Which was such a passion of Jafsies. Always with the boxing! |
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Post by deedee1963 on Jun 27, 2014 13:22:01 GMT -5
Excuse me if I posted this on the wrong thread. I got so excited when I saw Cerardi being mentioned & I'm on my iPhone & it's hard to see. But fascinating thread & topic & thank you to whoever started it.
Michael, I've been reading your posts and your research is still as amazing as ever. I've so much to catch up on.
Dena
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May 24, 2022 13:03:09 GMT -5
May 24, 2022 13:03:09 GMT -5