|
Post by rick3 on Oct 18, 2007 11:08:58 GMT -5
Its been bugging me for some time when (if) Violet traveled to Hopewell for an interview. [this would be her only trip to Hopewell] Jim Fisher reported that it was March 10th which didn't seem to feel right? But Harry Walsh, Lloyd Gardner and William Norris called it as May 21st and that seems to fit: - Violets first interview by Dets. Edward McGrath, John Scheible and Hugh Strong (Newark PD) was March 10th 1932. [Oddly these three also interviewed Red in Hartford, CT]
- Second interview by Harry Walsh--April 13th at Next Day Hill (NYTimes June 12 1932)
- Third interview according to Harry Walsh--Violet is transported to Hopewell and interviewed in the Lindbergh Library by 3 Dept. Justice agents: Harold Nathan, E.J.Connolley and ??. Also Det. Moffett and Carr of Newark police. May 21st 1932.
- This interview lasts 6 minutes. Violet is a physical and emotional wreck having lost 50 pounds during hospitalization/tonsillectomy. A doctor is summoned and he recommends bedrest for Violet.
- Fourth interview--48 hours later--May 23rd by Walsh, Lindbergh, Schwartzkopf and Buster Keaton. This interview is even shorter...lasts 3 minutes. "VIOLET WAS DISMISSED AND RETURNED TO ENGLEWOOD". (Jersey Journal 11-17-32)
- This is strong evidence that Violet was kept at Hopewell for 2 days? During this period her room was searched and the Post Road Taxi Cards were found implicating Ernie Brinkert et.al.
- Ernie Brinkert was not "formally" located until June 10th. The day Violet drank the silver polish not found in her room previously.
- A certain BOI Agent Murphy did locate Brinkert 6 days earlier but did not share his findings with the NJ police? eg Schwartzkopf or Walsh?
- Ernie Brinkert/Brennan later claimed that he quit his job as a chauffeur/butler in Mamaroneck NY on March 1st and went to Bridgeport CT to visit Frank Page. Thomas Fay backed up his alibi by saying they "played cards" there. That gave Ernie two alibis? One with 2nd wife Mary. [Note: Ernie too was a bigamist married to two women simultaneously but did not go to prison like Noso]
- Didn't Red Johnson also travel through Bridgeport CT with John Fernino on either March 1st or 2nd per Mark Falzini.
- Both Ernie and Red passed thru Bridgeport CT on or about March 1st with multiple alibis. Such another coincidence?
- CAL, Condon, Shwartzkopf and Irey also headed out for Bridgeport CT after Jafsie took the Boad Nellie note on April 2nd.
From here they flew out to search for Charlie Jr. near Martha's Vineyard.
|
|
|
Post by Michael on Oct 18, 2007 15:34:39 GMT -5
Lloyd Gardner's book, The Case That Never Dies, should be viewed as the ultimate source of information on this case. What you refer to in on page 104. Sharp was also interviewed in Hopewell on March 23rd.
|
|
|
Post by Giszmo on Oct 18, 2007 22:14:06 GMT -5
Her name was Violet Sharp not Violet Sharpe
|
|
|
Post by rick3 on Oct 19, 2007 9:16:54 GMT -5
Wow Michael--that is truly an amazing discovery:[did you mean May 23rd?] - No readily available source or book ever even alludes to a 2nd interview in Hopewell in late March? Who says?
- When it comes to the charges of "bungling" by Ellis Parker and Al Dunlap....The Violet Sharp Saga is like a textbook "how-to" manual.
- Time after time Violet lies outright to interrogators. But the persons interviewing her continually change so there is no continuity of questioners during long delays between interviews?
- It must have been terrifying for Violet to have been grilled or interviewed by 6+ men in the Lindbergh Library? And it must have also been considered critically important to assemble such an August Body?
- In spite of Mrs. Morrows unsubstantiated pleas of innocence, Inspector Walsh wanted Violet taken into custody--at least for her own protection.
- Whereas it took 72 days to discover the body on Mt. Rose Hill it took even one calendar month longer to let Violet kill herself when it was common knowledge she was faking and misleading the interviewers all along. (wink)
|
|
|
Post by rick3 on Oct 20, 2007 13:38:53 GMT -5
With a little effort it may still be possible to determine what exactly Violet was lying about and her ;motives: - She lied outright about where she was on the nite of March 1st?
- She lied out right about having male and female acquaintances and going out with them. She said none?
- she lied about the time the mysterious Ernie called her for a date on March 1st? Once she admit he called, why lie about the time? Walsh cleverly looked up the phone records to see it was 1pm......but then forgot to trace the call to its rightful owner?
- She lied about her sister living at Next Day Hill? She was living there or with Constance Chilton for the weeks prior to her leaving the US? Surely she lied by omission about Edna meeting Ernie until until the former was in England?
- It should have been possible to trace all incoming and outgoing calls from Next Day Hill and Hopewell? This would have found Tom McKilvie (NYTimes) and Weidner (Daily News)....and the right Ernie?
- Violet lied about the origin of the Post Road Taxi Cards...after all they were in her effects. Did they belong to Edna? Did Edna meet Ernie Brinkert during her sojourn in the Womens Convalescent Home in White Plains NY, Spring 1931 when she had to quit her job with Constance Chilton?
- We might assume that Violet was protecting her sister Edna from...embarrassment? Or herself from embarrassment ? Or her self from getting fired for contacting newspapermen?
- But it is still plausible that she lied purposely about her whereabouts on the evening of March 1st for a more nefarious and misleading intent? For sure she was a Person of Interest right up until she died. Her death got Ernie Brinkert off the hook.
- Violet may have been married? Just not likely to 63 year olde Geoge Payne in England or Septimus Banks? Rough estimates of her intimate male contacts are five.
- Was the silver polish poison a USA brand or brought by Violet from England and a previous employer?
|
|
|
Post by Michael on Oct 21, 2007 9:55:56 GMT -5
Well, it couldn't have been something she was afraid someone would find out if they already knew about it. Too many times I've seen it suggested she was worried about information getting out that was common knowledge.
|
|
|
Post by rick3 on Oct 22, 2007 5:26:30 GMT -5
Michael--yes that is very right. Others like Red Johnson and Ernie Brinkert understood that if they just straightened out their multiple alibis they would be "off the hook". Violet dodged and faked her way thru multiple interviews without ever giving up anything that Walsh didn't already know. But her reported WINK one day before her suicide indicates some understanding and cleverness. Here is a good quote from Gardner (page 266):
"[Birretella's] Church is less that a block away from the filling station where the ransom note finally trapped Hauptmann appeared. Only a few blocks away was a speakeasy in which Septimus Banks, Morrow butler, known to be friendly with Miss Sharpe [sic], spent much time. "Open meetings" of the Rev. Birritella's [sic] flock were held on Thursdays, Miss Sharpe's day off. When Miss Sharpe swallowed poison a few days after the baby's body was discovered (eg one month?), police disclosed she had been nervous when first questioned. Had she heard the prophesies of Mary Cerrita or had she information she feared she might divulge, was the question arising today>"
[Inside the Medium's Cabinet--Joe Dunninger]
|
|
|
Post by Michael on Oct 22, 2007 5:41:57 GMT -5
The suicide is troublesome because we can't pinpoint the exact cause. It appears to have been related to the case, and since we all study the case, then it seems to be the only avenue we explore....
Overall Violet seemed unhappy. Unhappy enough to kill herself? I'd say no - until the interrogations. Then the operation and more interrogations. I don't know, it seems to me if someone wants to kill themselves they do so without letting anyone know about it. If you really want to die you want to die - know what I mean?
In this case, Violet swallows the silver polish then runs down stairs screaming like a banshee bringing it to everyones attention as if she is seeking help.
I do not rule out murder.
|
|
|
Post by rick3 on Oct 22, 2007 16:54:56 GMT -5
Hi Michael....I agree it would be nice to tie up some of the loose ends in the Violet Sharp death. There are more than a few puzzling aspects to her fatal journey. - During the first part of her interviews she was surely, resistant and combative. Even stronger adjectives like this were suggested by Schwartzkopf...eg defiant, stubborn, argumentative.
- After the discovery of the blackened skeleton Violet seemed to fall apart. But we must remember that she went into the hospital a few days before that for a tonsillectomy and then checked herself out AMA on May 14th. This is strange too?
- Some accounts suggest that Brinkert, Miller, and Minners were known since March? Elizabeth even testified to an interview like "a few days after the kidnap". Brinkerts Post Road cards were found around May 21-23rd. So why weren't any of them found until the DAY AFTER Violets death. Odd, Septimus Banks was noted as giving Ernie Millers name to the cops? What did he know and when did he know it?
- Brinkert was interviewed by BOI Murphy 6 days before the suicide but told "dont worry about it"? In a capital murder kidnap? "Brinkert Says He Offered to Confront Miss Sharpe; Would Have Saved Her Life".....The Clearfield Progress 6-18-32
- Is it just a total coincidence that CAL and Anne were taking Charlie's ashes to scatter into the Atlantic the morning of June 10th? Then they get back home just in time to find Violet on the floor and the cyanide glass in her room? Timing is everything?>
- I'm certain the potassium cyanide was traced to NYC, but who bought it since it required a prescription? Was it traced?
- Also in attendance was Dwight Jr. who in some accounts carried Violets body up three flights of stairs to her bedroom? She was pronounced dead in the pantry? A Herculean effort/
- There are lots of ways to aid and abet a possible suicide. If Violet did have a guilty conscience about something important, her best friends and fellow servants would realize she was the weakest link.
|
|
|
Post by Michael on Oct 23, 2007 18:09:45 GMT -5
The can containing the poison was labeled indicating that the contents were cyanide chloride. At the bottom of the label there was printed "Sold by Eimer and Amend, New York."
Sgt. Zapolsky interviewed Mr. Amend who stated this mixture was used for several household reasons one being to clean silverware. He also said there were no records kept of the selling of such items.
According to SAC Connelley, the can had been in the Morrow home for about (10) years and was used for "household purposes."
|
|
mairi
Lieutenant
Posts: 548
|
Post by mairi on Oct 23, 2007 20:02:50 GMT -5
Hi Michael~~Interesting V. Sharpe discussion. I sense she may have been unstable in general and as you say there was the added stress of the surgery. I might mention that suicide, more often than not, is a sort of "getting back" at someone-and in this case we might say the police. Or her perception of how "the world" was treating her. Then the chance that she panicked after she had done the deed, shrieking downstairs, also in pain. Can't rule out she may have also felt some guilt or worry about some indiscretions. Of course I can't crawl into her head, but the "I'll just show you!" mechanism is quite often a part of the suicide. I can't figure out why she tried to hide who she had been with that night. Just more combativeness of "it's none of your business!"(?)
|
|
kevkon
Lt. Colonel
Posts: 2,800
|
Post by kevkon on Oct 24, 2007 7:44:48 GMT -5
Good post Mairi, I think you summed it up. Also notice that just like this case mistakes such as how a person's name is spelled become repeated and eventually take on a life of their own.
|
|
|
Post by rick3 on Oct 24, 2007 10:18:16 GMT -5
Hi Mairi--well if Violet wasn't unstable on March 1st she surely was by June 10th! But of course she had been ill, hospitalized and put thru Harry Walsh's famous ringer by then? Suicide certainly is a disturbing event--especially if 30+ persons could have been expected to prevent it in some way? Apparently, noone, including her fiancee, was paying close attention? - "Says Violet Sharpe Slain" Hagley England Feb 17 1936. Mrs. J.L. Garnsley, sister of the late Violet Sharpe, maid at the home of Mrs Dwight W. Morrow when the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped has received a letter from New York alleging that Miss Sharpe was killed because she knew too much" it was learned today.
The letter was signed..."Madge Bush". [Winnipeg Free Press]
- "Tells of Speakeasy Party--Others Support Alibi" Feb 10, 1935.
"After Mr. Reilly attacked Miss Minners testimony on the grounds that she could not remember other events along ago as the kidnapping, Miss Minners disclosed that three days after the kidnapping she had reported her trip with Violet Sharpe to the chief of police of Alpine NJ." [New York Times]
- "Morrow Maid Suicide Tied to Four Affairs" New York Journal Dec 18 1935. "Violet Sharpe......was ashamed to re-tell details of the four indiscretions of which she was guilty.
"The second time she was questioned, she broke down and confirmed that she had permitted four men to make love to her" One of the men she named (?) was an employee of the Morrow family and , the Journal points out , it was this part of the girl's story that reached the ears of Hauptmann's counsel who confused the Morrow employee with an employee of the Lindbergh's and attempted to involve her in the kidnapping"> [The Hammond Times]. (maybe they mean the butlers--rg)
njspmuseum.blogspot.com/2007/05/septimus-banks-butler-to-stars.html
|
|
|
Post by rick3 on Oct 26, 2007 9:10:27 GMT -5
As far as I can discern (?) the only person put onto the hot seat by Violet's evasive and combative testimony is none other than Septimus "John" Banks the Butler? (see FBI files). Why, you say? Well, because no matter what questions Violet is axed over and over....apparently she never mentions her putative fiancee's name? - Q: "Do you have any male or female friends"? and A: "No I don't!" (See A Talent to Decieve--Norris for interview)
- Q: "Do you ever go out to the movies or speakeasies with any male or female companions?" and A; " No--only my sister Edna!".
- So in spite of the rumors, suspicions, or whatever that Violet and Septimus were informally engaged and plan to marry--Violet has never gone out with him anywhere on any date/ Sure?
- So, is Violet covering for Banks? Covering up what--an abortion in the Spring of 1932? Its only March so when is Spring in Hopewell?
- Later on........rumor has it that Violet is attending the Temple of Divine Power in Harlem on her Thursday nites off....but not with BANKS--with the married Ollie Whateley from Hopewell? Does that add up? I dont think so.
- Also Sharpe is seen at Mancke's restaurant in New Rochelle on Sunday afternoons for tea, but not with BANKS, with Whateley.
Would Elsie let Ollie escort Violet into NYC? Without any jealosy? After all, Violet was young and flirtatious.
- Is it possible that the whole lot of them mixed up Whateley for Violets fiancee BANKS--a drunk known to frequent a speakeasy just down the street from Fisch's apartment and the Temple in Harlem?
- Occasionally, Violet is accused of receiving the phone call from Anne on the morning of March 1st, but in his own words BANKS took the call and directed it to Betty Gow.
- In his own testimony March 1Oth BANKS claims to have staid at Englewood on the night of March 1st? Trouble is the FBI files have him drinking down at the Sha-toe Inn with Ellerson and Brennan? Oops?
- And to top all coincidences, Banks buried his wife Rose in St. Raymonds cemetery on Nov 21, 1929?>she apparently died of alcoholism?
|
|
|
Post by Michael on Oct 28, 2007 9:33:18 GMT -5
Whether or not the Violet Sharpe affair can make a definite contribution to the ultimate solution of the Lindbergh crime, it is a phase that, by reason of the intense interest it has created, should be discussed in greater detail than has yet been given to the public. The State Police files are woefully inadequate upon this subject. There are references in some statements and reports to other statements and reports that either were not written or that have been removed from the files. Since Director Hoover insists that all important statements and reports upon this case have been previously forwarded to the New Jersey authorities it would follow, therefore, that the F.B.I records are also deficient in what would seem to be a vital angle of investigation. There is, for instance, no record of the questioning of Septimus Banks upon his relationship with the mysterious Violet, although, in the record of the questioning of the girl herself there are frequent references to information given by Banks to the police. (Governor Harold G. Hoffman, unpublished & undated manuscript)
|
|
|
Post by rick3 on Oct 28, 2007 11:02:12 GMT -5
Michael--thanks for your encouragement. I was beginning to think I was whistling in the dark? - My first thought concerns eyewitness identifications. They dont get very high ratings? Violet is shown 3 or more photos and picks out Ernie Brinkerts chauffeurs license? Was Ernie Miller one of the other photos? If you look through a few March 1932 newspapers there are so many photos of Ernie Brinkert but 2 or more dont look alike? Maybe one is Ernie Miller?
- The Manckes up in New Rochelle thought they were identifying Ollie Whateley's photo as having been in their luncheonette on Sundays in Jan/Feb 1932? But who elses photos were they shown--Isadore Fisch and John Banks/? Does this connect Violet with Fisch? Or Emily with Fisch?
- In some ways, Ernie Brinkert was released when John Condon said--thats not Cemetary John? But what about the others in the gang? Condon had trouble staying with any one particular identification--even after seeing BRH?
- Who then confirmed that Ollie Whateley was accompanying Violet into NYC 2 days a week? This is so far fetched it is laughable....certainly not Elsie? Likely noone was asked?
- I am beginning to doubt that most folks could clearly tell Violet Sharpe from her sister Edna?
- I am adding Septimus Banks to my list of "stooped man with the handkerchief' at St. Raymond's?
- Maybe JFC intended to hide the ransom box inside Rose Banks tombstone?
- Banks the Butler reportedly tipped the cops to the real Ernie being Ernie Miller, but not until the day after Violets death: June 11th? Howd he know him? Wouldnt Banks have known all along that the cops only wanted to know who/where/when Violet went out with on the nite of March 1st? Not such a great fiancee/
|
|