The Radio Burglar: Thief Turned Cop Killer in 1920s Queens

by John T. Aquino

Overview

In the midst of gangland activities during the Roaring Twenties, a thief plagued the New York City area by breaking into people's homes and stealing radios, possibly the costliest thing a family could own. Not only did the crimes deprive families of property and security, but they also resulted in the injuries of three NYPD officers and the death of officer Arthur Kenney.

Based on interviews and trial transcripts, this book documents the search for the Radio Burglar, which turned into a wide-spread manhunt. Initially perplexed by the case, authorities eventually overcame great odds to achieve a conviction that has received praise in the following decades. But nine years later, the devastating effect on his family and friends of Arthur Kenney's loss was prolonged when they were involved in a second murder trial that riveted the attention of the city and country.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476689746
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	09/20/2022
Pages:	185
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.38(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

John T. Aquino is an attorney, journalist and author in Silver Spring, Maryland. He has served as editor of three national trade magazines, has written several trade books, short stories, and over 4,000 bylined articles for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and websites on entertainment law, intellectual property law, and other issues. He is a member of several state and federal bars, and the National Press Club and the Mystery Writers of America.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Author’s Note and Acknowledgments
1. A Flicker of Light in a Dark House
2. From Ireland to Manhattan to Police
3. Politics and the City
4. Searching for the Radio Burglar
5. Two Officers Down
6. “The Man We Are Looking for Has a Warped Mind”
7. And Then He Just Died
8. Bringing Artie Home
9. Pawn Tickets in the Name of Ebert
10. Caught for the Love of the Game
11. “I only shot to get away”
12. Investigation Launched, Hilton Arraigned
13. Defense Argues “Intervening Cause”
14. “Give this man a square deal”
15. “If Kenney hadn’t been shot, he wouldn’t be dead”
16. “Killing that man isn’t going to bring my Artie back”
17. “An instantaneous impulse to preserve his liberty”
18. From the “Dance Hall” to the Chair
19. Forced to Leave, Forced to Marry
20. The Last Crime of the Radio Burglar
21. Mistrial and Delay
22. “But I am still innocent”
23. Afterwards
Appendix I. State of New York Police Officers Memorial Roll of Honor
Appendix II. Radio and Television Versions of the Radio Burglar Story
Chapter Sources
Bibliography
Index