Murder of a Journalist: The True Story of the Death of Donald Ring Mellett

8. Mazer Confesses

mazer confesses · 135· 135 · 8 Mazer Confesses P rosecutor Henry Harter reconvened the county grand jury at the end of February to hear new evidence concerning the Mellett murder conspiracy that had come to light during the rudner trial.1 Louis Mazer, whose trial was next on the docket, remained in jail in solitary confinement, where he was silent and unwilling to discuss the case with investigators. His defense counsel of record, George W. spooner of Cleveland, had not visited him in months. His only regular visitor was his brother-in-law, who came two or three times a week with fruit and other luxuries approved by his jailers. The workhouse warden denied rumors that Mazer was cracking up.2 During this time, prosecutors tried again to get Louis Mazer to talk. The prosecutors were surprised and frustrated that the supposed weak link had held out this long. These overtures included visits by attorney oscar Abt representing Judge Agler, who would have to approve any deal prosecutors made with the defendant. What investigators said to Mazer is unknown, but the first man arrested in the murder conspiracy could see which way the tide was flowing. He knew it was likely that if he came to trial, he would be convicted as well and face life in prison. Around the first of March, Mazer finally 136 · murder of a journalist began talking to authorities, telling his story in bits and pieces. He appeared to be talking off the cuff, though this was an act, since in reality Louis Mazer had months to work on his tale and sort through jailhouse rumors about what had occurred in the earlier trials. Finally , on saturday, March 5, he gave a sworn statement of his version of events to prosecutors. even his new defense counsel, D. e. Kramer, who was present, didn’t know for certain what his client would say.3 According to Mazer, the plot was hatched when Detective Floyd streitenberger approached him during Chief Lengel’s first civil service hearing in early 1926. More than once streitenberger suggested to Mazer that “Mellett ought to have a beating so he would quit running down people.”4 on July 8 in Canton, Ben rudner introduced “red” to Louis Mazer. Mazer and rudner were boyhood friends. Ben said red was from Boston and real tough. During this meeting outside a south Market Avenue poolroom, rudner told Mazer, “Lou, here’s a man that just came in from the east, and he’s all right—he’s a good fellow and he’s broke and willing to do most anything.” rudner further identified red as a “lambaster,” a slang term for someone who has skipped on an arrest warrant.5 Mazer contacted streitenberger at police headquarters. “There’s somebody here, you know, that’s supposed to be from the east, and i guess he would give a fellow a beating for money.” The detective responded , “Bring them on by all means.”6 Mazer drove to Massillon on July 9 and picked up Pat at rudner’s store. Together, they went back to Canton, and McDermott was registered at the New Barnett Hotel. Mazer introduced Pat to Max Kane (or Cain or King), an associate of Mazer’s, and then borrowed Kane’s Hudson to take Pat out to what he thought was Mellett’s residence on Broad Avenue.7 Mazer apparently didn’t want his car seen around Mellett’s neighborhood (this despite the fact that both Kane and Mazer drove similar cars). The address was supplied by streitenberger, Mazer said, who got it from Canton police headquarters. After ascertaining the lay of the land, Pat wanted to return to Massillon. Mazer suggested that Pat take the interurban train, but Pat begged off, claiming he had too much luggage to bring back to Canton. (His luggage was steve Kascholk.) so Mazer, again using his own car, drove to Massillon. on this return trip, he said, Pat mazer confesses · 137 wanted $200 to give Mellett a beating. once again at rudner’s hardware , they picked up a second man called “smitty,” later identified as steve Kascholk. According to Mazer’s story, during the return trip to Canton, Pat asked Mazer for a gun, “just for protection.”8 Mazer eventually gave Pat the new, unfired .38 special revolver with a black barrel that he bought in the spring of 1924 from bus driver Van Gutten.9...