Title

1358: The People of the State of New York v. Joseph A. Bennis

Abstract

Joseph Bennis, 19, a sheet metal worker, appears as a witness in his own behalf and testifies that, on Saturday, March 11, he had met an acquaintance, John Casey, in a saloon. Casey, according to Bennis, had been intoxicated and had threatened to shoot him.
There had been a fight; the gun had fallen to the floor; and Bennis had taken the gun from Casey. The next day, Bennis, intending to return the gun, had met Casey's brother, Joseph, on 39th Street. There had been an altercation between the two men and Bennis, thinking that Joseph Casey was reaching for his gun, had fired one shot.
Joseph Casey, 22, testifies that Bennis's shot had grazed his knee. He had made a police report at the 37th Street station house and a detective, Daniel J. Reilly, had arrested Bennis shortly afterwards. John Casey, 25, also appearing as a witness, states that he has never owned a gun. The defendant, Bennis, admits on cross-examination that he had a previous conviction for grand larceny for which he had served time in Elmira Reformatory. He also admits that he had previously pleaded guilty in the Court of Special Sessions on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon, the same gun that he had used to shoot Joseph Casey.
There is no record of a verdict.

Type of Crime

Assault See all items with this value

Date of Crime

1911-03-12

Date of Hearing

1911-04-24

Victim(s) Name(s)

Joseph Casey

Defendant(s) Name(s)

Joseph A. Bennis

Prosecuting Attorney

Isidor Wasservogel

Defense Attorney

Max Franklin

Judge

Thomas C. O'Sullivan See all items with this value

Case ID

1358

Location of Crime

Manhattan, New York

Item sets

Assault

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