KNICKERBOCKER FIVE INDICTMENT DISMISSED
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 24, 1922, the indictment for manslaughter against Reginald W. Geare, architect; John H. Ford, iron work contractor; Julian R. Downman, building inspector; Richard G. Fletcher, cement man; and Donald M. Wallace, foreman were dismissed by Justice Frederick L. Siddons*.
The Criminals Division 2 ruling contends the indictment returned on April 3, 1922 is "defective and insufficient...too vague, indefinite and uncertain."
The indictment was brought forth after the collapse on January 28, 1922 of the roof of the Knickerbocker Theater located here in Washington, D.C. which resulted in the deaths of 97 patrons.
The U.S. Attorney General notes an appeal of the Judge's ruling will be filed.
*Frederick L. Siddons (1864-1931) was born in London, U.K. & educated at The George Washington University Law School. FLS was a member of the Board of Commissioners, Washington, D.C., 1913-1915 & Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, 1915-1931.
SOURCE
"Indictment Dropped Against 5 Accused in Knickerbocker Fall," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 24, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
