SAYS NEGRO KNOWN AS ‘MONEY’ JOHNSON LURED WIFE TO HARLEM FLAT WITH PROMISE OF JOB AND THEN TORE OFF HER CLOTHES.

Baldwin’s eyes hastily turned to the news story that ran:

Harlem, so used to the stark comedy and tragedy of life, had a shock when it learned that ‘Money’ Johnson, Negro ‘policy king’ had been shot down by a white man, whose wife Johnson lured to his rooms, and then viciously attacked.

About eleven o’clock last night, an operator in the Harlem telephone exchange called police headquarters and said that she had just received a call that someone had been murdered at No. — 127th St., in the second floor flat at right of stairs.

Headquarters immediately notified the local precinct station and Sergeant Burke and Policeman Watson, colored, rushed to the scene in a police car, stopping at 127th St. and Lenox Ave. to pick up Patrolman Clifford, colored, on beat there.

Together, the officers entered the second floor flat and there were met by a man and a woman who gave their names as George (Bearcat) Delaney, 24, a prizefighter, and Mrs. Babe Gordon Delaney, his wife. The body of a huge negro who they said was ‘Money’ Johnson lay in a heap on the parlor floor, dead.

Delaney admitted killing the Negro, without any signs of nervousness or regret. He stated that he had accidentally learned that his wife had gone to the flat. He operated a taxicab when he was not fighting and had been separated from his wife. They had continued to be on friendly terms, however, although he had not seen her for several months until last night. A friend told him that she was seen entering the 127th St. flat.

Delaney had driven around to 127th St. in his cab, but when he arrived there he discovered that he had forgotten the number of the house. He decided to wait on the chance of seeing his wife when she came out.

Then suddenly he saw her leaning out of a window. She was waving frantically to attract his attention. Then he saw someone place a hand over her mouth and drag her back. He had a gun with him, for which he has a permit. He rushed into the house, broke in the door of the flat and found his wife struggling in the arms of a big negro, who turned to attack him when he entered. The negro attempted to crash a chair down on his head, but Delaney drew his gun and fired at him three times. Two of the bullets struck the negro, one in the stomach, and the other just under the heart.

The Medical Examiner stated that death had been almost instantaneous. The third bullet was found imbedded in the wall.

While readily admitting the killing, Delaney refused to sign any statement until he first had time to consult a lawyer.