The Culprits

Five men hatched the scheme to rob the guests at the Harris Mansion. One (C.W. Katzschman, not pictured) was killed by Officer Brown, Harold Wilson was arested by the Police at the house, and three were arrested after a nationwide investigation.

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Harold Smith, AKA "Tuscoly Smitty"

Charleston, IL

Occupation: Tailor

Captured at Harris Mansion. Escaped the Champaign County Jail on February 3, 1930 and was recaptured in South Carolina.
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Carl Wilson
Decautur, IL
Occupation: Baker
Distinguishing Characteristics: Wooden Leg
Driver of the getaway car. Arrested in Decautur. Provided information that two remaining at-large suspects were heading to California.
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Vernie Katz, AKA "Jerry O'Malley"
Chicago, IL
Occupation: Railroad Operator
Arrested in Los Angeles and returned to Champaign County on December 7, 1929.
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Clyde Henderson, AKA "Cappy Henderson"
Chicago, IL
Occupation: Brakeman
Arrested in Los Angeles and returned to Champaign County on December 7, 1929.

Nationwide Search

In all of the chaos at the Harris Mansion, two of the bandits, Vernie Katz and Clyde Henderson, managed to evade capture and fled to Los Angeles. They were arrested by the LAPD after a nationwide search and returned to Champaign County on December 7, 1929. The investigation involved the Chicago Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

The Culprits