Blind Man Identifies Crooks

On November 7, 1890, Chief of Detectives William Desmond brought in Pat Kennedy, a low-level St. Louis crook, who was suspected of stealing 20 cents from a cigar store on North 9th Street.  A 3rd District St. Louis Police Officer captured Kennedy after he robbed a Miss Minnie Mullaney at 16th Street and Franklin Avenue.

Kennedy proved a first-rate coward, who struck Miss Mullaney on the head from behind.  As she lay dazed on the sidewalk, Kennedy pulled the purse from her arm and ran.  Kennedy made off with $21 and some jewelry of little value.

When Kennedy was captured, he tried to tell a story but became confused and confessed his crimes.  Kennedy’s confession led to the arrest of his associate “Skinny” Woods.  Woods actually helped Miss Mullaney up and acted like he was giving chase.  However, he was only trying to catch up with Kennedy to split the loot.

After eating at a Downtown St. Louis diner, the men threw the purse onto a roof at 12th and Wash, dumped the jewelry in a backyard and threw the purse in a sewer.  Detectives Allendar and Burke recovered all the stolen property in the locations Kennedy specified.

The real spectacle occurred in Chief Desmond’s office the next day.  Desmond suspected Kennedy stole twenty cents from the cigar store of a blind man by the name of Louis Guibar.  Detective McGuire brought Kennedy into Chief Desmond’s office at the Four Courts Building.

When Kennedy entered the office, he spoke to Chief Desmond.  “Good morning, Mr. Desmond.”  Mr. Guibar was sitting out of sight behind a door and sprung to his feet.  “That is the man!”

Kennedy saw Mr. Guibar and stated, “Yes, that is me, Mr. Guibar.  I took the money from your drawer.  I only got 20 cents, though, and I give 10 of that back to McGurry.”

McGurry worked for Mr. Guibar.  He saw Kennedy take the 20 cents.  After Kennedy threatened to “bust McGurry’s head”, he gave him 10 cents out of the 20 he took.

McGurry positively identified Kennedy as the man who stole the 20 cents.  While 20 cents was not a large amount even in 1890, Mr. Guibar intended to prosecute Kennedy.  Mr. Guibar said Kennedy was the head of the gang, who often stole from him when McGurry was running errands.

Chief Desmond stated Mr. Guibar’s identification was one of the most amazing things he observed in his long law enforcement career.  Mr. Guibar only heard Kennedy’s voice once or twice but was able to identify him immediately.  Mr. Guibar could not explain his ability either.

Fortunately, Pat Kennedy was arrested and would be off the streets for some time.  Kennedy may have gone straight after his time behind bars but it is not likely.  Recidivism among offenders such as Kennedy was high both then and now.

Chief Desmond would arrest many criminals over the years but seldom did he see anything nearly as remarkable as Mr. Guibar’s identification of Pat Kennedy.

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Source: Pittsburgh Dispatch, November 16, 1890 edition, p. 22

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