1922 WB Record Almanac, Capital Crimes in 1921

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During 1921 there were 15 cases of capital crime in Luzerne Co. The record for other years is; 12 in 1920; 
10 in 1919; 13 in 1918; 12 in 1917; 22 in 1916; 14 in 1915; 14 in 1914; 22 in 1913; 22 in 1912; 14 in 1911; 
14 in 1910; 15 in 1909; 15 in 1908; 14 in 1907; 13 in 1906; 12 in 1905; 8 in 1904.

On January 1 occurred the death of George Valinsky of Wyoming from a fracture of the skull supposed to have 
been inflicted by highwaymen.

Frank Marchowkowski of Hanover Township, 32 years, died of a fracture of the skull sustained in an assault at 
his home, said to have been committed by a boarder over a domestic affair. His death occurred January 12.

Michael Kommes of near Freeland was stabbed by his boarding boss because of domestic difficulty. Kommes was 
22 years old. His death occurred January 13.

On January 26 occurred the death of Peter Salvador of Lattimer, 12 years, of injuries sustained in a fight 
between two gangs of boys on the way to school.

Frank Loware of Hanover Township, 27 years, was stabbed to death by his brother during a quarrel. This 
occurred July 24.

July 25 – Rev. Felix Novak, his wife and three children of Pond Hill were in a house that was burned to the 
ground. There was suspicion that they were murdered before the house was set on fire. Frank Valorosa, a 
neighbor, was tried on the charge of having murdered Novak, he having had some difficulty with him. He was 
convicted of murder in the first degree.

Amutso Maritato of Hazleton was shot and killed as he was coming from a store, suppose to have been the result
of a grudge.

Hon Tom, a Chinaman of Hazleton, died October 13 from a beating inflicted by robbers.

Thomas Mendola of Pittston, 45 years, was shot by an unknown party as he was walking along the sidewalk, 
October 14.

George W. Culver of Forty Fort died during a fist fight, presumably as the result of blows he received, 
October 21.

Mrs. John Szerbo of Parsons, 44 years, shot and killed in November by a son-in-law owing to some domestic 
difficulty.

Typed by Susan Novobilsky,  June 2004