CAPITAL CRIMES IN 1949

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   There were three capital crimes in Luzerne County in 1949.  Leon Handin, 62, was murdered in his Wilkes-
Barre furniture and antique shop on the night of December 10.  Robbery is believed to have been the motive. 

 A Hazleton woman was tried for murder for the death of a child while another woman was tried for murder for 
the death of a man in abuilding on outskirts of Freeland.  Both were acquitted.

   Mrs Martha M. Kalwaic, 31, was arrested for murder after her son, Henry, 15 months, suffered fatal injuries
May 12 in the Kalwaic home in Hazleton.  After a trial, the mother was acquitted.

   Mrs. Helen Bronsavage, 38, was charged with the shotgun slaying of Louis Broton, 34, war veteran, on May 1.
Her trial was delayed several time, but in November she faced a jury.  After deliberating eight hours, the 
jury acquitted her.

Typed by John Jenkins,  May 2004