On the evening of May 19, 1924, in a bustling section of Brooklyn, the life of 42-year-old White/Caucasian male Bernardino Grottano, an off-duty New York City detective, came to a violent and tragic end. Affectionately known as Barney, Grottano was standing at the corner of Fulton Street and Hanover Place when he witnessed a uniformed patrolman in hot pursuit of a fleeing man. The chase had begun moments earlier at a nearby United Cigar Store, where a robbery had just taken place.
Without hesitation, the veteran detective, who had once been a member of the famed "Italian Squad" known for combating organized crime, sprang into action to assist his fellow officer. As Grottano joined the chase, the armed suspect, later identified as 26-year-old William Rogers, opened fire. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Detective Grottano was struck in the chest and fell to the ground, mortally wounded. The patrolman was also wounded, shot in the arm, but would survive. The gunman, William Rogers, who had a lengthy criminal record, was shot and killed at the scene.
Detective Grottano was rushed to Brooklyn Hospital, where he fought for his life for seven days before succumbing to his wounds on May 26, 1924. He left behind a wife and two children. The investigation into the robbery and murder continued, leading to the capture of a second suspect several months later. This man, David Burke, 28, was identified as Rogers' accomplice who had been inside the cigar store during the hold-up. Burke was subsequently charged with murder and robbery for his role in the crime that led to the death of the heroic detective.
