The Radio Burglar

In the midst of gangland activities during the fabled Roaring Twenties, a thief plagued the New York City area by breaking into people’s homes and stealing radios, which were possibly the costliest thing a family could own at the time. Not only did the crimes deprive families of property and security, but they also resulted in the injuries of three NYPD officers and the death of officer Arthur Kenney.

Based on interviews and trial transcripts, this book documents the search for the Radio Burglar, which turned into a wide-spread manhunt. Initially perplexed by the case, authorities overcame great odds to eventually achieve a conviction that has received praise in the following decades. But nine years later, the devastating effect of Arthur Kenney’s loss on his family and friends was prolonged when they were involved in a second murder trial that riveted the attention of the city and country.