In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

Photographing Crime in Maine, 1920-1940

William Gratz and Herbert Willett in custody, Portland, 1926

William Gratz and Herbert Willett in custody, Portland, 1926

Item 153696 info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

Alfred S. Cook Murder (1924)

In May 1926, authorities arrested William Gratz (1892-1978) and Herbert Willett (born circa 1905) for the 1924 murder of Alfred S. Cook (1884-1924). After intense interrogation, Willett claimed Gratz, who previously served jail time for promoting prostitution and assaulting a police officer, told him to kill Cook during the course of a robbery. The grand jury failed to indict, and the men were released. Alfred Cook’s murder remains unsolved.


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