Police Chief Kills Self After Boy He Struck Dies
WOODBRIDGE, N. J., Feb. 17 (AP) — Police Chief George E. Keating, 62, gulped a fatal dose of cyanide 12 hours after he killed a schoolboy in a hit-run auto accident, authorities revealed today.
Just two days before he was to be honored by the town of Woodbridge for his 35 years of police service, Keating swallowed the poison in the bathroom of his home yesterday.
Death first was attributed to a heart attack, but an autopsy revealed mouth burns and the presence of cyanide.
Then today Middlesex County Prosecutor Alex Eber announced that death came from poisoning.
Source: Police Chief Kills Self After Boy He Struck Dies, The Frederick Post, Frederick, Maryland, 18 February 1954, p. 6.
George E. Keating was my great-uncle. My father and uncle, George’s nephews, always told me that the suicide was by gunshot. Is there verifiable evidence as to the true method?
Rick,
It sounds like an unfortunate situation all around and I’m sorry for both families involved.
My recommendation would be to order the death certificate for your great-uncle. Cause of death is usually indicated on these certificates. https://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/order-vital/ appears to be New Jersey’s site for ordering vital records such as death certificates.
Good luck,
John
The boy was my dad’s younger brother, Robert. It’s a situation that was horrible for both families. We have never let Uncle Bobby be forgotten.