Title

1355: The People of the State of New York v. John Dobias

Abstract

John Dobias, a factory worker, is indicted for abduction, second-degree assault, and second-degree rape.
Mary Krulisch, 14 years old, testifies that, after her mother’s death in 1905, she, Mary, and her brother, Johnnie, were sent to St. Joseph’s Orphan Asylum. They remained in the orphanage until 1908 when they went to live with their aunt and her husband, John Dobias.
After their aunt died in 1910, the two children, according to Mary Krulisch’s testimony, slept in the same bed with the older man and, on December 25, 1910, Dobias raped her. Johnnie Krulisch, 12, testifies that he slept in the same bed with his sister and the defendant. Barbara Ruzicka testifies that Dobias had told her that he had raped the girl. William Travis Gibb, a physician, testifies that he had examined Mary Krulisch and had found evidence of penetration.
The judge, Thomas O’Sullivan, directs the jury to acquit the defendant because the assistant district attorney had failed to provide sufficient evidence that the witness, Mary Krulisch, is fourteen years old. The jury finds the defendant not guilty.

Type of Crime

Rape See all items with this value

Date of Crime

1911-02-16

Date of Hearing

1911-04-19

Verdict

Not guilty See all items with this value

Defendant(s) Name(s)

John Dobias

Prosecuting Attorney

T. Channon Press

Defense Attorney

Otto H. Droege

Judge

Thomas C. O'Sullivan See all items with this value

Case ID

1355

Location of Crime

Manhattan, New York

Item sets

Rape

• Email