BENJAMIN CREELEY HOMICIDE
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* 56-year-old Creeley, apparently suicide by hanging. Clothesline. But had broken thumb, couldn't tie noose.
* Computer-written suicide note about depression. But appeared not to be suicidally depressed, no history of mental/emotional problems.
* Around Thanksgiving two men broke into his house and possibly burned evidence. White men, but faces not observed. One bigger than other. They were inside for about an hour.
* Evidence in Westchester house:
* Broke through lock; skillful job.
* Leather texture marks on fireplace tools and Creeley's desk.
* Soil in front of fireplace has higher acid content than soil around house and contains pollutants. From industrial site?
* Traces of burned cocaine in fireplace.
* Ash in fireplace.
* Financial records, spreadsheet, references to millions of dollars.
* Checking logo on documents, sending entries to forensic accountant.
* Diary re: getting oil changed, haircut appointment and going to St. James Tavern.
* Analysis of ash from Queens CS lab:
* Logo of software used in corporate accounting.
* Forensic accountant: standard executive compensation figures.
* Burned because of what they revealed, or to lead investigators off?
* St. James Tavern
* Creeley came here several times.
* Apparently didn't use drugs while here.
* Not sure whom he met with, but maybe cops from the nearby 118th Precinct of the NYPD.
* Last time he was here--just before his death--he got into an argument with persons unknown.
* Checked money from officers at St. James--serial numbers are clean, but found coke and heroin. Stolen from precinct?
* Not much drugs missing, only 6 or 7 oz. of pot, 4 of coke.
* Unusually few organized crime cases at the 118th Precinct but no evidence of intentional stalling by officers.
* Two gangs in the East Village possible but not likely suspects.
* Interview with Jordan Kessler, Creeley's partner, and follow-up with wife.
* Confirmed no obvious drug use.
* Didn't appear to associate with criminals.