PADULA

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Sunday, November 09, 2008 at 13:28:09 :

Marin Journal
Thursday, July 17, 1924
Page 4

Prison Guard Saves Another From Death

In an attempt to slay Homer G. Breakfield, San Quentin prison guard, V. Padula, dangerous convict, was mortally wounded by Guard A. H. Leman last Monday. Padula died seven hours after his removal to the prison hospital.

According to an investigation by Kasmar T. Pietrzak, secretary to the Warden, Padula flourishing an iron pipe, approached Breakfield following a reprimand for misconduct. Leman, from his post on the wall, shouted a warning as Padula’s weapon struck Breakfield on the shoulder. Seeing that Padula would not cease his attack, Leman fired a shot which a few hours later proved fatal.

The bullet entered the left side of Padula’s chest, above the heart, pierced the left lung and abdomen cavity, and shattered the left hip. Although painfully founded, he did not lose consciousness during his seven hours in the hospital. When questioned by Pietrzak and hospital attaches Padula refused to speak.

The slain convict was serving a sentence of fourteen years for assault with intent to commit murder. He was convicted of shooting George W. Nichol, superintendent and millionaire owner of the Miller and Lux ranches at Merced, in 1920. His prison record contained a list of serious assaults on fellow prisoners.