People v. Beltowski

The appellant John Beltowski and one Tony Castropil were jointly accused by information, of robbery. By a separate information one Earl Swanson was charged with the same offense. The three defendants were tried together before a jury and were convicted and sentenced to the state prison. Beltowski is the only defendant who has appealed.

On Saturday evening, March 11, 1944, about 8:30, William P. Lazootin was sitting alone in his store on DeHaro Street in San Francisco. Three men entered, one of whom, later identified by Lazootin as Beltowski, pointed a pistol at him, twice pressed it against…