People v. Lo Cigno

Sam Lo Cigno, indicted for the murder of Jack Whalen, also known as Jack O’Hara, was convicted by-verdict and judgment of murder of the first degree; his motion for new trial was denied, he was sentenced to state prison for life and he appeals from the judgment and the order denying his motion for a new trial.

The homicide took place December 2, 1959, shortly before midnight, in a restaurant known as Rondelli’s in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. The killing was accomplished with a .38 caliber revolver in the hands of defendant. The surrounding circumstances were witnessed by a…