From the Richmond News Leader, 9/6/1944, p. 3, c. 7

Missing Man Found Slain And Robbed at Iron Works
Body of 69-Year-Old Employee Discovered Hidden in Shelves; $2,000 to $3,000 Missing

Police today sought the assailant of John Ernest Krengel, 69-year-old pattern maker, who was found murdered and robbed shortly before 8 A. M. on the second floor of the pattern building at the Tredegar Iron Works.

The body was found pushed head-first between two storage shelves and was hidden by several window facings. Mr. Krengel had been beaten with a blunt instrument and shot in the head. A .22-caliber bullet was said to have penetrated his brain.

Search for Mr. Krengel was stared about 11 o’clock last night when police received a “missing person” report after the pattern-maker failed to return to his home from work.

Detective Chief O. D. Garton said that Mr. Krengel was killed yesterday before lunch time. Captain Garton said he believed that Mr. Krengel was killed on the first floor of the building and his body was dragged to the second floor, where it was hidden in the shelves which are used to hold pattern forms.

Robbery was thought to be the motive of the murder. His pocketbook was missing from his person. Captain Garton said it was generally known that Mr. Krengel carried between $2,000 and $3,000 at all times.

The pattern-maker was struck on the back of the head with some blunt instrument and shot. He was found lying in a pool of blood.

Police Lieutenant C. A. Nunnaly and Officer L. K. Nuckols and C. B. Tingle searched around and in the buildings of the Tredegar Iron Works all night for Mr. Krengel. The Fire Department sent the rescue wagon, and the gates of the canal were closed, as it was thought at first the man may have fallen into the water.

After an all-night search, Mr. Krengel’s body was discovered by N. P. Dowdy, a machinist at the iron works, shortly before 8 A. M.

Mr. Krengel is survived by his wife, who lives in the 200 block South Pine St.

Detective Sergeants C. L. Brown and E. A. Kelley were assigned by Captain Garton to investigate the case.

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