Harry's killers, Frank "Gutter" Newman, on June 8, 1917, in front of a house at 3323 Lucas Avenue. Both Willie Egan and Walter Costello went everywhere armed and with their eyes peeled for rival gangsters. The evening of July 24, 1917, found Egan and Costello letting off steam at the Falstaff Club at 11 North Sixth Street. With them were five other members of the gang, including Max Greenberg. As the night went on, the hoods got drunker and rowdier. Closing time came at 1 am and the gangsters refused to leave. While Walter Costello loudly demanded more drinks, the bartender stole away to a telephone and called the police. St. Louis City Patrolmen John Sipple and Fred Egenriether were soon on the scene. Willie Egan and his party finally walked outside to their automobile. The two police officers had to drag the intoxicated Costello out of the bar. When he got to the car, Costello quickly drew one of his pistols and aimed it at Patrolman Sipple. Willie Egan, shocked at this turn of events, grabbed his friend's arm and yelled, "Here, you fool! We're not killing policemen!" The words were just out of his mouth when Patrolman Egenriether shot Costello twice in the chest. One of his bullets penetrated Walter's heart and killed him almost instantly. Another of the Rats, Edward "Red" Giebe, then screamed in rage and pulled his own gun. Egan knocked his pistol away as well, and Giebe took off running before the officers could react. Walter Costello's killing was ruled justifiable homicide and Willie Egan commented, "I've saved a policeman's life tonight." References 1889 births 1917 deaths Gangsters from St. Louis People shot dead by law enforcement officers in the United States American gangsters of Irish descent American gangsters