Twenty years ago or more I was working in DC. A noted doctor, Richard Halberstam, brother of David, came home from a party to discover a burglary in progress. The burglar burst out the door, shot Halberst in the abdomen and ran on foot. The doctor realized he was very badly wounded and set off in his car for the ER. Along the way he actually ran over the burglar, then died before reaching the hospital. The burglar, who also dealt in extremely expensive stolen property, lived next door to my boss.

Dan and I discussed the case later that week and he was extremely perplexed that this nice gentleman could lead two lives. I reminded him, of course, that good fences make good neighbors.

ALL of the foregoing is true with the possible exception of the timing of Dr. Halberstam's death. He may have made it alive to the hospital, but definitely died of his wounds.


TEd