First appeared in Mystic Comics #7 in 1941 and was created by Stan Lee and Mike Suchorsky. The Witness was Jewish born and raised and grew up to become a Chicago detective who accidentally shot an innocent man in the line of duty. After serving two years in prison, he ended up becoming a homeless derelict. Coming to his wits end he attempted to commit suicide. However, a mysterious voice told him it is not his time, and charged him with the task of seeing a tragedy about to occur beforehand. He must then watch the impending victim for several days to judge if the person deserves saving, in which case he would either try to prevent the tragedy, or simply witness the event without becoming involved. He then took on the costumed identity of the Witness to fight injustices and act as judge, jury, and executioner as needed.