Case Number: 124

Bessessi, Joseph, 29 years old, shot dead, home 135 Ewing St., by his cousin, Joseph Gentelli, who alleged it was a mistake. Gentelli was arrested and sentenced, March 17, 1893, by Judge Adams, to five years in Joliet Penitentiary.



Circumstances

Date of Offense January 8, 1893
Date of Death January 8, 1893
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address 135 Ewing st
Type of Location Residence
Location Description home
Description Accidental shooting
Total Number of Victims 1
Location home
Number of Defendants 1
Type of Residence Residence of victim

Victim

Name Bessessi, Joseph
Age 29 years
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity Italian
Related by Blood or Marriage Other blood relationship

Defendant

Name Gentrell, Joseph
Gender Male
Ethnicity Italian
Race White
Related by Blood or Marriage Other blood relationship

Police

Allegations of Police Corruption No
Arrest Made at Crime Scene Yes
Defendant Identified at Scene No
Location of Arrest 135 Ewing st
Time Between Crime and Arrest Less than 1 day
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Trial Judge Adams
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner, grand jury, trial, and post conviction
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Length of Sentence 5 years
Outcome of Trial Guilty, unspecified offense
Sentenced to Joliet, Stateville