Case Number: 3226

Coppersmith, Mrs. Ella - Age 28 - Skull fractured with a hammer and throat cut, at her home at 7100 Lowe Ave., her 2 yr. old son John L. also killed in like manner. Many suspects arrested and on 5/17/15 William Russell Pethrick, grocer's delivery boy, confessed to the double murder, and was held by the Coroner 5/18/15 without bail. 17 Pct. 9/28/15 Pethick to Joliet Pen for life - Barrett. 10/22/15 - s/o - Barrett.



Circumstances

Date of Offense May 6, 1915
Date of Death May 6, 1915
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address 7100 Lowe Ave.
Type of Location Residence
Location Description home
Type of Death Homicide
Type of Homicide Intentional murder
Method of Killing Beaten with blunt object, struck
Weapon skull fractured w/hammer & throat cut
Total Number of Victims 2
Location home
Type of Residence Residence of victim

Victim

Name Coppersmith, Mrs. Ella
Age 28 years
Gender Female
Race White
Ethnicity English-Anglo

Defendant

Police

Allegations of Police Corruption No
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Charges Against Defendant No
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner, trial
Allegations of Police Corruption No