Case Number: 398

Constant, William, alias William West, fatally shot, 2005 State St., by Henry Crawford, alias Coffer, who was arrested, 4th Prect. Constant died in Mercy Hosp. May 20 and Crawford was held without bail, May 31, by Coroner's Jury, Arthur Jenson and Barbara Crawford being held as accessories. Crawford acquitted, Oct. 29, by Jury in C.C. (Judge Smith.) "Self defense."



Circumstances

Date of Offense May 19, 1900
Date of Death May 20, 1900
Time Between Offense and Death Within 1 day
Address 2005 State st.
Location Description 2005 State st.
Type of Death Homicide
Type of Homicide Intentional manslaughter
Characteristics self defense
Method of Killing Other gun, gun unspecified
Weapon fatally shot
Total Number of Victims 1
Location 2005 State st.
Number of Defendants 1
Related to Organized Crime

Victim

Name Constant, William / West, Will
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity Other, european
Name of Hospital Where Victim Was Taken Mercy Hospital

Defendant

Name Crawford, Henry / Coffer
Gender Male
Ethnicity Other, european
Race White

Police

Precinct 4
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Date Defendant Arrested 20-May-00
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 3

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision May 31, 1900
Outcome of Coroner's Judgment Defendant held to Grand Jury
Trial Judge Smith
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner, trial
Jury Verdict Yes
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Date of Sentence October 29, 1900
Outcome of Grand Jury Decision Indictment, other homicide, homicide unspecified
Outcome of Trial Acquitted