Case Number: 5266
Thorning, Mrs. Mary, 34 yrs. 1751 School St. died 12/11 from an abortion performed by Paulina Bechtel, midwife who was arrested and held by Coroner. 43d Pct. Jan. 1912 - No bill G.J.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | December 11, 1911 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | December 11, 1911 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Type of Death | Accident |
| Description | Illegal abortion |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Type of Accident | Death from abortion |
Victim
| Name | Thorning, Mrs Mary |
|---|---|
| Age | 34 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
Defendant
| Name | Bechtel, Paulina |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnicity | Other, eastern european |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Killed While Protecting Person | Protecting person outside family |
| Occupation/ Skill | Nurse, Midwife |
Police
| Precinct | 43 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Defendant held to Grand Jury |
|---|---|
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner's verdict and grand jury |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Grand Jury Decision | January 1, 1912 |
| Outcome of Grand Jury Decision | Indictment for felony murder |
