Case Number: 7702

Bates, Wm. Walter - Age 32 - Colored - Fatally shot at 2:50 AM, 10/16/27 at "L" road between 31st and 32nd Sts., by Patrolman H. J. O'Connor, who discovered Bates and another Negro in the act of robbing a man. On 10/19/27 O'Connor was exonerated by the Coroner. 2A Dist.



Circumstances

Date of Offense October 6, 1927
Date of Death October 16, 1927
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address L Road between 31st and 32nd
Type of Location Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley
Type of Public Place Street, sidewalk or alley
Location Description on street
Type of Death Homicide
Type of Homicide Intentional murder
Characteristics shot by patrolman for robbing a man
Method of Killing Other gun, gun unspecified
Weapon fatally shot
Motive shot by patrolman as he attempted to rob a man
Victim Initiated Events Leading to Homicide Yes
Description Robbery
Total Number of Victims 1
Location on street
Related to Organized Crime

Victim

Name Bates, Willaim Walter
Age 32 years
Gender Male
Race Black
Ethnicity African American

Defendant

Name Patrolman H.J. O'Connor
Gender Male
Ethnicity Irish
Race White
Employed Yes
Employment Type Employed, professional (incl. police and military)
Killed While Protecting Person Protecting person outside family
Killed While Protecting Property Protecting other property
Occupation/ Skill Law Enforcement, Police

Police

Precinct 2
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Defendant Identified at Scene No

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision October 9, 1927
Outcome of Coroner's Judgment Exonerated, Commended
Charges Against Defendant No
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner's verdict only
Jury Verdict Yes
Allegations of Police Corruption No