Case Number: 10569
Murtha, Thos. F. - Age 63 - Patrolman - Killed at the north approach to the Halsted St. left bridge, where he was detailed, by an auto driven by John T. Yagen, who, it is alleged, had been drinking. The bridge was about to rise. On 10/22/29 Yagen was held by the Coroner. 21 Dist. 3/13/31 - Acquitted - Fisher.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | October 21, 1929 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | October 21, 1929 |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | north approach to the Halstead St. left bridge |
| Type of Death | Accident |
| Description | Car accident |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | north approach to the Halstead St. left bridge |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Type of Accident | Automobile accident |
Victim
| Name | Martha, Thos. F. |
|---|---|
| Age | 63 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| VictimEmploymentType | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Ethnicity | Greek |
| Occupation/ Skill | Other, professional |
Defendant
| Name | John T. Yagen |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, eastern european |
| Race | White |
Police
| Precinct | 21 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
| Victim Employed by Law Enforcement | Patrolman on duty, on street, beat |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | October 22, 1929 |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Defendant held to Grand Jury |
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Trial Judge | Fisher |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Sentence | March 13, 1931 |
| Outcome of Trial | Acquitted |
