Case Number: 11276
Vessell, James, alias Bessell - Age 32 - Colored - Fatally assaulted 9:30 PM, 8/4/28, in front of 3021 Federal St., following an argument with Eddie Brown, colored, who went home, procured an axe, with which he assaulted deceased. On 8/8/28 Brown�s arrest was recommended by the Coroner. 3 Dist. Edw. Brown - Arrested 11/30/39 - by Det. Bur. - to Sheriff of Co. County 11/30/39. Joliet 1 to 14 yrs. on Mansl. - Graber - 1/24/40.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | August 4, 1928 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | August 4, 1928 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 3021 Federal St. |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | in front of 3021 Federal St |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional manslaughter |
| Characteristics | argument |
| Method of Killing | Axe or hatchet |
| Weapon | fatally assaulted w/ axe |
| Motive | following argument defendant procured an axe w/ wh |
| Victim Initiated Events Leading to Homicide | No |
| Description | Dispute over money or property, quarrel |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Excessive Violence | Excessive or extreme use of force |
| Location | in front of 3021 Federal St |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Related to Organized Crime |
Victim
| Name | Vessell, James, "Bessell" |
|---|---|
| Age | 32 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Black |
| Ethnicity | African American |
Defendant
| Name | Brown, Eddie |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Race | Black |
Police
| Precinct | 3 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date Defendant Arrested | 30-Nov-39 |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Years |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | August 8, 1928 |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Recommended investigation/arrest |
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Trial Judge | Graber |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Jury Verdict | Yes |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Length of Sentence | 14 years |
| Outcome of Grand Jury Decision | Indictment, other homicide, homicide unspecified |
| Outcome of Trial | Guilty of manslaughter |
| Sentenced to | Joliet, Stateville |
