Case Number: 124
Bessessi, Joseph, 29 years old, shot dead, home 135 Ewing St., by his cousin, Joseph Gentelli, who alleged it was a mistake. Gentelli was arrested and sentenced, March 17, 1893, by Judge Adams, to five years in Joliet Penitentiary.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | January 8, 1893 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | January 8, 1893 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 135 Ewing st |
| Type of Location | Residence |
| Location Description | home |
| Description | Accidental shooting |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | home |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Type of Residence | Residence of victim |
Victim
| Name | Bessessi, Joseph |
|---|---|
| Age | 29 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Italian |
| Related by Blood or Marriage | Other blood relationship |
Defendant
| Name | Gentrell, Joseph |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Italian |
| Race | White |
| Related by Blood or Marriage | Other blood relationship |
Police
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
|---|---|
| Arrest Made at Crime Scene | Yes |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
| Location of Arrest | 135 Ewing st |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Less than 1 day |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Trial Judge | Adams |
|---|---|
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, grand jury, trial, and post conviction |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Length of Sentence | 5 years |
| Outcome of Trial | Guilty, unspecified offense |
| Sentenced to | Joliet, Stateville |
