Case Number: 1489

Metcalf, Frank C., body found in alley near 219 3d Av. Supposed murder by robbers. Robert Howard, col'd, arrested and held by Coroner's Jury Nov. 19. Convicted Dec. 28, 1898. Hanged Feb. 17, 1899. Charles Williams, colored, arrested in New Orleans and brought to Chicago April 3, 1899. Sentenced June 24, 1899, by Judge Stein to life imprisonment in Joliet Penitentiary.


Circumstances

Date of Death November 10, 1898
Address 219 3rd Av.
Type of Location Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley
Type of Public Place Street, sidewalk or alley
Location Description alley
Type of Death Homicide
Type of Homicide Other murder, felony murder
Motive supposed murder by robbers
Description Robbery
Total Number of Victims 1
Location alley
Number of Defendants 2

Victim

Name Metcalf, Frank C.
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity Other, european

Defendant

Name Howard, Robert
Gender Male
Ethnicity African American
Race Black
Occupation/ Skill Crimanl - thief

Police

Allegations of Police Corruption No
Time Between Crime and Arrest Weeks
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 2

Legal

Outcome of Coroner's Judgment Defendant held to Grand Jury
Charges Against Defendant No
Trial Judge Stein
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner, trial
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Felony Murder Classification Theft
Length of Sentence Death penalty
Outcome of Trial Guilty of murder
Post Trial Information Death sentence carried out
Sentence Completed Yes

Florence Kelley in Chicago, 1891-1899

Florence Kelley was the first woman factory inspector in the United States. A resident of Hull House, and a reformer – who refused to be associated with any political party–Florence Kelley lived in Chicago from 1891 until 1899, leading and participating in a variety of projects. Visit our companion site...