Case Number: 3126
Boerst, Fred - Age 59 - Poisoned by wood alcohol which he purchased in saloon at 4158 So. Campbell Ave., Saloonkeeper John Weikus and bartender Tony Keriz were held by the Coroner for manslaughter. 16 Pct. 4/27/20 Nolle Prossed (both) - Sabath.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | November 24, 1919 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | November 24, 1919 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 4158 S. Campbell Ave |
| Type of Location | Place of business |
| Location Description | in saloon |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional manslaughter |
| Characteristics | victim had been forcing his attention on the defen |
| Method of Killing | Poisoned with drugs or other substance |
| Weapon | poisoned by wood alcohol |
| Victim Initiated Events Leading to Homicide | Yes |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | in saloon |
| Number of Defendants | 2 |
| Related to Organized Crime | |
| Type of Business | Bar/saloon |
Victim
| Name | Boerst, Fred |
|---|---|
| Age | 59 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
Defendant
| Name | Weikus, John |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
| Business Owner | Bar/saloon |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, high white collar (merchant, etc.) |
| Occupation/ Skill | Store owner, hotel owner |
Police
| Precinct | 16 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Less than 1 day |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 2 |
Legal
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Defendant held to Grand Jury |
|---|---|
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Trial Judge | Sabath |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Jury Verdict | Yes |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Grand Jury Decision | April 27, 1920 |
| Outcome of Grand Jury Decision | Indictment for felony murder |
