Case Number: 3226
Coppersmith, Mrs. Ella - Age 28 - Skull fractured with a hammer and throat cut, at her home at 7100 Lowe Ave., her 2 yr. old son John L. also killed in like manner. Many suspects arrested and on 5/17/15 William Russell Pethrick, grocer's delivery boy, confessed to the double murder, and was held by the Coroner 5/18/15 without bail. 17 Pct. 9/28/15 Pethick to Joliet Pen for life - Barrett. 10/22/15 - s/o - Barrett.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | May 6, 1915 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | May 6, 1915 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 7100 Lowe Ave. |
| Type of Location | Residence |
| Location Description | home |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional murder |
| Method of Killing | Beaten with blunt object, struck |
| Weapon | skull fractured w/hammer & throat cut |
| Total Number of Victims | 2 |
| Location | home |
| Type of Residence | Residence of victim |
Victim
| Name | Coppersmith, Mrs. Ella |
|---|---|
| Age | 28 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | English-Anglo |
Defendant
Police
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
|---|---|
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
