Case Number: 3479
Davis, Bert - Age 40 - Colored - Shot to death in front of 54 Bowen Ave. by Officer Matthew Mescoll, whom he engaged in a revolver duel after robbing the Forrestville Grocery and Market. On 9/9/20 Meskall was exonerated by the Coroner. 4 Pct.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | September 8, 1920 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | September 8, 1920 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Park |
| Location Description | in front of 54 Bowen Av |
| Type of Death | Manslaughter |
| Description | Robbery |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | in front of 54 Bowen Av |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Type of Manslaughter | Unintentional killing with gun |
Victim
| Name | Davis, Bert |
|---|---|
| Age | 40 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Black |
| Employed | Yes |
| VictimEmploymentType | Outside labor force (incl. criminals) |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Occupation/ Skill | Criminal - thief |
Defendant
| Name | Mescoll, Matthew |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Irish |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Killed While Protecting Property | Protecting a drug store |
Police
| Precinct | 21 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Arrest Made at Crime Scene | Yes |
| Date Defendant Arrested | 8-Sep-20 |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Less than 1 day |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | September 9, 1920 |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Exonerated, Commended |
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner's verdict only |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
