Case Number: 3698
Graves, Spencer - Age 33 - colored - Shot to death in saloon at 5301 Dearborn St., by Thomas Preston as result of an old feud. Preston at large & arrest is recommended by the Coroner. 11th Pct. Preston surrendered at the 3rd Dist. On 1/19/24 and confessed to having committed the murder. On 1/22/24 held by the Coroner. 7/18/24 to Joliet Pen. - Cook.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | July 4, 1916 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | July 4, 1916 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 5301 Dearborn St. |
| Type of Location | Place of business |
| Location Description | saloon 5301 Dearborn St. |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional murder |
| Characteristics | shot to death result of old fued |
| Method of Killing | Other gun, gun unspecified |
| Weapon | Shot to death |
| Motive | shot to death in saloon as result of an old feud |
| Victim Initiated Events Leading to Homicide | Yes |
| Description | Bar room brawl |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | saloon 5301 Dearborn St. |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Related to Organized Crime | |
| Type of Business | Bar/saloon |
Victim
| Name | Graves, Spencer |
|---|---|
| Age | 33 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Black |
| Ethnicity | African American |
Defendant
| Name | Preston, Thomas |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
Police
| Precinct | 11 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Months |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | January 22, 1924 |
|---|---|
| Trial Judge | Cook |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Jury Verdict | Yes |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Sentence | July 18, 1924 |
| Outcome of Trial | Guilty, unspecified offense |
| Sentenced to | Joliet, Stateville |
