Case Number: 3856

Harris, James - Age 24 - colored - Fatally stabbed at N.W. Corner 37th & Dearborne Sts., during quarrel over money, by Ben Lester, who was on 7/17/16 held by Coroner. 5 Pct. 9/16/16 14 years Joliet Pen. - Pam.


Circumstances

Date of Offense July 16, 1916
Date of Death July 16, 1916
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address 37th and Dearborn
Type of Location Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley
Type of Public Place Street, sidewalk or alley
Location Description NW corner of address
Type of Death Manslaughter
Description Dispute over money or property, quarrel
Total Number of Victims 1
Location NW corner of address
Number of Defendants 1
Type of Manslaughter Unintentional killing, other

Victim

Name Harris, James
Age 24 years
Gender Male
Race Black
Ethnicity African American

Defendant

Name Lester, Ben
Gender Male
Ethnicity English-Anglo
Race White

Police

Precinct 5
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Date Defendant Arrested 16-Jun-16
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision July 16, 1916
Outcome of Coroner's Judgment Defendant held to Grand Jury
Charges Against Defendant No
Trial Judge Pam
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner, trial
Jury Verdict Yes
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Date of Sentence September 16, 1916
Length of Sentence 14 years
Outcome of Grand Jury Decision Indictment, other homicide, homicide unspecified
Outcome of Trial Guilty, unspecified offense
Sentenced to Joliet, Stateville

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...