Case Number: 4966
Reckas, Harry J. - Age 45 - Shot to death in saloon at 4165 So. Halsted St., by Gene Geary, without provocation. Geary escaped but later surrendered to the state's attorney and on 6/9/20 was held by the Coroner. 13 PCt. 11/10/20 Sentenced to hang Dec. 17-1920. 5/13/21 Aff. by Sup. Ct. 9/30/21 Geary to Chester Pen. for Crim. Insane - Kersten.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | May 27, 1920 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | May 27, 1920 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 4165 S. Halsted |
| Type of Location | Place of business |
| Location Description | Saloon |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional murder |
| Characteristics | shot |
| Method of Killing | Other gun, gun unspecified |
| Weapon | Shot to death in saloon |
| Victim Initiated Events Leading to Homicide | No |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | Saloon |
| Related to Organized Crime | |
| Type of Business | Bar/saloon |
Victim
| Name | Reckas, Harry J. |
|---|---|
| Age | 45 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Greek |
Defendant
| Name | Geary, Gene |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
Police
| Precinct | 13 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | June 9, 1920 |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Defendant held to Grand Jury |
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Trial Judge | Kersten |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Jury Verdict | Yes |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Grand Jury Decision | November 10, 1920 |
| Date of Sentence | December 17, 1920 |
| Outcome of Trial | Guilty of murder |
