Case Number: 4978

Rothe, Matthew - Age 22 - Shot to death at N.E. Corner of Iowa St. & California Ave., by Walter S. McDonald, who cought him attempting to steal his auto in order to escape after attempting to rob a watchman at 851 N. Calif. Ave. On 8/22/20 McDonald was exonerated by the Coroner. 24 Pct.


Circumstances

Date of Offense August 22, 1920
Date of Death August 22, 1920
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address N.E. corner of Iowa St. & California Ave
Type of Location Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley
Type of Public Place Street, sidewalk or alley
Location Description N.E. corner of Iowa St. & California Ave
Type of Death Manslaughter
Description Robbery
Total Number of Victims 1
Location N.E. corner of Iowa St. & California Ave
Type of Manslaughter Unintentional killing with gun

Victim

Name Rothe, Matthew
Age 22 years
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity Other, european
Occupation/ Skill Criminal - burglar

Defendant

Name McDonald, Walters
Gender Male
Ethnicity Irish
Race White

Police

Precinct 24
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision August 22, 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

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...