Case Number: 5401

Unknown Boy - Age 18 - Shot to death in Grant Park, south of Van Buren St., by Private Wm. Cowan, attached to First Division Circus, who was examining a 45 calibre automatic which accidentally discharged. On 8/20/20 Cowan was exonerated by the Coroner. 2nd Prct.


Circumstances

Date of Offense September 3, 1920
Date of Death September 3, 1920
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address Grant Park South of Van Buren St.
Type of Location Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley
Type of Public Place Park
Location Description in Grant Park
Type of Death Accident
Description Accidental shooting
Total Number of Victims 1
Location in Grant Park
Number of Defendants 1
Type of Accident Accidental shooting

Victim

Name unknown
Age 18 years
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity Other, european

Defendant

Name William, Cowan
Gender Male
Ethnicity Other, european
Race White

Police

Precinct 2
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Date Defendant Arrested 20-Aug-20
Defendant Identified at Scene No
Time Between Crime and Arrest Months
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision August 20, 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...