Case Number: 5476

Willis, Wm. W., 44 years, Fatally shot Apr. 30th on an I.C. Railroad Passenger Train between 12th St. & 43rd St., by Mrs. Nellie Higgs, who was arrested and on 5/4 held by the Coroner - 10th Prect. 10/2/14 Mrs. Higgs acquitted - Judge Petit.


Circumstances

Date of Offense April 30, 1914
Date of Death April 30, 1914
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address between 12th st. & 43rd st.
Type of Location Vehicle
Location Description on an I.C. Railroad Passenger Train
Type of Death Manslaughter
Total Number of Victims 1
Location on an I.C. Railroad Passenger Train
Type of Manslaughter Unintentional killing with gun

Victim

Name Willis, Wm W.
Age 44 years
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity English-Anglo

Defendant

Name Higgs, Mrs. Nellie
Gender Female
Ethnicity English-Anglo
Race White

Police

Allegations of Police Corruption No
Time Between Crime and Arrest Days
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision May 4, 1914
Trial Judge Petit
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner, trial
Jury Verdict Yes
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Date of Sentence October 2, 1914
Outcome of Trial Acquitted

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...