Case Number: 7451
Kurtz, Joseph - Age 27 - Patrolman, 17 Pct. - Shot to death at S.E. Corner Canal and 17th Sts., by Louis Brenzing when he attempted to quell a fight between the latter, his brother Arthur Brenzing and an unknown man whom they had assaulted. The Brenzings were intoxicated. On 6/9/21 both were held by the Coroner, Arthur as accessory. 17 Pct. 10/19/21 Louis acquitted and Arthur Nolle Prossed - Fitch.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | June 7, 1921 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | June 7, 1921 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | Canal and 17th sts. |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | S.E. corner of Canal and 17th sts. |
| Description | Police officer killed during apprehension |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | S.E. corner of Canal and 17th sts. |
| Prohibition Related Indicators | defs. Intoxicated |
Victim
| Name | Kurtz, Joseph |
|---|---|
| Age | 27 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| VictimEmploymentType | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Ethnicity | German |
| Known to Chicago Police as | Other, known to Chicago police |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law enforcement |
Defendant
| Name | Brenzing, Louis |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
Police
| Precinct | 5 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Days |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 2 |
| Victim Employed by Law Enforcement | Patrolman on duty, on street, beat |
Legal
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Defendant held to Grand Jury |
|---|---|
| Trial Judge | Fitch |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Sentence | October 19, 1921 |
| Outcome of Grand Jury Decision | Indictment, other homicide, homicide unspecified |
| Outcome of Trial | Acquitted |
