Case Number: 7526
Allen, Nelson - Age 35 - Colored - Died from a skull fracture received 5:30 A.M. 1/4/27, in a poolroom at 568 E. 35th St., when struck on the head with an axe by one of two Negroes during a holdup. On 1/8/27 Fred Harris and Arthur Hollis were held by the Coroner. 2A Dist. 6/8/27 Hollis - Nolle Prossed - Lindsay. 6/25/27 - Harris - 14 years Joliet Pen. - Lindsay.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | January 4, 1927 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | January 4, 1927 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 568 E. 35th St. |
| Type of Location | Place of business |
| Location Description | poolroom |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional murder |
| Characteristics | died from a skull fracture received when struck on |
| Method of Killing | Axe or hatchet |
| Weapon | struck on head with ax |
| Motive | holdup |
| Victim Initiated Events Leading to Homicide | No |
| Description | Robbery |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | poolroom |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Related to Organized Crime | |
| Type of Business | Bar/saloon |
Victim
| Name | Allen, Nelson |
|---|---|
| Age | 35 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Black |
| Ethnicity | African American |
Defendant
| Name | Harris, Fred |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Race | Black |
| Occupation/ Skill | Other, outside labor force |
Police
| Precinct | 2 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date Defendant Arrested | 8-Jan-27 |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Days |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 2 |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | January 8, 1927 |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Defendant held to Grand Jury |
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Trial Judge | Harris |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Jury Verdict | Yes |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Sentence | June 25, 1927 |
| Felony Murder Classification | Robbery |
| Length of Sentence | 14 years |
| Outcome of Grand Jury Decision | Indictment, other homicide, homicide unspecified |
| Outcome of Trial | Guilty, unspecified offense |
| Sentenced to | Joliet, Stateville |
