Case Number: 704
Freyer, Officer Adam, shot dead, Harrison and Clinton Sts., John McGrath and William Widdell, noted burglars and desperadoes, arrested and sentenced to Joliet Pen. for life. New trial granted and they were acquitted.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | August 9, 1889 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | August 9, 1889 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | Harrison and Clinton sts. |
| Location Description | Harrison and Clinton sts. |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional murder |
| Method of Killing | Other gun, gun unspecified |
| Weapon | shot dead |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | Harrison and Clinton sts. |
| Number of Defendants | 2 |
Victim
| Name | Freyer, Adam |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| VictimEmploymentType | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law enforcement |
Defendant
| Name | McGrath, John |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
| Occupation/ Skill | Criminal - burglar |
Police
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
|---|---|
| Arrest Made at Crime Scene | Yes |
| Location of Arrest | Harrison and Clinton sts. |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Less than 1 day |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 2 |
| Victim Employed by Law Enforcement | Police officer on duty |
Legal
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Defendant held to Grand Jury |
|---|---|
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Grand jury, trial |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Length of Sentence | Life |
| Outcome of Trial | Guilty, unspecified offense |
| Sentenced to | Joliet, Stateville |
