Case Number: 7702
Bates, Wm. Walter - Age 32 - Colored - Fatally shot at 2:50 AM, 10/16/27 at "L" road between 31st and 32nd Sts., by Patrolman H. J. O'Connor, who discovered Bates and another Negro in the act of robbing a man. On 10/19/27 O'Connor was exonerated by the Coroner. 2A Dist.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | October 6, 1927 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | October 16, 1927 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | L Road between 31st and 32nd |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | on street |
| Type of Death | Homicide |
| Type of Homicide | Intentional murder |
| Characteristics | shot by patrolman for robbing a man |
| Method of Killing | Other gun, gun unspecified |
| Weapon | fatally shot |
| Motive | shot by patrolman as he attempted to rob a man |
| Victim Initiated Events Leading to Homicide | Yes |
| Description | Robbery |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | on street |
| Related to Organized Crime |
Victim
| Name | Bates, Willaim Walter |
|---|---|
| Age | 32 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Black |
| Ethnicity | African American |
Defendant
| Name | Patrolman H.J. O'Connor |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Irish |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Killed While Protecting Person | Protecting person outside family |
| Killed While Protecting Property | Protecting other property |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law Enforcement, Police |
Police
| Precinct | 2 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | October 9, 1927 |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Exonerated, Commended |
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner's verdict only |
| Jury Verdict | Yes |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
