Case Number: 7745
Cotton, Walter - Age 19 - Fatally shot at 11:20 PM, 6/26/25, in Harrison St., 50 ft. west of Springfield Ave., accidentally, by a stray bullet fired by Patrolman Edward Hartnett, who shot at a speeding automobile. On 6/29/25 Hartnett was exonerated by the Coroner. 21 Dist.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | June 28, 1925 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | June 28, 1925 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | Harrison St. |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | in Harrison St, 50ft west of Springfield Ave. |
| Type of Death | Accident |
| Description | Accidental shooting |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | in Harrison St, 50ft west of Springfield Ave. |
| Type of Accident | Accidental shooting |
Victim
| Name | Cotton, Walter |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
Defendant
| Name | Hartnett, Edward |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law Enforcement, Police |
Police
| Precinct | 21 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | June 29, 1925 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
