Case Number: 8268

Harness, Willie - Age 15 - Colored - Fatally shot at 10 AM, 12/11/27 in rear of 3831 LaSalle St., by Patrolman Orin Ross while attempting to escape from Squad 4-C. On 12/14/27 the officer was exonerated by the Coroner. 2A Dist.


Circumstances

Date of Offense December 11, 1927
Date of Death December 11, 1927
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address 3831 LaSalle st
Type of Location Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley
Type of Public Place Street, sidewalk or alley
Location Description in rear of address
Type of Death Manslaughter
Description Victim killed resisting arrest
Total Number of Victims 1
Location in rear of address
Number of Defendants 1
Type of Manslaughter Unintentional killing with gun

Victim

Name Harness, Willie
Age 15 years
Gender Male
Race Black
Ethnicity African American

Defendant

Name Ross, Orin
Gender Male
Race White

Police

Precinct 2
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Defendant Identified at Scene No
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision December 14, 1927
Outcome of Coroner's Judgment Exonerated, Commended
Charges Against Defendant No
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner's verdict only
Allegations of Police Corruption No

Florence Kelley in Chicago, 1891-1899

Florence Kelley was the first woman factory inspector in the United States. A resident of Hull House, and a reformer – who refused to be associated with any political party–Florence Kelley lived in Chicago from 1891 until 1899, leading and participating in a variety of projects. Visit our companion site...