Case Number: 8672
McNamara, James, alias McGovern, alias Waters � Age 23 � Shot to death at 641 Madison St., while acting as a lookout for three bandits who were robbing the place, a gambling house, (cigar store) by Patrolman Sam Dessent. On 8/30/26 the officer was exonerated by the Coroner. 19 Dist.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | August 28, 1926 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | August 28, 1926 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 641 Madison St. |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | outside of a gambling house (cigar store) |
| Type of Death | Manslaughter |
| Description | Robbery |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | outside of a gambling house (cigar store) |
| Type of Manslaughter | Unintentional killing with gun |
Victim
| Name | McNamara, James, McGovern |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| VictimEmploymentType | Outside labor force (incl. criminals) |
| Ethnicity | Irish |
| Known to Chicago Police as | A suspicious character/criminal type |
| Occupation/ Skill | Criminal - thief |
Defendant
| Name | Dessent, Sam |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Killed While Protecting Property | Protecting other property |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law Enforcement, Police |
Police
| Precinct | 19 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | August 30, 1926 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
