Case Number: 8734
O'Hara, John B. - Age 30 - Fatally shot 3:20 AM, in the rear of 3406 Archer Ave., by Patrolman Michael Murtha whom he wounded twice when the officer went to investigate a disturbance in the soft-drink parlor. On 7/15/25 Murtha was exonerated by the Coroner. 15 Dist.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | July 11, 1925 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | July 11, 1925 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 3406 Archer Ave |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | rear |
| Type of Death | Manslaughter |
| Description | Self Defense |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | rear |
| Type of Manslaughter | Unintentional killing with gun |
Victim
| Name | O'Hara, John |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Irish |
Defendant
| Name | Murtha, Michael |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law Enforcement, Police |
Police
| Precinct | 15 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | July 15, 1925 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
