Case Number: 8873
Richards, Andrew - Age 26 - Fatally shot 4:15 AM, 11/14/25, in front of 3304 Vernon Ave., by Patrolman Wm. O'Donnell, of D.B. Ford Squad, who, on the same date, was exonerated by the Coroner. The squad came upon Richards, a Yellow Cab chauffeur being held up by a Negro Alfred Wordlow, and O'Donnell covered Wordlow with his gun. Wordlow struck at the gun, which was discharged, the bullet striking Richardson. The Coroner's Jury declared it "accidental." On 11/17/25 Wordlow was held to the Grand Jury for murder in bonds of $100,000 by Judge Lyle. Nov. 1925 No Bill on Wordlow.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | November 14, 1925 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | November 14, 1925 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | 3304 Vernon av. |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | in front of 3304 Vernon av. |
| Type of Death | Accident |
| Description | Accidental shooting |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | in front of 3304 Vernon av. |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Type of Accident | Accidental shooting |
Victim
| Name | Richards, Andrew |
|---|---|
| Age | 26 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| VictimEmploymentType | Employed, skilled (butcher, electrician, cab drivers, street car, etc.) |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Victim Killed While Protecting Property | Protecting automobile |
| Occupation/ Skill | Cab driver, street car driver, teamster, ticket agent |
Defendant
| Name | Wordlow, Alfred |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Race | Black |
Police
| Precinct | 20 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date Defendant Arrested | 9-Dec-25 |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Days |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
|---|---|
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner's verdict and grand jury |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Grand Jury Decision | December 15, 1925 |
| Outcome of Grand Jury Decision | Indictment for felony murder |
