Case Number: 8996
Staffney, George � Age 39 � Colored � Died from gunshot wounds received 11:30 PM, 11/2/25, in alley 100 feet north of Chestnut St., between Orleans and Franklin Sts., when he refused to halt upon command of Patrolman Martin Martensen. On 12/1/25 the officer was exonerated by the Coroner. 28 Dist.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | November 2, 1925 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | November 22, 1925 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Longer than 1 week |
| Address | 100 feet north of Chestnut st. between Orleans & F |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | in an alley |
| Type of Death | Manslaughter |
| Description | Victim killed resisting arrest |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | in an alley |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Type of Manslaughter | Unintentional killing with gun |
Victim
| Name | Staffney, George |
|---|---|
| Age | 39 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Black |
| Ethnicity | African American |
Defendant
| Name | Martensen, Martin (ofc) |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law Enforcement, Police |
Police
| Precinct | 22 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Days |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | December 1, 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 |
