Case Number: 9008
Smookler, Bessie � Age 32 � Struck and killed at 2:00 PM, at California and Patomac Aves., by an auto driven by Stephen Messaro, who was booked for manslaughter 1/17/26. On 1/18/26 he was exonerated by the Coroner and on 2/18/26 discharged by Judge Lynch. 23 Dist.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | January 17, 1926 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | January 17, 1926 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene |
| Address | California & Potomac |
| Type of Location | Vehicle |
| Location Description | California & Potomac |
| Type of Death | Manslaughter |
| Description | Car accident |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | California & Potomac |
| Number of Defendants | 1 |
| Type of Manslaughter | Unintentional auto |
Victim
| Name | Smoohler, Bessie |
|---|---|
| Age | 32 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
Defendant
| Name | Messaro, Stephen |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Italian |
| Race | Other |
Police
| Precinct | 2 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Arrest Made at Crime Scene | Yes |
| Defendant Identified at Scene | No |
| Time Between Crime and Arrest | Less than 1 day |
| Total Number of Defendants Arrested | 1 |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | January 18, 1926 |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Coroner's Judgment | Exonerated, Commended |
| Charges Against Defendant | No |
| Trial Judge | Lynch |
| Type of Legal Decision Recorded | Coroner, trial |
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
| Date of Grand Jury Decision | February 18, 1926 |
| Outcome of Grand Jury Decision | Discharged |
