Case Number: 9071
Serfass, Harry - Age 31 - Died from a gunshot wound received 10 PM, 4/29/27, in alley rear of 2nd Dist. Station when he tried to escape from Patrolman Andrew Whelan. Serfass had attempted suicide by slashing his wrists and had been taken to the H. of C. Hospital for aid, while being taken back to 2nd Dist. he broke away from the officer. On 5/4/27 Whelan was exonerated. 2 Dist.
Circumstances
| Date of Offense | April 29, 1927 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | May 3, 1927 |
| Time Between Offense and Death | Within 1 week but more than 1 day |
| Type of Location | Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley |
| Type of Public Place | Street, sidewalk or alley |
| Location Description | alley rear of 2nd Dist. Station |
| Type of Death | Manslaughter |
| Description | Victim killed resisting arrest |
| Total Number of Victims | 1 |
| Location | alley rear of 2nd Dist. Station |
| Type of Manslaughter | Unintentional killing with gun |
Victim
| Name | Serfass, Harry |
|---|---|
| Age | 31 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Ethnicity | Other, european |
| Name of Hospital Where Victim Was Taken | H of C Hospital |
Defendant
| Name | Whelan, Andrew |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Race | White |
| Employed | Yes |
| Employment Type | Employed, professional (incl. police and military) |
| Occupation/ Skill | Law Enforcement, Police |
Police
| Precinct | 9 |
|---|---|
| Allegations of Police Corruption | No |
Legal
| Date of Coroner's Decision | May 4, 1927 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
