Case Number: 9778

Debowski, John - Age 22 - Deceased and three others were fatally injured on Feb. 5th , at the S.W. corner of Blue Island Ave. & Leavitt St., when they were struck down by an auto driven by Peter Zukos, who, it is alleged, was drunk. On July 6th Zukos was held by the Coroner on four charges of manslaughter. 23 Dist. 2/15/29 - to Joliet Pen. - Rush - this case only. 11/6/29 - Affirmed by the Supreme Court.


Circumstances

Date of Offense February 5, 1928
Date of Death February 8, 1928
Time Between Offense and Death Immediate - death occurred at the crime scene
Address Blue Island and Leavitt
Type of Location Street, or other non-commercial public place/alley
Type of Public Place Street, sidewalk or alley
Location Description SW corner of address
Type of Death Accident
Description Car accident
Total Number of Victims 4
Location SW corner of address
Number of Defendants 1
Type of Accident Automobile accident

Victim

Name Debowski, John
Age 22 years
Gender Male
Race White
Ethnicity Other, eastern european

Defendant

Name Zukos, Peter
Gender Male
Ethnicity Other, eastern european
Race White

Police

Precinct 23
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Total Number of Defendants Arrested 1

Legal

Date of Coroner's Decision July 6, 1928
Outcome of Coroner's Judgment Defendant held to Grand Jury
Charges Against Defendant No
Trial Judge Rush
Type of Legal Decision Recorded Coroner, trial
Jury Verdict Yes
Allegations of Police Corruption No
Date of Sentence February 15, 1929
Outcome of Grand Jury Decision Indictment, other homicide, homicide unspecified
Outcome of Trial Guilty, unspecified offense
Sentenced to Joliet, Stateville

Florence Kelley in Chicago, 1891-1899

Florence Kelley was the first woman factory inspector in the United States. A resident of Hull House, and a reformer – who refused to be associated with any political party–Florence Kelley lived in Chicago from 1891 until 1899, leading and participating in a variety of projects. Visit our companion site...