Bio & Incident Details
Age: 29
Tour: 4 years
Badge # 2902
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 5/1/1919
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: One killed; two sentenced to life
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Patrolman Cornelius Wilson was walking home after his tour of duty when he observed three men suspected of committing a series of armed robberies. Officer Wilson approached them and asked a few questions. Without warning, two of the men produced handguns and began firing. Although Officer Wilson was able to return fire, killing one of his assailants, his wounds were fatal.
Of the two remaining suspects, one was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in Joliet Prison and the second was sentenced to life imprisonment, the prison is unknown.
Patrolman Wilson had served four years with the agency and was the first black Chicago Police Officer killed in the line of duty. Patrolman Wilson was survived by his wife and parents. He is buried at the Carrollton IOOF Cemetery in Carrollton, Kentucky.
