Bio & Incident Details
Age: 27
Tour: Not available
Badge # 2711
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 6/7/1921
Weapon: Officer's handgun
Suspect: Acquitted
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Patrolman Joseph Kurtz, of the 17th Precinct, was fatally shot at 7:45 p.m. at the southeast corner of 17th and Canal Streets; He died on the way to the hospital.
Patrolman Joseph Kurtz and his partner responded to the scene of a "battery in progress" with two brothers. As Officer Kurtz attempted to subdue one offender, his partner struggled with the other. During the struggle, the second brother gained control of the partner's gun and fired, fatally striking Officer Kurtz.
On June 9, 1921, Officer Kurtz's killer was held to the Grand Jury on a charge of murder and his accomplice was held as an accessory. On October 19, 1921, the killer was acquitted and the case against the accomplice was Nolle Prossed by Judge Fitch.
