Chief of Police David C. Hennessy, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana

Chief of Police David C. Hennessy

New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana

End of Watch Thursday, October 16, 1890

David C. Hennessy

Chief of Police David Hennessy was assassinated by members of the New Orleans mob. He was on his way home from a police department board meeting when he was ambushed and killed. It is believed he was killed to prevent testimony in a trial later in the week.

A total of nine men were charged with his murder. Six of the men were acquitted and three others were cleared in mistrials. All nine suspects and two other men were lynched by angry citizens after the trials.

Chief Hennessy had served with the agency for 20 years. He had originally been hired as a messenger boy and worked his way up to chief of police. He was survived by his mother. He is buried in Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 20 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, October 15, 1890
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Lynched by citizens

Most Recent Reflection

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Wow, ya'll go way back. Was happy to see this. would like to correct a couple of things. a total of nineteen men were indicted in Hennessey's murder. all Italian. It was decided to split it into two trials, nine to be tried first. After the verdict all nineteen were still being held in the Orleans Parish Prison on Laying in Wait charges. Six of the first nine defendants along with five from the second group (still awaiting trial) were lynched.

Ron, civilian

January 7, 2017