New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch Thursday, October 16, 1890
Add to My HeroesDavid C. Hennessy
Chief of Police David Hennessy was assassinated by members of the New Orleans mob near the intersection of Girod Street (present-day Loyola Avenue) and Basin Street.
He was walking home from the police department 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 New Orleans Police Department 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
View all 10 ReflectionsWow, 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
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