Today in Wheeling History: June 23--Wheeling Police Officer James O'Keefe exonerated for killing Richard Smith (1901).
On June 22, 1901, Officer James O'Keefe shot and killed Richard Smith, a bottle blower at the North Wheeling glass factory, in an act of self-defense. Smith, who was intoxicated and jealous, had been harassing and threatening Miss Eva Wayman, seeking to enter her rooms against her will. When O'Keefe arrived to protect her, a struggle ensued, during which Smith fired two shots at O'Keefe, who then returned fire, fatally injuring Smith. O'Keefe's actions prevented a potential tragedy. Witnesses confirmed O'Keefe's account of the events. He was exonerated by the coroner's jury. (https://rb.gy/48lwy) (https://rb.gy/vm4hz)
On June 22, 1901, Officer James O'Keefe shot and killed Richard Smith, a bottle blower at the North Wheeling glass factory, in an act of self-defense. Smith, who was intoxicated and jealous, had been harassing and threatening Miss Eva Wayman, seeking to enter her rooms against her will. When O'Keefe arrived to protect her, a struggle ensued, during which Smith fired two shots at O'Keefe, who then returned fire, fatally injuring Smith. O'Keefe's actions prevented a potential tragedy. Witnesses confirmed O'Keefe's account of the events. He was exonerated by the coroner's jury. (https://rb.gy/48lwy) (https://rb.gy/vm4hz)
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