Market Street Massacre
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Chester, Pennsylvania
TIME PERIOD
November 6, 1948
VICTIMS
9 confirmed
On November 6, 1948, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Melvin Collins, 38, initiated a mass shooting from his apartment window on Market Street in Chester, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuring five others before committing suicide. The attack began when Collins shot Edward Boyer, prompting chaos as he continued to fire indiscriminately at pedestrians and responding officers, including Detective Ellery Purnsley, who was killed during the exchange. The victims included a mix of local residents, with notable casualties such as a 7-year-old boy and a police officer. The incident concluded with a police response involving a task force that utilized tear gas and firearms to neutralize Collins, who ultimately took his own life. The case remains a significant event in local history, highlighting issues of gun violence and public safety.
Melvin Collins is believed to have been motivated by a combination of personal grievances and mental health issues, with some speculating that he targeted specific individuals due to past conflicts. Witnesses reported that Collins seemed to have a premeditated plan, as he barricaded himself and called for police before opening fire. Additionally, theories about the impact of his mental state and possible influences from societal factors of the time have been discussed among investigators and the public.
The Market Street Massacre: A Day of Tragedy in Chester
An Unexpected Horror
It was a crisp autumn morning on November 6, 1948, in Chester, Pennsylvania, when a normal day turned into a nightmare. The city was jolted by the terrifying sounds of gunfire, setting off a chain of tragic events now known as the Market Street Massacre. This dreadful incident erased eight lives and left five others injured, forever marking the city with the memory of violence and chaos.
The Shooting Unfolds
At precisely 8:15 a.m., Melvin Collins, a 38-year-old man with a troubled past, barricaded himself in his second-floor room at 233 Market Street. From this vantage point, he began his assault. Collins leaned out of his window, shouting to a group below, "Call the cops," before dropping a dime, a gesture that seemed to mock any hope of normalcy that morning. Harry Gibbs, one of the men, picked up the dime, noting grimly that it would buy him a cup of coffee. In a sudden turn, Collins lifted his .22 caliber rifle and fired, killing Edward Boyer instantly.
The scene erupted into chaos as Collins continued his assault, firing into the crowd on the street below. Detective Ellery Purnsley, who was nearby, heroically rushed to the scene, exchanging gunfire with Collins. Though he managed to graze Collins' chin, Detective Purnsley was ultimately killed in the exchange. Fred Casino, a passerby who attempted to assist Purnsley, also fell victim to Collins’ bullets.
As Collins continued his rampage, fear spread through the street. James Simon was shot and killed inside a cleaning shop, and a bullet struck Louise Moore in the forehead as she peered out of her window, succumbing to her wounds later that day. Monroe Wyche suffered injuries from flying glass while trying to help Moore and Hattie Nichols, who was wounded below her eye.
The city of Chester was paralyzed with fear as Collins' bullets found more victims. Samuel Lyttle, known as "Deafy," was gunned down on the street. Peter Parker and young Samuel Hill, attempting to flee the chaos, were fatally shot, both pronounced dead shortly after reaching Chester Hospital.
The Police Intervention
The city’s police force quickly mobilized, forming a task force of seventy-eight officers armed with shotguns and submachine guns. They arrived at the scene, hoping to stop Collins' madness. As they surrounded the building, they fired tear gas canisters into his room in an attempt to subdue him. In a desperate effort to gain a clear shot, a loan officer even provided two rifles to the police.
However, as officers stormed the building, racing up the stairs and attempting to break down Collins’ door, the violence came to a sudden end. Collins, cornered and with no way out, turned his rifle on himself, taking his life with a shot through the roof of his mouth. The horrific attack had lasted for one hour and five minutes, finally ceasing at 9:20 a.m.
The Perpetrator
Melvin Collins, an African American man born in 1910 in Exmore, Virginia, had a violent history. Known by the moniker "Bad Boy," Collins had served time for previous shootings and had a record of violent behavior, including an incident where he cut his brother with a knife. His family revealed that Collins had suffered from mental instability since a head injury in 1940. He had been wandering the Mid-Atlantic region as a migrant worker before arriving in Chester a week before the massacre for reasons that remain unknown.
Collins rented a room at Bethel Court, a historically Black neighborhood, with little known about him by the building owner, Mike Pappas, or the neighbors. Reports surfaced that Collins had modified his ammunition to act like dum-dum rounds, indicating premeditated intent.
The Aftermath
Despite the thorough investigation, the motive behind Collins' rampage remains elusive. Rumors circulated that the massacre stemmed from a dispute over a numbers racket, suggesting Boyer, the first victim, was involved in illegal gambling. However, this theory was dismissed by the police. Another theory proposed the massacre was racially motivated, although this too lacked concrete evidence.
In the days following, a myth emerged about Samuel Lyttle, claiming the mute man spoke his final words to the police after being shot. This story, though compelling, is likely a fiction born from the chaos of the day.
Remembering the Victims
The victims of this senseless act of violence are remembered for the lives they led and the futures that were tragically cut short. Edward Boyer, Ellery Purnsley, Frederick Casino, Louise Moore, James Simon, Peter Parker, Samuel Hill, and Samuel Lyttle will forever be part of the fabric of Chester's history, their memories honored by a community that still grapples with the horror of that November morning.
Sources
For further reading on the Market Street Massacre, please visit the original Wikipedia article.
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Market Street Massacre
Melvin Collins opens fire from his apartment, killing eight and injuring five before committing suicide.
First Victim Shot
Collins shoots Edward Boyer, the first victim, from his window, marking the start of the massacre.
Detective Purnsley Killed
Detective Ellery Purnsley is shot and killed while attempting to confront Collins.
Children Among Victims
Seven-year-old Samuel Hill is shot and killed while trying to flee the scene.
Police Task Force Arrives
A task force of 78 policemen arrives, armed and ready to confront Collins, who ultimately takes his own life.
Collins Commits Suicide
After a standoff, Melvin Collins commits suicide as police attempt to breach his apartment.
Massacre Coverage Begins
Local and national news outlets begin extensive coverage of the Market Street Massacre.
Investigation Launched
Authorities launch an investigation into the motives behind the shooting, rejecting initial rumors.
Aftermath Report
Media reports highlight the Market Street Massacre as a significant event of 1948, discussing its impact.
On November 6, 1948, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Melvin Collins, 38, initiated a mass shooting from his apartment window on Market Street in Chester, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuring five others before committing suicide. The attack began when Collins shot Edward Boyer, prompting chaos as he continued to fire indiscriminately at pedestrians and responding officers, including Detective Ellery Purnsley, who was killed during the exchange. The victims included a mix of local residents, with notable casualties such as a 7-year-old boy and a police officer. The incident concluded with a police response involving a task force that utilized tear gas and firearms to neutralize Collins, who ultimately took his own life. The case remains a significant event in local history, highlighting issues of gun violence and public safety.
Melvin Collins is believed to have been motivated by a combination of personal grievances and mental health issues, with some speculating that he targeted specific individuals due to past conflicts. Witnesses reported that Collins seemed to have a premeditated plan, as he barricaded himself and called for police before opening fire. Additionally, theories about the impact of his mental state and possible influences from societal factors of the time have been discussed among investigators and the public.
The Market Street Massacre: A Day of Tragedy in Chester
An Unexpected Horror
It was a crisp autumn morning on November 6, 1948, in Chester, Pennsylvania, when a normal day turned into a nightmare. The city was jolted by the terrifying sounds of gunfire, setting off a chain of tragic events now known as the Market Street Massacre. This dreadful incident erased eight lives and left five others injured, forever marking the city with the memory of violence and chaos.
The Shooting Unfolds
At precisely 8:15 a.m., Melvin Collins, a 38-year-old man with a troubled past, barricaded himself in his second-floor room at 233 Market Street. From this vantage point, he began his assault. Collins leaned out of his window, shouting to a group below, "Call the cops," before dropping a dime, a gesture that seemed to mock any hope of normalcy that morning. Harry Gibbs, one of the men, picked up the dime, noting grimly that it would buy him a cup of coffee. In a sudden turn, Collins lifted his .22 caliber rifle and fired, killing Edward Boyer instantly.
The scene erupted into chaos as Collins continued his assault, firing into the crowd on the street below. Detective Ellery Purnsley, who was nearby, heroically rushed to the scene, exchanging gunfire with Collins. Though he managed to graze Collins' chin, Detective Purnsley was ultimately killed in the exchange. Fred Casino, a passerby who attempted to assist Purnsley, also fell victim to Collins’ bullets.
As Collins continued his rampage, fear spread through the street. James Simon was shot and killed inside a cleaning shop, and a bullet struck Louise Moore in the forehead as she peered out of her window, succumbing to her wounds later that day. Monroe Wyche suffered injuries from flying glass while trying to help Moore and Hattie Nichols, who was wounded below her eye.
The city of Chester was paralyzed with fear as Collins' bullets found more victims. Samuel Lyttle, known as "Deafy," was gunned down on the street. Peter Parker and young Samuel Hill, attempting to flee the chaos, were fatally shot, both pronounced dead shortly after reaching Chester Hospital.
The Police Intervention
The city’s police force quickly mobilized, forming a task force of seventy-eight officers armed with shotguns and submachine guns. They arrived at the scene, hoping to stop Collins' madness. As they surrounded the building, they fired tear gas canisters into his room in an attempt to subdue him. In a desperate effort to gain a clear shot, a loan officer even provided two rifles to the police.
However, as officers stormed the building, racing up the stairs and attempting to break down Collins’ door, the violence came to a sudden end. Collins, cornered and with no way out, turned his rifle on himself, taking his life with a shot through the roof of his mouth. The horrific attack had lasted for one hour and five minutes, finally ceasing at 9:20 a.m.
The Perpetrator
Melvin Collins, an African American man born in 1910 in Exmore, Virginia, had a violent history. Known by the moniker "Bad Boy," Collins had served time for previous shootings and had a record of violent behavior, including an incident where he cut his brother with a knife. His family revealed that Collins had suffered from mental instability since a head injury in 1940. He had been wandering the Mid-Atlantic region as a migrant worker before arriving in Chester a week before the massacre for reasons that remain unknown.
Collins rented a room at Bethel Court, a historically Black neighborhood, with little known about him by the building owner, Mike Pappas, or the neighbors. Reports surfaced that Collins had modified his ammunition to act like dum-dum rounds, indicating premeditated intent.
The Aftermath
Despite the thorough investigation, the motive behind Collins' rampage remains elusive. Rumors circulated that the massacre stemmed from a dispute over a numbers racket, suggesting Boyer, the first victim, was involved in illegal gambling. However, this theory was dismissed by the police. Another theory proposed the massacre was racially motivated, although this too lacked concrete evidence.
In the days following, a myth emerged about Samuel Lyttle, claiming the mute man spoke his final words to the police after being shot. This story, though compelling, is likely a fiction born from the chaos of the day.
Remembering the Victims
The victims of this senseless act of violence are remembered for the lives they led and the futures that were tragically cut short. Edward Boyer, Ellery Purnsley, Frederick Casino, Louise Moore, James Simon, Peter Parker, Samuel Hill, and Samuel Lyttle will forever be part of the fabric of Chester's history, their memories honored by a community that still grapples with the horror of that November morning.
Sources
For further reading on the Market Street Massacre, please visit the original Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Market Street Massacre
Melvin Collins opens fire from his apartment, killing eight and injuring five before committing suicide.
First Victim Shot
Collins shoots Edward Boyer, the first victim, from his window, marking the start of the massacre.
Detective Purnsley Killed
Detective Ellery Purnsley is shot and killed while attempting to confront Collins.
Children Among Victims
Seven-year-old Samuel Hill is shot and killed while trying to flee the scene.
Police Task Force Arrives
A task force of 78 policemen arrives, armed and ready to confront Collins, who ultimately takes his own life.
Collins Commits Suicide
After a standoff, Melvin Collins commits suicide as police attempt to breach his apartment.
Massacre Coverage Begins
Local and national news outlets begin extensive coverage of the Market Street Massacre.
Investigation Launched
Authorities launch an investigation into the motives behind the shooting, rejecting initial rumors.
Aftermath Report
Media reports highlight the Market Street Massacre as a significant event of 1948, discussing its impact.