The murder of Stanford White

The Trial of the Century

Description

Despite the scandal, White remains one of the most influential architects of the Gilded Age, known for landmarks including the original Madison Square Garden and many of New York’s grand mansions and civic buildings.

Murdered, June 25, 1906

White was shot and killed at Madison Square Garden by Harry Kendall Thaw, the wealthy husband of actress and model Evelyn Nesbit. Thaw blamed White for a past sexual relationship with Nesbit that began when she was a teenager.

The murder, committed during a theatrical performance, shocked New York and led to the widely publicized “Trial of the Century.” White’s private life became front-page news, overshadowing his architectural achievements. Thaw was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Trial, Apr 13, 1907

1st Trial went from January 23, 1907 to April 12, 1907. It ended in a hung jury/mistrial

Acquitted, Feb 2, 1908

The 2nd Trial went from January 6, 1908 to February 1, 1908. It ended with a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Related People & Organizations

Stanford White

Evelyn Nesbit

McKim, Mead & White

Timeline

1906

1907

1908

1908 - Acquitted

1 ResultShow less

1908 - Acquitted - Drawings and documents

1 DocumentShow less

1908

Thaw is now in asylum - Acquitted as insane - ordered in Matteawan by court as a 'Dangerous Maniac'

1907 - Trial

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1907 - Trial - Drawings and documents

1 DocumentShow less

1907

Thaw jury disagrees - Discharged after forty-eight hours of wrangling nearly at fisticuffs - Seven for death, five, acquittal

1906 - Murdered

8 ResultsShow less

1906 - Murdered - Drawings and documents

8 DocumentsShow less

1906

Harry Thaw kills Stanford White in jealous rage over actress wife

1906

Thaw kills Stanford White

1906

Insanity to be Thaw's plea

1906

Failed to trap White - Story of Thaw's Sleuth - Detective says he had orders to annoy architect

1906

Saw affidavit tour torn up - Thaw's overlooked copy - District attorney's office has evidence at its command

1906

Kept Nesbit family - White paid boy's bills - 'Show Girl' gives testimony - says Thaws often quarralled

1906

Another Thaw charge - Brought by an actress - Action for alleged assault long on court calendar

1906

Thaw drops counsel - Defence now a puzzle - Writes letter discharging Black, Clcott, Gruber, & Bonyage

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