Prev
James Corcoran
Incident
Constable James Corcoran succumbed to injuries sustained two days earlier when he was kicked by a prisoner near the intersection of Vine Street and 13th Street in Philadelphia.
He had been given a warrant for a man who had assaulted his wife. Constable Corcoran spotted the subject a few blocks from the magistrate’s office and arrested him. As they were walking back to the magistrate the man kicked Constable Corcoran in the abdomen twice and then fled the area. A citizen noticed he was in trouble and walked him back to the magistrate’s office. The citizen reported what happened and was then deputized to arrest the subject. Shortly after leaving to serve the warrant with Constable Corcoran, the subject was spotted by another citizen as he was walking past the magistrate’s office and was quickly placed into custody.
Constable Corcoran returned to his home where a doctor was summoned the following morning due to pain in his abdomen. A surgery was performed, and his health declined throughout the day. He died the following morning.
The subject was charged with murder but was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter on March 21st, 1851. A motion for a new trial was denied the following month by a local judge.
Constable Corcoran had previously served with the Philadelphia Police Department and resigned from the police force several days before the incident.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp25b3k6ev663n0n971k- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
176 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Constable Corcoran served with the Pennsylvania State Constable.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Pennsylvania State Constable - Philadelphia County remembered here.
James is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1850, 3 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1850, 9 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 173rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1850, 10 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 179th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 32. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
James was 32. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 32. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Philadelphia County. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 4.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Pennsylvania State Constable - Philadelphia County are honored on badge.nw.