Thomas G. Aylesworth

Alfred "Jake" Lingle, born in 1891, worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, primarily covering crime. He was fatally shot on June 9, 1930, in a public underpass. Initially, Lingle was mourned as a victim of journalistic sacrifice, with significant rewards offered for information leading to his killer. However, subsequent investigations exposed his deep involvement in racketeering, including price-setting for beer and organized gambling operations. This revelation shifted public perception, highlighting his criminal connections over his reporting career. Leo Vincent Brothers was convicted of the murder and served a portion of his sentence. Lingle's life and death have been the subject of various books, films, and television portrayals.

Born in Chicago in 1891, Jake Lingle was raised on the city's West Side. His parents transitioned from Judaism to Roman Catholicism when he was eight. He completed his education through the eighth grade at John Calhoun North Elementary. Before joining the Chicago Tribune as an office boy, Lingle played semi-professional baseball and worked for a surgical supply company. He began his journalism career in 1912, specializing in covering gang-related activities. Lingle acted as a "legman," reporting details by telephone to a writer who would then craft the final story.

During his tenure at the Chicago Tribune, Lingle cultivated connections outside of his journalistic duties. While his official salary was modest, he amassed considerable personal wealth, reportedly possessing over $60,000 by the time of his death. This financial success, far exceeding his reporter's income, raised suspicions. Lingle's activities extended beyond reporting; he was found to be involved in setting prices for beer distribution, managing organized dog racing, and participating in gambling enterprises. He maintained multiple residences and a hotel suite, further indicating a lifestyle inconsistent with his newspaper salary.

On June 9, 1930, Lingle was assassinated in the Randolph Street Terminal while en route to a horse racetrack. He was shot in the back of the head by an assailant described as a thin man with blonde hair. The murder occurred publicly, witnessed by many. The Chicago Tribune, along with other newspapers, offered substantial rewards for information leading to the perpetrator. Leo Vincent Brothers was eventually arrested, convicted of the murder, and sentenced to 14 years, serving eight. The investigation into Lingle's death exposed the extent of his involvement with organized crime figures and corrupt officials, leading to resignations within the police department.

Initially, Lingle was widely regarded as a martyr for journalism, with a large funeral attended by many mourners. However, as details of his criminal associations emerged, this narrative shifted. Journalists questioned the Chicago Tribune's awareness of Lingle's illicit activities. Despite the newspaper's claims of ignorance, evidence suggested the Tribune's proprietor may have been aware of Lingle's connections. Lingle's life and sensational death have been depicted in numerous cultural works, including books like "Jake Lingle, or Chicago on the Spot," the film "The Finger Points," and episodes of "The Untouchables."