William J. Sharkey (murderer)
William Sharkey | |
|---|---|
A sketch of Sharkey (1873). | |
| Born | William J. Sharkey c. 1847 |
| Disappeared | 22 November 1873 (aged 26) |
| Status | Missing for 151 years, 6 months and 25 days; presumed dead in absentia |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Maggie Jourdan |
| Conviction | Premeditated murder |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Escaped | 22 November 1873 |
| Details | |
| Victims | Robert S. Dunn |
| Imprisoned at | The Tombs |
William J. Sharkey (c. 1847 – after 1873) was a New York City politician and convicted murderer who earned national notoriety in the late 19th century for escaping from a New York prison disguised as a woman. He subsequently fled to Cuba, which was part of the Spanish Empire at the time and not subject to extradition treaties. Sharkey was never captured, and his ultimate fate is unknown.