The year of the fair saw a stark increase in homicides across the United States, particularly in Chicago. Police struggled to cope with the surge in violence due to a lack of resources and the necessary skills to address the situation effectively. In just the first half of 1892, Chicago recorded nearly 800 violent deaths, averaging about four each day.

Many of these deaths were tragically commonplace, resulting from everyday conflicts such as theft, arguments, or jealousy in relationships. The violence spanned all demographics, with men attacking women, women retaliating, and even children becoming unintentionally involved in tragic incidents.