Following two separate trials, in which the defense tried unsuccessfully to have him acquitted by reason of insanity,[1] Prendergast was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to death for the assassination.

[4] He was baptised in St Colman's Church on 12 April 1868[5] His parents were Ellen King (1837–1914) and Patrick Prendergast (1840–1886), both of whom were described as teachers at their marriage in Inishbofin on 2 July 1865.

He soon dropped out of school and took a job as a Western Union messenger, in order to supplement the low income that his father brought home.

Before and after the election, Prendergast wrote numerous letters to and visited the offices of prominent politicians associated with Harrison's campaign.

When interviewed by police, he gave varying stories as to his motive, including the failed appointment and the mayor's failure to elevate train track crossings.

The smell of burned powder and the revolver's empty chambers reaffirmed to the police department that Prendergast was telling the truth.

Fearing potential mob violence, at 11:15 p.m., Prendergast was stealthily hurried into a wagon and taken to another station located on the North Side of the city, where he was lodged in the county jail pending trial.

At 10 a.m. on the morning of July 13, 1894, Cook County Sheriff James H. Gilbert visited Prendergast's cell and read him the death warrant issued in his case.

Five minutes before his scheduled 11:45 execution, Prendergast's attorney, S.S. Gregory, arrived and was allowed to shake his client's hand one last time and to exchange a few words.

Prisoners facing the corridor were removed from their cells to a place where the execution would not be visible, and about 500 ticketed witnesses were assembled, which included the members of the jury which convicted him.

At 11:43 the order was given to march and Prendergast was led to the gallows, accompanied by Father Gilbert of the Cathedral of the Holy Name, who was on hand to administer the last rites of the Catholic Church.

Patrick was also referenced in Watch Dogs during a city hotspot checkin in which you can visit the police station and briefly read about it.