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Shooting of William Leonard

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Shooting of William Leonard
DateMarch 9, 1968
Location557 W Imperial Hwy Los Angeles, CA
TypeShooting

William Anthony Leonard (1949 – March 9, 1968) was a 19 year old African-American teenager who was shot and killed by an LAPD officer Larry N. Fultz.[1]

Shooting

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Leonard had been babysitting for Augustus and Barbara Mallard at 557 W. Imperial Hwy., to earn extra money. Police showed up at the home in response to a call that August Mallard had been threatening to kill his wife Barbara. Upon arrival, officers found August Mallard waving a pistol, Fultz approached a back window to question Barbara Mallard when he saw Leonard opening a window in the bathroom of the home. Lutz shot and killed Leonard, who had his arms raised and was facing away from the window.[2]

Following his death in 1968, Jeff and Josephine Leonard filed a lawsuit for $1,000,000 (equivalent to $9,390,769 in 2023). Los Angeles City Council recommended it be denied, but voted unanimously to award a $25,000 (equivalent to $234,769 in 2023) settlement 4 years later in 1972. It was the first settlement for police misconduct in Los Angeles' history.[3][1][4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Cochran, Johnnie; Fisher, David (November 4, 2003). A Lawyer's Life. Macmillan. ISBN 9780312319670 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "Death By Mistake Inquest Set Mar. 26". Los Angeles Sentinel.
  3. ^ "Council Committee OKs Award in Mistake Slaying of Youth". Los Angeles Times. August 17, 1972. p. 35.
  4. ^ "Slain Boy's Parents Sue Officer, L.A.". Independent. September 25, 1968. p. 3.