Killing of Oscar Smith Jr. in Louisiana in 1939

Incident

Case summary

Oscar Smith, Jr., 28, a gambling room dice dealer, died in 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to a newspaper account, Smith was last seen alive when St. Bernard Parish Deputy Sheriff William Stander picked him up at the gambling room and drove off with him; police later told Smith’s wife that her husband was killed because he threatened Stander with a knife. A grand jury declined to investigate. Mrs. Smith filed a civil lawsuit for damages against Stander, Sheriff C.R. Rowley, and the officers’ insurer.

Victim(s):

Oscar Smith Jr.


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

William Stander

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1939-01-21
Location: Chalmette, Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: attacking a police officer with a knife

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: yes
Finding of no legal responsibility: yes

Criminal process
Arrest: [ ]
Charge/indictment/information: no
Grand jury: yes
Trial: [ ]
Conviction: [ ]
Sentence: [ ]


Civil lawsuits/claims filed: yes

Document(s):
death certificates - closed
news articles - closed
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