Killing of Fred Davis in Tennessee in 1938

Incident

Case summary

Fred Davis, age 22, was killed in 1938 by patrolman David A. Boyd in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. Boyd shot Davis after Davis was allegedly seen throwing bricks at people and property. Boyd was first exonerated by police chief Will D. Lee. Political boss E.H. Crump ordered an investigation by police commissioner Clifford Davis and subsequently had Boyd fired.

Victim(s):

Fred Davis


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

David A. Boyd

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1938-08-06
Location: Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: throwing rocks at cars, people, houses, and a police officer

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

Criminal process
Arrest: [ ]
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: [ ]
Trial: [ ]
Conviction: [ ]
Sentence: [ ]


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
death certificates
news articles - closed
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