Killing of Leroy Johnson in Florida in 1938

Incident

Case summary

Leroy Johnson, 24, a filling station employee, was found dead in a canal in 1938 Miami, Florida. Johnson was believed to have drowned when he ran into the canal after being chased by police chief Roy C. Gwinn and patrolman Paul Holt. Police said they pulled Johnson’s car over, after which he fled and stumbled into the canal.

Victim(s):

Leroy Johnson


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals: [ ]
Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1938-02-27
Location: Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: prowling

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
census records - closed
death certificates
news articles - closed
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