Killing of L. S. Swanson in Georgia in 1946

Incident

Case summary

L. S. Swanson (1914-1946), an auto shop employee, was killed by Lewis Butler or his wife in La Grange, Troup County, Georgia. Swanson and several other Black men were gathered on a porch when Butler and his wife drove up and called Swanson to their car. As Swanson and Butler’s wife spoke, Butler exited the car and began beating Swanson. Swanson fell to the ground and was shot, either by Butler or Butler’s wife. Grand jury declined to indict.

Victim(s):

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

Date of incident: 1946-06-09
Location: LaGrange, Troup County, Georgia
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: [ ]

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: [ ]
Finding of no legal responsibility: [ ]

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
military documents - closed
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