Killing of Sylvester Lovejoy in Alabama in 1940

Incident

Case summary

Sylvester Lovejoy (1908 - 1940), a laborer, was killed by Police Chief Talmadge Mays in Andalusia, Covington County, Alabama. Lovejoy ran away after he had been arrested on charges that he was molesting pedestrians and a truck driver. During an ensuing struggle, Mays claimed Lovejoy attacked and struck him in the head with bed slats, the police chief shot and killed Lovejoy.

Victim(s):

Sylvester Lovejoy


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

Date of incident: 1940-10-19
Location: Andalusia, Covington County, Alabama
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: arguing with a white man

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

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


Document(s):
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census records - closed
death certificates
maps - closed
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