Killing of David Garrett in Alabama in 1953

Incident

Case summary

David Garrett, 27, a coal miner, was killed in 1953 by police officer R.G. Luttrell in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. Police claimed that Luttrell was driving a police patrol wagon when it was rear-ended by a car driven by Garrett. Luttrell successfully chased down the car and tried to arrest Garrett. When Garrett allegedly pulled a knife, Luttrell shot him.

Victim(s):

David Garrett


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

R. G. Luttrell

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1953-06-14
Location: Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: being involved in an auto accident with a police van; resisting arrest; pulling a knife on 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):
death certificates
news articles - closed
police reports
state agency records
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