Killing of Clarence Joseph Thompson in Louisiana in 1941

Incident

Case summary

Clarence Joseph Thompson, a laborer, age 36, died in 1941, having allegedly been shot to death by Patrolman David Marks in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to newspaper accounts, Marks claimed that he chased Thompson after Thompson had tried to break into his house. When he had Thompson cornered, he shot him. Some witnesses said that Thompson had his hands up when shot. A jury acquitted Marks of manslaughter.

Victim(s):

Clarence Joseph Thompson


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

David Marks

[given name unknown] Miller

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1941-08-17
Location: New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: committing burglary; fighting with other Black men

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

Criminal process
Arrest: [ ]
Charge/indictment/information: yes
Grand jury: yes
Trial: yes
Conviction: no
Sentence: [ ]


Document(s):
census records - closed
death certificates
federal agency records
maps
maps - closed
military documents - closed
police reports
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