Killing of Herbert Benjamin Richardson in Texas in 1930

Incident

Case summary

Herbert Benjamin Richardson (1895-1930), a bootlegger who ran a speakeasy, was killed by federal prohibition agent Ernest G. Wells in Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas. Wells, agent Jack E. Harrison, and others raided Richardson’s home in search of liquor. Wells broke up an argument between Richardson and Harrison, and alleged that Richardson then pulled a gun, causing Wells to shoot him in self-defense. Wells was held on a murder charge.

Victim(s):

Herbert Benjamin Richardson


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Jack Harrington

Ernest G. Wells

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1930-08-06
Location: Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas
Location type: victim's home
Allegation against victim: possessing alcohol in violation of prohibition laws; running a speakeasy; pointing a gun at a federal agent

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

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
census records - closed
death certificates
death certificates - closed
military documents - closed
news articles - closed
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