Killing of Levi Lucas in North Carolina in 1939

Incident

Case summary

Levi Lucas (1907-1939), a farmer, was killed by police officer T.T. Autry in Wilson Levi Lucas (1907-1939), a farmer, was killed by police officer T.T. Autry in Wilson County, North Carolina. Autry was responding to a report by school principal Graham Boykin that there had been a break-in at the school. Based on Boykin’s descriptions, Autry suspected Lucas. Autry went to Lucas’ home, walked into the house, and shot Lucas, claiming that Lucas appeared to be reaching for a rifle. Lucas’ wife disputed this. Trial jury acquitted.

Victim(s):

Levi Lucas

Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

T. T. Autry

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1939-03-31

Location: Sims, Wilson County, North Carolina

Location type: victim's home

Allegation against victim: breaking into a school; threatening to shoot a police officer

Coroner process

Coroner/inquest: yes

Finding of no legal responsibility: no