Killing of Roosevelt Smith in Florida in 1948

Incident

Case summary

Roosevelt Smith, WWII veteran, died while in custody in 1948 in Leon County, Florida. Smith was arrested and jailed in connection with a domestic dispute. Police officers, while arresting Smith, knocked him in the head and threw him in the car. One day later, prisoners informed the county jailer that Smith was sick. He was then sent to a hospital, where he died a few hours later.

Victim(s):

Roosevelt Smith


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

Date of incident: 1948-03-28
Location: Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida
Location type: victim's home
Allegation against victim: engaging in a domestic dispute; committing assault and battery; exhibiting drunkenness

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: yes
Finding of no legal responsibility: yes

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
federal agency records
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