Killing of George Smith Jr. in Virginia in 1941

Incident

Case summary

George Smith, Jr. (1916-1941), a laborer, was killed by police officer G.L. Barnes in Norfolk County, Virginia. Barnes fatally shot Smith during an attempt to arrest him for allegedly stabbing a woman named Lula Sawyer. Barnes was charged with manslaughter. A judge dismissed the charges.

Victim(s):

George Smith Jr.


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Guy L. Barnes

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1941-10-16
Location: Virginia Beach, City of Virginia Beach, Virginia
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: resisting arrest in a case of mistaken identity

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

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
death certificates - closed
news articles - closed
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