William Anthony Leonard (1949 – March 9, 1968) was a 19 year old African-American teenager who was shot and killed by an LAPD officer Larry N. Fultz.[1]
| Date | March 9, 1968 |
|---|---|
| Location | 557 W Imperial Hwy Los Angeles, CA |
| Type | Shooting |
Shooting
editLeonard had been babysitting for Augustus and Barbara Mallard at 557 W. Imperial Hwy., to earn extra money. Police showed up at the home in response to a call that August Mallard had been threatening to kill his wife Barbara. Upon arrival, officers found August Mallard waving a pistol, Fultz approached a back window to question Barbara Mallard when he saw Leonard opening a window in the bathroom of the home. Lutz shot and killed Leonard, who had his arms raised and was facing away from the window.[2]
Following his death in 1968, Jeff and Josephine Leonard filed a lawsuit for $1,000,000 (equivalent to $9,390,769 in 2023). Los Angeles City Council recommended it be denied, but voted unanimously to award a $25,000 (equivalent to $234,769 in 2023) settlement 4 years later in 1972. It was the first settlement for police misconduct in Los Angeles' history.[3][1][4]
References
edit- ^ a b Cochran, Johnnie; Fisher, David (November 4, 2003). A Lawyer's Life. Macmillan. ISBN 9780312319670 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Death By Mistake Inquest Set Mar. 26". Los Angeles Sentinel.
- ^ "Council Committee OKs Award in Mistake Slaying of Youth". Los Angeles Times. August 17, 1972. p. 35.
- ^ "Slain Boy's Parents Sue Officer, L.A.". Independent. September 25, 1968. p. 3.