Criminal Justice Matters: Lee Smart, 1935, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: December 5, 1935 Winn Parish Enterprise

Negro Absolved After Killing Near Atlanta

Argument Over Dog Is Cause of Fatal Quarrel

An argument over a dog and a hog resulted in the fatal wounding and death of
Lee Smart, negro, at Atlanta Sunday.  Sylvester Rogers, negro of the same
community fired a 22 caliber bullet into the body of Smart when the latter
entered Rogers' home near Atlanta armed with a shotgun for the purpose of
killing Rogers' dog.

Rogers barricaded himself in his house and after some argument he fired one
shot from a 22 caliber at Smart.  The bullet entered Smart's left side just
above the clavicle and severed the common carotid artery.  Death was almost
instantaneous.

Lucius McMiller, negro, an eyewitness appeared before a coroner's jury
composed of Mssrs. J. M. Gwin, W. Poole, J. C. Higgs, Geo. H. Harrison, and A.
Gorham with Coroner J. F. Faith presiding.  The jury returned a report
recommending that Rogers be held blameless in the affair.  He was not
arrested.