Obituaries: Arthur Keels, Jr., 1946, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: May 2 and May 9, 1946 Winn Parish Enterprise

No. 1

Negro Killed In L. & A. Quarters Saturday Night

Arthur Keels, Jr., 21 year old Negro, was shot and instantly killed about 11
p.m. Saturday by City Policeman Lambert Stroud, in the L. & A. Negro quarters.

City Policeman C. O. Barnes and Lambert Stroud were called to the quarters
where Keels was reported drunk and creating a disturbance.  When they arrived
and told the Negro that if he did not quiet down they would have to arrest him
and bring him to the city jail, he began cursing the officers and suddenly
lashed out and knocked down Officer Barnes.  Then, according to reports, the
Negro jumped on Officer Barnes and pulled a knife.  Policeman Stroud shot
Keels twice, killing him instantly.

The Negro was recently discharged from the Navy.  Policeman Stroud is an ex-
soldier and joined the city police force a few months ago following his
discharge from the army.

Officer Barnes was unconscious for several hours after the Negro hit him and
was taken to a local clinic.  Sunday he was able to return to his home.

No. 2

Coroner's Jury Advises Stroud Be Exonerated

A coroner's jury, investigating the death of Arthur Keels, Jr., colored, who
was shot and killed by City Policeman Lambert Stroud a week ago Saturday,
recommended that the police officer be exonerated and no action taken against
him.  The inquest was held May 2.

The jury found that Keels was killed by Stroud while the officer "was acting
in the line of duty and while the said Keels was resisting arrest."  The
jury further found that the "deceased had struck another officer
immediately before the shooting, and that under the circumstances shown by the
evidence...the killing was justifiable."

Jurors and coroner were A. L. Sikes, C. L. Hammond, J. W. Gwin, Denton Shell,
A. B. Thompson, and Dr. J. F. Faith.