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Killing of Clifford Glover

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Clifford Glover was a 10 year old black boy who was shot by Thomas Shea, a white on-duty policeman. His death, and the policeman's later acquittal led to riots in the South Jamaica section of Queens, New York.

Shooting

At 5 am on April 28, 1973, 10 year old Clifford Glover was walking with his stepfather when they were stopped by a plainclothes policeman, Thomas Shea, and his partner Walter Scott because, according to Shea, they matched the description of a pair of men wanted for a taxi robbery. Glover and his stepfather fled because, according to Glover's stepfather, they thought they were going to be robbed. Shea fired three times at the pair when the boy appeared to draw a gun. The boy was hit with at least two bullets. As the boy fell, he supposedly passed the gun to his stepfather. The gun was never found.The radio in the patrol car recorded Shea as saying "Die you little fuck" after he reported the shooting. The recording was later replayed at the trial. Glover died a shortly afterwards in the hospital. Glover was, at least at the time, the youngest person ever to be killed by a New York City policeman.

Rioting

Immediately following the shooting, there were several days of riots in the South Jamaica neighborhood. At least 24 people, including 14 policemen were injured and 25 protestors arrested. There were also smaller demonstrations accusing Shea of racism outside the courthouse during the trial. The day after Shea was acquitted, hundereds of people began a riot. Several cars were turned over by the angry crowd. Windows were broken and cash registers stolen. One protestor was arrested. Two policemen were injured while dispersing the crowd.

Trial

Thomas Shea was put on trial for murder. He was the first New York City police officer ever to be tried for murder while on duty. Shea was declared innocent on June 12, 1974.

References

  1. ^ "New York Policeman Acquitted". The Day. June 13, 1974. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  2. ^ "Policeman Charged with Negro Boy's Murder". New Straits Times. April 30, 1973. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  3. Hauser, Thomas (1980). The Trial of Patrolman Thomas Shea. Viking Press. p. 210. ISBN 0670730130. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  4. "Clifford Glover: Instant Martyrdom". The Montreal Gazette. May 7, 1973. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  5. "Queens Area Quiet After Protest Incidents". Lewiston Evening Journal. June 13, 1974. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  6. ^ "Hundreds Riot After Officer is Acquitted". Toledo Blade. June 14, 1974. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  7. "Cop Arraigned in Boy's Slaying". The Pittsburgh Press. June 13, 1973. Retrieved September 15, 2010.