In 1961, Allen witnessed the murder of Herbert Lee and was coerced into saying that the murder was in self-defense. After he recanted his story and told the FBI the true events of that night, Allen was a constant target for White violence and retaliation. On January 31, 1964, Louis Allen was murdered in Liberty. Allen planned to move to Wisconsin the next day for his own safety. After he was murdered, the local sheriff stated that "if Louis had just kept shut his mouth, he wouldn’t be layin’ there on the ground."
Pictured:
A black and white photograph of Louis Allen. Allen is wearing a dark suit jacket over a light colored shirt and tie, and a light colored hat.
Credit:
Southern Poverty Law Center
Gallery
Image Caption
The Murder of Louis Allen