William Anthony Leonard, a 19-year-old African-American teenager, tragically lost his life on March 9, 1968, in Los Angeles, California. Leonard was babysitting for Augustus and Barbara Mallard at their home on 557 W. Imperial Highway to earn extra money. On that fateful day, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call reporting that Augustus Mallard had been threatening to kill his wife, Barbara. Upon arrival, officers found Augustus Mallard waving a pistol. Officer Larry N.
Fultz approached a back window to question Barbara Mallard when he saw Leonard opening a window in the bathroom of the home. Despite Leonard having his arms raised and facing away from the window, Fultz shot and killed him.
Following Leonard's death, his parents, Jeff and Josephine Leonard, filed a lawsuit against the LAPD for $1,000,000, which would be equivalent to approximately $9,390,769 in 2023. Initially, the Los Angeles City Council recommended that the lawsuit be denied. However, four years later, in 1972, the council voted unanimously to award a $25,000 settlement to the Leonard family, equivalent to about $234,769 in 2023. This settlement marked the first instance of the LAPD being held financially accountable for police misconduct in Los Angeles' history.
The case of William Anthony Leonard's death highlighted significant issues of police misconduct and the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. The incident and subsequent legal actions brought attention to the need for greater accountability and reforms within the police department. The tragic loss of Leonard's life and the legal battle that followed served as a catalyst for discussions on police practices and the rights of citizens, particularly in the African-American community.
