James Edward Pough Mass Murders – June 17–18, 1990
Overview
James Edward Pough, also known as “Pop,” was born February 16, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, and died by suicide on June 18, 1990, following a deadly two-day shooting spree in his hometown . He worked as a day laborer and was known to be quiet but quick to anger—especially over financial problems and his vehicle .
Background and Triggering Events
- May 8, 1971 – Pough fatally shot his best friend, David Lee Pender, following an argument in which Pender had insulted Pough’s girlfriend; Pough pled guilty to aggravated assault and received five years probation, with the homicide charge withheld .
- January 1990 – His 1988 Pontiac Grand Am was repossessed by GMAC; he received bills totaling about $6,394 in March and April; this loss deeply affected him and is believed to be a key trigger .
Shooting Spree: June 17, 1990 (First Day)
- Time: Approximately 12:50 a.m.
- Location: Northwest Jacksonville, near his home .
- Victims killed:
- Louis Carl Bacon, 39 (pimp)—shot twice in the chest with a .30-caliber M1 carbine.
- Doretta Elaine Drake, 30 (prostitute)—run over with his car, then fatally shot in the head .
- Wounded: Two teenage boys, ages about 17 and 18, shot after being asked for directions .
- Other crime: Robbed a convenience store, threatening the clerk, stating he had nothing to lose, then fled .
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