LEON ALBERT GRAVES

 

Leon A. Graves Arraignment on Murder Waited

     Arraignment of Leon A. Graves, 28. of 91 Scenic avenue, on a charge of murder was to take place today in Richmond police court.

     Graves was arrested yesterday following the death of William G. Grace, 68, of Canal building 110, apartment 14, to head injuries suffered February 10.

     A coroner's inquest into the case was scheduled to be held today also.

     Grace died Wednesday in Richmond hospital.

     The complaint against Graves was preferred by King P. Grace of 124 Ventura avenue, son of the dead man. Witnesses reportedly told police that Grace was attacked without provocation in a Point Richmond tavern. He was knocked unconscious by a blow to the head. Police do not believe that an instrument was used in the attack, judging from present information.

     Grace was not hospitalized until several days after the attack, when the seriousness of his injuries was ascertained.

     After he was hospitalized, Graves was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, and posted $2,500 cash bail.

     He has retained the Richmond law firm of Carlson, Collins and Gordon to represent him.

[The Independent, Richmond, California; Thursday 20 February 1947 page 2]

 

Jury Charges Graves With Manslaughter

     A coroner's jury today charged Leon Albert Graves, 91 Scenic avenue with the involuntary manslaughter of William G. Grace, 68, Canal Building 110, apartment 14.

     According to testimony entered during the inquest conducted by Dr. C. L. Abbott, Grace's death resulted from extensive brain injury and a fracture of the skull which resulted when he was struck by Graves in a Point Richmond tavern February 10. Grace died yesterday in a Richmond hospital.

     Among those who testified were patrons in the tavern, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Woodcock, who said that the blow was struck after Clarence Pruitt, a friend of Graves, had been put out of the tavern by a waitress, Opal Taylor, for allegedly disturbing Mr. and Mrs. Grace.

[The Independent, Richmond, California; Friday 21 February 1947 page 4]

 

Graves Bound Over On Murder Charge

     Arraigned in police court today, Leon A. Graves, 28, of 91 Scenic Avenue, waived a preliminary examination and was bound over to the superior court on a charge of murder.

     Graves was represented by Attorney Thomas M. Carlson in his appearance before Police Judge Leo Marcollo. Graves will be transferred to the county jail to await trial.

     The charge against Graves was filed Wednesday following the death of William G. Grace, 68, of Canal Building 110, Apartment 14, in Richmond hospital. Grace died of head injuries allegedly inflicted when Graves struck him in a Point Richmond tavern.

[The Independent, Richmond, California; Saturday 22 February 1947 page 2]

 

Court Delays Manslaughter Sentence of Albert Graves

     Martinez, May 6--Sentencing of Albert Leon Graves, 28 of Point Richmond, on a charge of involuntary manslaughter, has been continued by Superior Judge Hugh H. Donovan for one week.

     Graves is accused in the death of William G. Grace, 66, who died of a skull fracture allegedly suffered at a Point Richmond tavern fight last February 10.

     Grace, according to the complaint against Graves, suffered the fatal injury when he was knocked down and his head struck the floor.

[The Independent, Richmond, California; Tuesday 6 May 1947 page 7]

 

Probation, Jail For Manslaughter

     Leon A. Graves, 29, was sentenced in superior court, Martinez, today on a charge of manslaughter growing out of the death of William G. Grace, 66, from injuries received in a Point Richmond tavern last February 10.

     Graves was awarded 10 years probation, and sentenced to serve six months in the county jail, fined $125 and ordered to pay $829.79 in hospital and funeral expenses.

     Grace died of a fractured skull suffered when he was knocked to the floor of the tavern by a blow from Graves' fist, police said. Graves pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge, and his sentence was postponed until today to permit filing of a probation report.

[The Independent, Richmond, California; Tuesday 13 May 1947 page 2]

 

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