June 20, 2013

Crime History: Five killed in Virginia courthouse massacre 101 years ago

BY: SCOTT MCCABE MARCH 13, 2013 | 7:00 PM
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On this day, March 14, in 1912, in Virginia, five people -- including a judge, prosecutor and sheriff -- were shot to death in what is known as the "Carroll County Courthouse Tragedy."

Judge Thornton Massie had sentenced Floyd Allen, the patriarch of a mountain family, to a year in prison for his role in a fight that began over a kiss between two youngsters at a corn-shucking festival.

To the judge's order, Allen replied, "Gentleman, I just ain't a going."

Members of the Allen clan opened fire, leaving five dead and seven wounded. The men fled into the mountains.

Floyd Allen and his clan were captured after a massive manhunt that also recovered several illegal stills and 50 gallons of moonshine.

Allen was executed in the electric chair on March 28, 1913.

- Scott McCabe

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Scott McCabe

Staff Writer - Crime
The Washington Examiner

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