On January 10, 1972, Deputy Sheriff Ralph G. Hancock, 29, was killed during a violent exchange at a civil rights demonstration on North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge. The demonstration escalated after three newsmen were reportedly attacked and a single, unidentified shot set off a broader gun battle between demonstrators and law enforcement. Deputy Hancock and fellow Deputy Ralph Dwayne Wilder were both fatally shot; two demonstrators also died and 34 people were injured that day.

Several suspects were arrested after the riot. Thirteen people were charged in connection with the deputies deaths; on May 8, 1973, nine were convicted of inciting a riot and participating in a riot where a death occurred and received 21-year sentences. On March 31, 1975, the Louisiana Supreme Court overturned those convictions, finding the defendants had not received a fair trial in Baton Rouge. A key witness from the case was later found shot to death outside his office on June 13, 1974, after receiving threats.

Does anyone have information about the events on North Boulevard that day or about witnesses who came forward during the prosecutions?