Texas Department of Criminal Justice
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Name | Autry, James David |
| TDCJ Number | 670 | |
| Date of Birth | 9/27/1954 | |
| Date Received | 10/10/1980 | |
| Age (when Received) | 26 | |
| Education Level (Highest Grade Completed) | 6 | |
| Date of Offense | 4/20/1980 | |
| Age (at the time of Offense) | 25 | |
| County | Jefferson | |
| Race | White | |
| Gender | Male | |
| Hair Color | Brown | |
| Height | 5' 8" | |
| Weight | 137 | |
| Eye Color | Brown | |
| Native County | Potter | |
| Native State | Texas |
Prior Occupation
Laborer
Prior Prison Record
5 year sentence for Assault and Attempted Robbery - 1972; 8 year sentence for Burglary - 1975
Summary of Incident
On April 20, 1980, Autry shot a 43 year old female convenience store clerk between the eyes with a .38 caliber pistol causing her death. Autry had been arguing with the clerk about the price of a six pack of beer. Two witnesses were also shot in the head. One witness was a 43 year old former Roman Catholic priest, who died instantly. The other witness was a Greek seaman who survived the gunshot, with serious injuries.
Co-Defendants
John Alton Sandifer
Race and Gender of Victim
female