Prohibition was enacted in 1919 and Austin was struggling to clean-up the bootleggers and gambling houses. The Shelton Law Firm represented many local bootleggers and were vocal Anti-Prohibitionists. The Austin KKKK officially stood for "law and order" and included several local officials. The stage was set.
Just before Christmas in 1921, the KKK dropped a letter under the Firm's door warning the Sheltons to "Quit representing the Bootleggers OR Get Out of Town". Emmett's family took them on at the Chapter meeting on E. 6th. The Governor called in the Texas Rangers. A mad crowd, mistaken identity, shots were fired... Murder - In Austin - 100 Years Ago.
22 Min.