TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

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 (in Feet and Inches):  5′ 8″

Weight (in Pounds):  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