Felix K. Rorls

Felix Kenneth "Cat Man" Rorls (August 15, 1948 - August 22, 1974) was a 26-year-old Clifton man who was shot to death by Fairfax County Police Officer John R. Mueller at the 7-Eleven at 443 Elden Street in Herndon on August 22, 1974.[1][2][3]

There was a history of interactions between Rorls and Officer Mueller, who had previously arrested Rorls for driving without a license in August, 1973, and February, 1974. When Mueller demanded to see Rorls' driving permit, a fight broke out and Rorls began beating Officer Mueller with his own nightstick, prompting Mueller to shoot Rorls four times.[1][4]

Conflicting accounts about Rorls' death sparked a small riot in Herndon's black community.[1]

Although a grand jury refused to indict Mueller, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors paid a $25,000 settlement to Rorl's older brother Thomas to settle a $2 million lawsuit on August 19, 1975.[4][5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Nunes, Donnel. "Truce Quiets 300 After Va. Slaying." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): C1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1994). Aug 23 1974. Web. 13 Aug. 2011.
  2. ↑ Taylor, Ronald. "Jury Clears Policeman in Va. Slaying." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): C1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1994). Sep 13 1974. Web. 13 Aug. 2011.
  3. ↑ 'On This Day Let Us Not Be Judgemental' Evening Star, 27 Aug. 1974, Two Star HOME FINAL, p. 22. NewsBank. Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Frank, Allan."7-Eleven Gun Death Is Ruled 'Justifiable'"Evening Star, 13 Sep. 1974, Two Star HOME FINAL, p. 39. NewsBank. Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.
  5. ↑ Kast, Sheilah. "7-Eleven Victim's Kin Wins $25,000"Evening Star, 21 Aug. 1975, Two Star HOME FINAL, p. 23. NewsBank. Accessed 21 Dec. 2017.