Man Pleads to Lesser Charge in Riot Killing

A man pleaded guilty to conspiracy Wednesday for being a white gang’s lookout during 1969 race riots in which a black woman was shot as her car entered a white neighborhood.

Chauncey Gladfelter, 50, is the fifth defendant to plead guilty to conspiracy in the death of Lillie Belle Allen, 27, of Aiken, S.C. Murder charges were withdrawn in exchange for the pleas.

“Back then I was young and stupid and I regret being there,” Gladfelter said. “I’d like to apologize to the Allen family. I’m very sorry for the tragedy.”

He said in court that he had access to a rifle and was stationed on a rear balcony to watch for blacks entering the neighborhood. He said he wasn’t facing the street and did not see other gang members shoot Allen on July 21, 1969.

Last week, three men pleaded guilty to shooting at the car carrying Allen and her sister, parents and brother-in-law. A fourth man pleaded guilty to being a lookout and being armed.

If the judge accepts the plea agreements, the men would each face up to two years in prison.

A trial for four of the five defendants still charged with murder is scheduled to begin Sept. 23.

A spokesman for Allen’s family, lawyer Michael McGuckin, said: “We’re very happy another defendant has come forward and admitted his responsibility.”

More than 60 people were injured during the 10-day riots and 100 people were arrested before the National Guard entered the town with tanks.

On July 18, the second day of the riots, a white police officer, Henry Schaad, was fatally shot while patrolling a black neighborhood. Two black men charged with his death are awaiting trial.