In 1908 William “Wild Bill“ Latura, the owner of several small hamburger stands on Beale Street burst into Ashford's after having lost money gambling earlier in that same establishment.  In revenge he shot seven black men, killing five.  Bill was arrested and brought to trial.  His statement to police was “I shot 'em and that's all there is to it“.  An all white jury acquitted him.  There was some public disapproval and it was pointed out in the press that this sort of behavior could eventually lead to Latura killing white people....

In 1916 after being convicted of liquor and gambling charges, Latura began threatening law enforcement officials. Two police officers, whose pay had been docked for ignoring Latura's illegal activities, confronted Latura when he was out of jail on bond. "I'll kill you" was Latura's response. He reached for his gun, but the officers beat him to the draw and pumped out four fatal shots