Original Westside Crips convicted of 1972 murder of Robert Ballou speak out
- 8 years ago
In March of 1972, when the Crips were in their early years, members of the Westside faction were accused of killing concert goer, Robert Ballou, outside the Hollywood Palladium. Four adults and one minor were arrested and tried for the murder which included, James "Cuz" Cunningham (b. 1953), Ricardo "Bub" Sims (1953 -- 1987), Big Bob (b. 1951) the Hawk and Judson Bacot (b. 1949).
They were all convicted of murder and robbery and sent to prison. We caught up with both Big Bob who was released from prison in 1979 and Bacot who was released in 1983 and they share their story.
Interesting points
- Robert Ballou was never robbed of leather jacket but his friend Charles Alexander was
- Ballou was wearing a green suit that night in 1972
- The only person to steal a leather coat was James "Cuz" Cunningham
- Cunningham assaulted only Charles Alexander with one punch
- The group that beat Robert Ballou was a different group
They were all convicted of murder and robbery and sent to prison. We caught up with both Big Bob who was released from prison in 1979 and Bacot who was released in 1983 and they share their story.
Interesting points
- Robert Ballou was never robbed of leather jacket but his friend Charles Alexander was
- Ballou was wearing a green suit that night in 1972
- The only person to steal a leather coat was James "Cuz" Cunningham
- Cunningham assaulted only Charles Alexander with one punch
- The group that beat Robert Ballou was a different group