INTRODUCTION The Sleepy Lagoon Murder case began on August 2, 1942, when the body of Jose Diaz was found at a reservoir in southeast Los Angeles. Press hysteria and bigotry fueled the arrest of 300 Mexican American youths and guided a corrupt trial in which the judge and prosecutors displayed routine disregard for fundamental civil rights. Despite a complete lack of evidence, including no proof that Diaz had in fact been murdered, twelve defendants were convicted of murder and five were convicted of assault. In October, 1944, a dark chapter in Los Angeles history came to close when, as a result of the tireless efforts of the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee, the U.S. District Court of Appeals overturned the convictions as a miscarriage of justice. A precursor to the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943, the Sleepy Lagoon case is one of the most important events in the social history of Los Angeles but, even today, it is difficult to find complete and accurate information regarding the people and places involved in this historic case. SLEEPY LAGOON TODAY Sleepy Lagoon was a reservoir by the Los Angeles River. Frequented by Mexican Americans who were denied access to public pools, the swimming hole was named after a popular song of the time performed by big band leader and trumpet player Harry James. Research indicates the reservoir was near the city of Maywood at approximately 5500 Slauson Boulevard. Replaced by a plastic factory and and a U.S. Government warehouse facility, nothing remains of the reservoir once known as Sleepy Lagoon.	Click on images to see larger views. Zoot Suit 1943 Defendants Leaving Inquest Leyvas Family Awaits Verdict Crowd Greets Freed Youths Activist Alice McGrath Mexican American Kids 1943 Defense Committee Literature Sleepy Lagoon was named after a song made popular in 1942 by the famous trumpeteer Harry James, a contemporary of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. James' instrumental version of the tune was one of best-selling records of the year. Sheet Music Cover - 1940	DEFENDANT FACTS Henry Leyvas, age 20, worked on his father's ranch. He was the inspiration for the character Henry Reyna in the Valdez play Zoot Suit. Not long after his release from prison, Henry Leyvas was convicted of a criminal offense after receiving a fair trial. Chepe Ruiz, 18, was a fine athlete and wanted to play big league baseball. While in San Quentin, he won the admiration of the warden, guards, and prisoners when he continued in a boxing match after having several ribs broken. Robert Telles,18, was working at a defense plant at the time of his arrest. Manuel Reyes, 17, had joined the navy and was awaiting induction at the time of his arrest. Angel Padilla, one of the defendents most severly beaten during his interogation by police, was a furniture worker. Henry Ynostrosa, 18, had supported his mother and two sisters since age 15. Manuel Delgado, 19, also a woodworker, was married with two children, one of which was born on the day he entered San Quentin. Gus Zamora, 21, was a furniture worker. Victor Thompson 21, was an Anglo long associated with Mexican Americans in his neighborhood. Jack Melendez, 21, had been sworn into the navy before his arrest. Ultimately, the U.S Navy granted him an Honorable Discharge. John Matuz, 20, went to work in Alaska with the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Facts Contributed by Diana H. LINKS The International Dimensions of the Zoot Suit Riots (Rough Draft) by R. G. del Castillo