Death of Meredith Hunter

Who is Death of Meredith Hunter?

Meredith Curly Hunter, Jr. was an 18-year-old African-American who was killed at the 1969 Altamont Free Concert. During the performance by The Rolling Stones, Hunter attempted to climb on stage, and was driven off by members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club who had been contracted to serve as ushers and security guards. He subsequently returned to the stage, drew a revolver, and was stabbed to death by Hells Angel Alan Passaro. His motivations—whether an intent to shoot a member of the Hell's Angels, or as self-defense against the Hells Angels—have been widely speculated on since the event.

The incident was caught on camera and became a central scene in the documentary Gimme Shelter. Passaro was charged with murder. After an eight-man, four-woman jury deliberated for 12 and a half hours, following 17 days of testimony, Passaro was acquitted on grounds of self defense.