Harlon Bronson Carter was an American advocate for gun rights and a leader of the National Rifle Association of America.
18 Facts About Harlon Carter
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When Harlon Carter was 17 years old, he shot and killed 15-year-old Ramon Casiano.
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Harlon Carter was born in Granbury, Texas, and his family subsequently lived in Laredo, Texas.
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On March 3,1931,17-year-old Harlon Carter shot and killed 15-year-old Ramon Casiano.
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Harlon Carter believed that Casiano had information about the theft of his family's car, and, carrying a shotgun, he pointed it at Casiano and demanded that he return to the Harlon Carter home to submit to questioning.
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Harlon Carter was convicted of murder, but the conviction was overturned by the Texas Court of Appeals, which found that the judge in the case had issued incorrect jury instructions regarding laws related to self-defense.
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Harlon Carter graduated from the University of Texas and from Emory University School of Law.
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In 1936, Harlon Carter began a career with the United States Border Patrol, where his father had worked.
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Harlon Carter rose through the ranks and in 1950 was appointed chief of the Border Patrol until 1957 where he led Operation Wetback.
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From 1961 to 1970, Harlon Carter directed the Southwestern region of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
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In 1975, Harlon Carter became director of the NRA's lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action.
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In contrast, Harlon Carter believed that no gun control legislation could be acceptable.
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Harlon Carter replaced Maxwell Rich as Executive Vice President, responsible for the NRA's operations.
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In 1981, newspaper reporters learned that Harlon Carter had been convicted of murder related to the 1931 death of 15-year-old Ramon Casiano.
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Harlon Carter initially denied any knowledge of the incident but later acknowledged that he had been responsible for the shooting.
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Harlon Carter died of lung cancer in 1991 at his home in Green Valley, Arizona.
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Harlon Carter was buried at Evergreen Memorial Park in Tucson, Arizona.
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Harlon Carter is survived by his wife, Maryann; a daughter, Joy Johnstone and two sons, J William Carter and John Carter.