Lee Shelton | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 16, 1865 |
| Died | March 11, 1912 (aged 46) |
| Burial place | Greenwood Cemetery (Hillsdale, Missouri) |
| Other names | Stagolee, Stagger Lee, Stack-O-Lee, Stag Lee, Lee Sheldon |
| Occupation(s) | Pimp, carriage driver |
| Known for | "Stagger Lee" |
| Criminal charges | Murder (1895) Assault and robbery (1911) |
| Criminal penalty | 25 years imprisonment |
| Criminal status | Convicted (1897) Paroled (1909) Parole revoked (1911) |
Lee Shelton (March 16, 1865 – March 11, 1912), popularly known as "Stagolee", "Stagger Lee", "Stack-O-Lee", and other variations, was an American criminal who became a figure of folklore after murdering Billy Lyons on December 25, 1895. The murder, reportedly motivated partially by the theft of Shelton's Stetson hat, made Shelton an icon of toughness and style in the minds of early folk and blues musicians, and inspired the popular folk song "Stagger Lee". The story endures in the many versions of the song that have circulated since the late 19th century.