Muslim Convicted of a Lesser Crime in Slaying

A member of the Nation of Islam--charged with murder in the October, 1983, beating and strangulation death of another member outside a Los Angeles Muslim temple--was convicted Wednesday of a lesser crime of voluntary manslaughter.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Everett E. Ricks Jr. found that James Bailey, 41, of Inglewood had killed Dwain E. Keith, 36, of Los Angeles in the heat of passion during a long altercation outside the Elijah Muhammad Temple at 4137 S. Crenshaw Blvd.

Ricks, who conducted a non-jury trial, acquitted three other members of the temple who had been charged with murder in Keith’s death. They are Lewis Allen Williams II, 24; John Henry Nuby, 42, and Michael Anthony Raymo, 28, all of Los Angeles.

Argument Escalated

According to testimony, a friend of Keith, Eddie Rogers, had gone to the temple at 2:30 a.m. and pounded on the door, hoping to enter and purchase a bean pie. Rogers got into an argument with Bailey, a sales representative for the Nation of Islam, who had been assigned to a security detail.

The argument ultimately developed into a row involving Bailey, Rogers, an intoxicated Keith and the three other defendants, who had reportedly been doing remodeling work inside the temple and were attracted by the ruckus.

Rogers received minor injuries. Keith was apparently strangled with his own tie.

Bailey faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison when he is sentenced March 25.