As noted in a previous thread, the case dates from 1899, when Frankie Baker shot Allen Britt (St. Louis Post-Dispatch). He died four days after the shooting. Frankie claimed self-defense and was aquitted. In 1939, she sued Republic Pictures, producers of "Frankie and Johnny," for invasion of privacy and defamation of character. The suit was dismissed in 1942.
Details from Randolph, op. cit., previous posting.