Killing of Smith Watkins in Alabama in 1935

Incident

Case summary

Smith Watkins, an organizer and leader of the Sharecroppers Union, was killed in 1935 by a band of vigilantes in Lowndes County, Alabama. Watkins was kidnapped, beaten and then shot to death during the cotton pickers strike.

Victim(s):

Smith Watkins


Date of incident: 1935-08-28
Location: Lowndes County, Alabama
Location type: unknown - rural
Allegation against victim: engaging in union activity

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: yes
Finding of no legal responsibility: yes

Criminal process
Arrest: [ ]
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: [ ]
Trial: [ ]
Conviction: [ ]
Sentence: [ ]


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
census records - closed
death certificates
maps - closed
military documents - closed
news articles - closed
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