Killing of E. J. Edgar Adams in Mississippi in 1940

Incident

Case summary

E. J. Edgar Adams (1912 - 1940), a waiter, was killed by Sheriff L. G. Holyfield or one of his deputies, Prentiss Taylor or E. W. Richburgh, in Pike County, Mississippi. The sheriff and his deputies were searching for liquor in the woods when they came across Adams, who was sitting on an embankment with two other people. One of the officers shot Adams, injuring him. They then placed him in jail. Adams died several days later in a hospital.

Victim(s):

E. J. Edgar Adams


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

L. G. Holyfield

E. W. Richbourgh

Prentiss Taylor

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1940-09-21
Location: Rankin County, Mississippi
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: bootlegging; possessing liquor

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: [ ]
Finding of no legal responsibility: [ ]

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


Civil lawsuits/claims filed: yes

Document(s):
advocacy group resources
death certificates
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