Killing of Robert Childs Mallard in Georgia in 1948

Incident

Case summary

Robert Childs Mallard, 37, a casket salesman, was killed in 1948 by Roderick L. Clifton and William L. Howell and a group of robed white men in Toombs County, Georgia. Mallard and his family were returning from a church program when the road was blocked by cars filled with robed men. One shot was fired from a car, killing Mallard. His wife, Amy Mallard, later testified at a trial and identified Clifton and Howell as two of the men who were involved in the shooting. They were charged with murder in state court proceedings. One of the men was acquitted by the jury and charges against the second defendant were dismissed by the court.

Victim(s):

Robert Childs Mallard


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Roderick Clifton

William L. Howell

Barney Sikes

Herschel Sikes

James Spivey

Perpetrator group type: mob, hate group

Date of incident: 1948-11-20
Location: Toombs County, Georgia
Location type: public space - rural
Allegation against victim: engaging in political activity

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

Criminal process
Arrest: yes
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: yes
Trial: yes
Conviction: no
Sentence: [ ]


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
correspondence
court records
death certificates
federal agency records
news articles - closed
police reports
scholarly works
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