Killing of Cressie Fullilove Moore in Mississippi in 1953

Incident

Case summary

Cressie Fullilove Moore, age 26, a laborer, was killed in 1953 by police officers Eugene Wright, Homer Hood, and Charles Cochran in Yazoo City, Yazoo County, Mississippi. Neighbors had complained to the police about a fight between Moore and his brother. By the time police arrived, Moore was asleep in his bed. Wright, Hood, and Cochran entered Moore’s bedroom, startling him, and fatally beat him and shot him, claiming self-defense. Grand jury declined to indict. Moore’s father Claborn Moore filed a civil suit against the three officers, plus Mayor W.S. Perry and Police Chief Art Russell. Outcome unknown.

Victim(s):

Cressie Fullilove Moore

Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Charles K. Cochran

Homer Hood

Eugene Wright

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1953-10-02

Location: Yazoo City, Yazoo County, Mississippi

Location type: victim's home

Allegation against victim: being involved in a domestic dispute; attacking a police officer; attempting to seize a police officer's gun

Coroner process