Killing of John Dukes in Georgia in 1938

Incident

Case summary

John Dukes, 60, a turpentine worker, was killed in 1938 by a mob in Crisp County, Georgia. Policeman Freeman O. Epps was arresting Dukes on charges of drunkenness when a gun fight ensued in which Epps was killed and Dukes rendered unconscious from bullet wounds. A mob of about 300 people formed to burn Dukes to avenge the death of Epps.

Victim(s):

John Dukes


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

J. H. Pelts

Perpetrator group type: police, mob

Date of incident: 1938-07-09
Location: Arabi, Crisp County, Georgia
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: being drunk and disorderly; murdering a police officer

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
death certificates - closed
federal agency records
news articles - closed
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