Killing of Jessie Grier in Georgia in 1950

Incident

Case summary

Jessie Grier, age 25, a laborer, was killed in 1950 perhaps by Sheriff Dan Waller and prison warden Robert K. Balkcom, or by state trooper Levy Miller. Grier and his brother Posey were wanted for the critical shooting of Waller as Waller attempted to investigate a fight. The brothers were eventually arrested. During the course of arrest, Jessie was shot in the leg by state trooper Levy Miller. Jessie died two months later in prison, possibly of a blood clot from the shooting injury. An informant told federal investigators that Waller and Balkcom fatally shot Jessie and “did away with” Posey.

Victim(s):

Jessie Grier


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Robert P. Balkcom

John Horton

Levy Miller

Dan Waller

Perpetrator group type: hate group, police

Date of incident: 1950-02-13
Location: Reidsville, Tattnall County, Georgia
Location type: victim's home
Allegation against victim: assaulting a Black man with the intent to kill; shooting at 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: [ ]

FBI case ID:

Savannah 44-317

DOJ case ID:

144-20-137


Document(s):
death certificates - closed
federal agency records
news articles - closed
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