Killing of Jesse Watson Jr. in Alabama in 1939

Incident

Case summary

Jesse Watson Jr., 18, was killed in 1939 by Weaverton L. Fadely, a white pharmacist, in Birmingham, Alabama. Watson was allegedly threatening an elderly Black man, prompting him to go into Weaverton L. Fadely’s drugstore for protection. Fadely went outside and shot Watson in the mouth with his pistol. Fadely was charged with first degree murder.

Victim(s):

Jesse Watson Jr.


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

W. L. Fadely

Perpetrator group type: [ ]

Date of incident: 1939-08-27
Location: Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: threatening an older Black man

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

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
census records - closed
news articles - closed
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