Killing of Russell Charlie in Alabama in 1954

Incident

Case summary

Russell Charlie (1907 - 1954), a saw mill worker, was killed in Monroe County, Alabama. Charlie’s body was discovered near a railroad track. A rubber strap cut from an automobile tire tube was found near the body. A toxicologist concluded that the death was a suicide. However, an informant, Jesse P. Turpin told the FBI that Charlie had been killed by several men, one of whom was reported to be a law enforcement officer. It was said that Charlie was behind on a debt owed to one or more of the men. An essay on this case, researched and authored by a CRRJ student, is available on request.

Victim(s):

Russell Charlie


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Albert Blackmon

W. M. Everett

[given name unknown] McCantas

Mathis Morgan

[given name unknown] Rintz

Lee Thomas

Jerry Watson

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1954-05-07
Location: Vredenburgh, Monroe County, Alabama
Location type: public space - rural
Allegation against victim: owing a debt; being involved in a dispute over the attentions of a Black woman

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:

Mobile 44-328

DOJ case ID:

144-3-108


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
coroner's reports
death certificates
federal agency records
news articles - closed
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