Killing of James Edward Samuels in Alabama in 1954

Incident

Case summary

James Edward Samuels, 19, was killed in 1954 by police officer Winston Morris in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Morris and another officer Ernest G. Besant stopped Samuels for alleged erratic driving. The officers said the victim attempted to flee twice and was in possession of a knife. Various witnesses claimed Samuels could not have had a knife. Samuels was shot in the back. A federal investigation ensued.

Victim(s):

James Edward Samuels


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Ernest G. Besant

Winston Alan Morris

Eugene F. Propst

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1954-12-12
Location: Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: reckless or drunk driving; fleeing the police; attacking a police officer

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

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

FBI case ID:

Birmingham 44-383

DOJ case ID:

144-1-236


Document(s):
federal agency records
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