Willie Lee Cooper (1908 - 1943), a garage mechanic, was killed by Wilbur Owens, Edward Owens, and one Dr. Eddins in Monroe County, Alabama. Cooper worked for the Owens brothers at the Owens Truck and Tractor Company. Cooper missed a day or two of work because he had gone to visit his mother, who was ill. Accompanied by the sheriff, Ernest E. Nicholas, the Owens brothers went to Cooper’s home several times. When they finally found him, they asked where he had been. He explained he had visited his mother, to which they replied “you won’t do it again.” The men beat him so severely that he died the following morning. Federal authorities declined to investigate, and it is unclear what if any state or local legal proceedings ensued.

Willie Lee Cooper

[given name unknown] Nichols

Wilbert Owens

Edward Owens