Killing of Matt James McWilliams in Mississippi in 1947

Incident

Case summary

Matt James McWilliams (1878-1947), a farmer and veteran, was killed by sheriff Arnold Harbor in Kemper County, Mississippi. McWilliams, owner of valuable timber land, had received a notice of eviction from his land. When he refused to vacate his property for a second time, Harbor went to McWilliams’ home to arrest him for trespassing. There, he shot McWilliams, claiming that McWilliams attempted to take his pistol. Harbor was cleared in a preliminary judicial hearing.

Victim(s):

Matt James McWilliams


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Arnold Harbour

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1947-01-05
Location: Blackwater, Kemper County, Mississippi
Location type: victim's home
Allegation against victim: resisting an effort to seize his property; resisting arrest

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

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
death certificates
news articles - closed
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