Killing of Noverta Robertson in Mississippi in 1947

Incident

Case summary

Noverta Robertson (1921 - 1947), a section hand, died in Tippah County, Mississippi. Robertson was beaten into a state of unconsciousness with a blackjack by Enos B. Criswell, town marshal. Robertson had been walking from his home to a filling station to purchase coal oil when he was approached by Criswell. Witnesses alleged the victim did not resist and did nothing to provoke the assault. Robertson was put into jail, charged with public drunkenness. The following morning, he was released from jail in a dazed condition and died shortly therafter from brain injuries. Trial jury acquitted.

Victim(s):

Noverta Robertson


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Enos B. Criswell

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1947-10-17
Location: Walnut, Tippah County, Mississippi
Location type: private space - commercial
Allegation against victim: exhibiting public drunkenness; assaulting a police officer

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

Criminal process
Arrest: yes
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: [ ]
Trial: yes
Conviction: no
Sentence: [ ]

FBI case ID:

St. Louis 44-52

New Orleans 44-188

Memphis 44-88

DOJ case ID:

144-40-19


Civil lawsuits/claims filed: yes

Document(s):
advocacy group resources
death certificates
federal agency records
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