Killing of Washington Adams in Mississippi in 1938

Incident

Case summary

Washington Adams (1900 - 1938), a laborer, was killed by one or a group of white men in Lowndes County, Mississippi. Adams was beaten to death with an iron instrument. It was said he had neglected to pay a funeral bill of $10. According to a report by the attending physician, Adams reported that one Mr. Thomas had beaten him for three hours. The physician also stated that Adams showed evidence of contusions with some stripes extending all the way to the neck and that the left ear was swollen.

Victim(s):

Washington Adams


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Thomas Gunter

Perpetrator group type: [ ]

Date of incident: 1938-06-10
Location: Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi
Location type: private space - commercial
Allegation against victim: owing $10 on a funeral bill for his deceased wife

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: [ ]
Finding of no legal responsibility: [ ]

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


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