Killing of Willie McDonald in Mississippi in 1938

Incident

Case summary

Will McDonald, 26, laborer, was killed in 1938 by law officers in Newton County, Mississippi. McDonald was accused of attempting to enter a white family’s home dressed only in underwear. Officers were alleged to have shot McDonald while transporting him to jaill after he allegedly struck marshal J. M. Wells and attempted to escape.

Victim(s):

Willie McDonald


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

J. M. Wells

Perpetrator group type: police, posse

Date of incident: 1938-07-20
Location: Newton, Newton County, Mississippi
Location type: public space - rural
Allegation against victim: attempting to enter the home of a white family dressed only in underclothes; disturbing the peace

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

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


Document(s):
death certificates
news articles - closed
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