Killing of Cleveland McCullough in Mississippi in 1941

Incident

Case summary

Cleveland McCullough, age 31, truck driver, died in 1941 in the custody of law enforcement in Clarksdale, Coahoma County, Mississippi. McCullough had been involved in a motor vehicle accident in which John Collins and Isola Smith, both Black, were killed. A.O. Pittman, white, one of the drivers who was hit, chased McCullough down and beat him unconscious. McCullough was alleged to have been driving under the influence. He was charged and was awaiting grand jury proceedings. Cause of death listed as heart failure.

Victim(s):

Cleveland McCullough


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

A. O. Pittman

Perpetrator group type: [ ]

Date of incident: 1941-06-11
Location: Coahoma County, Mississippi
Location type: public space - rural
Allegation against victim: being involved in a traffic accident; drunk driving; murder

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

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
census records - closed
death certificates
military documents - closed
news articles - closed
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