Killing of Willie Keys in Louisiana in 1940

Incident

Case summary

Willie Keys, age 39, a foreman, was killed in 1940 by a mob in Mansfield, DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. Keys was arrested by Sheriff J.J. McFatter after an argument with Murray Calhoun, a white foreman. The mob, possibly organized by Calhoun, seized Keys from jail and beat him to death. An essay on this case, researched and authored by a CRRJ student, is available on request.

Victim(s):

Willie Keys


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Murray Calhoun

J. J. McFatter

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1940-06-06
Location: Mansfield, De Soto Parish, Louisiana
Location type: public space - rural
Allegation against victim: fighting with a white foreman

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

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


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