Killing of Bill Roan in Texas in 1930

Incident

Case summary

Bill Roan, a farm worker, was killed in 1930 likely by a mob in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. Roan was accused of attempting to assault the wife of Henry Bowman, the white farmer for whom he worked. A “posse” of white men came for him. His mutilated, gunshot-riddled body was found days later.

Victim(s):

Bill Roan


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

John O'Connor

Columbus Seale

R. H. Seale

Perpetrator group type: mob, posse

Date of incident: 1930-06-18
Location: Benchley, Robertson County, Texas
Location type: private space - agricultural or industrial
Allegation against victim: attacking a white woman; attempting rape

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

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


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