Killing of Berry Branch Sr. in Texas in 1946

Incident

Case summary

Berry Branch Sr. (1886 - 1946), a barber, was killed by L. E. Linville, a bus driver, in Houston, Texas. When a 17-year-old boy was reproached by the bus driver for failing to pay his fair, Branch attempted to pay the boy’s fare. Branch was killed by Linville when he stepped forward to pay the 17-year-old’s fair. Branch’s slaying sparked protests against bus drivers carrying guns. Linville was initially charged with assault to murder, but it is unclear what the ultimate disposition of the case was.

Victim(s):

Berry Branch Sr.


Date of incident: 1946-09-17
Location: Houston, Harris County, Texas
Location type: public conveyance
Allegation against victim: trying to mediate an argument between a bus driver and a 17-year-old boy about the fare

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
census records - closed
death certificates
death certificates - closed
military documents - closed
news articles - closed
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