Killing of John Brown in Texas in 1937

Incident

Case summary

John Brown (1900-1937) died in Ramsay Farm Camp, a state prison, in Brazoria County, Texas. According to the death certificate, Brown died from drinking poison. According to a letter from prisoners to the NAACP, Brown, who was feeling sick, was handcuffed and chained and then whipped to death by prison tender Booker Smith.

Victim(s):

John Brown


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Charlie Shaw

Booker Smith

D. R. Vaughn

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1937-05-06
Location: Otey, Brazoria County, Texas
Location type: carceral location
Allegation against victim: [ ]

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

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


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
death certificates
death certificates - closed
state agency records - closed
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