Killing of George W. Brooks in Tennessee in 1938

Incident

Case summary

George W. Brooks, 26, a postman, was killed in 1938 by Memphis, Tennessee police sergeant A. O. Clark. In an incident that some newspapers reported to be a setup, Clark entered Brooks’ car and shot him, claiming that Brooks shot at him first. Accounts of what precipitated the incident vary. The police said Clark and detective L. P. Fox received a complaint from a white woman that she had been harassed by Brooks. The officers and R. H. Tomlinson, the post office inspector, are said to have arranged to have the woman meet with Brooks.

Victim(s):

Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:
Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1938-01-03
Location: Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: propositioning a white woman; shooting at a police officer; having a job that white men wanted

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
death certificates - closed
news articles - closed
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