Killing of Willie Crook in Tennessee in 1947

Incident

Case summary

Willie Crook (1925-1947) was killed by Claud Robins in Ripley, Lauderdale County, Tennessee. Crook (also known as Willie Coleman) sat in the white section of a bus and refused to move when told to by Robins, a driver for Grammar Bus Lines. Robins then fatally shot Crook, claiming that it looked like Crook was reaching for a gun. Grand jury declined to indict.

Victim(s):

Willie Crook


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Claude Robbins

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1947-04-21
Location: Ripley, Lauderdale County, Tennessee
Location type: public conveyance
Allegation against victim: dispute over segregated seating on the bus

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

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


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