Killing of James Burts in South Carolina in 1948

Incident

Case summary

James Burts, approximately 23, was killed in 1948 by police officers R.C. Woodall and S.C. Kelley in Greenville County, South Carolina. John Peters called the police because Burts was allegedly drunk and causing a nuisance in Peters’ barbershop. Burts allegedly resisted arrest, and officers Woodall and Kelley brutally beat him. Burts died two days later in the hospital. Trial jury acquitted.

Victim(s):

James Burts


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

S. C. Kelley

R. C. Woodall

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1948-07-10
Location: Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: exhibiting drunkenness; resisting arrest

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

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

DOJ case ID:

144-68-0

144-68-28


Document(s):
advocacy group resources
death certificates - closed
federal agency records
news articles - closed
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