Killing of Fletcher H. Melvin in North Carolina in 1947

Incident

Case summary

Fletcher H. Melvin, 24, a hospital orderly, was killed in 1947 by C. A. James, a train conductor, in Johnston County, North Carolina. While on a train ride to visit his parents, Melvin fell asleep and failed to comply when James ordered all the Black passengers to move to the Jim Crow car. James fatally shot Melvin, alleging that when he was awakened, Melvin objected to the order. A coroner’s jury took no action with respect to James.

Victim(s):

Fletcher H. Melvin


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

C. A. James

Perpetrator group type: [ ]

Date of incident: 1947-04-05
Location: Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina
Location type: public conveyance
Allegation against victim: refusing to move into a "Negro coach"

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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