Killing of Rudolph F. Simmons in North Carolina in 1953

Incident

Case summary

Rudolph F. Simmons (1919-1953), a truck driver and WWII veteran, was killed by constable C.E. Moore in Coats, Harnett County, North Carolina. Simmons stabbed a bus driver with a knife after, according to some accounts, the bus driver insisted that he sit in the back of the bus. Simmons then fled, and was chased by Moore and an enraged mob. Simmons was fatally shot by Moore and beaten by the mob.

Victim(s):

Rudolph F. Simmons


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

C. E. Moore

Perpetrator group type: police, mob

Date of incident: 1953-05-25
Location: Coats, Harnett County, North Carolina
Location type: private space - domestic
Allegation against victim: arguing; refusing to take the back seat on a bus

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

Criminal process
Arrest: [ ]
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: [ ]
Trial: [ ]
Conviction: [ ]
Sentence: [ ]

DOJ case ID:

144-54-39


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