Killing of Macco Alston Santa Cruz in Virginia in 1951

Incident

Case summary

Macco Alston Santa Cruz (1898 – 1951), a dentist, was killed by E. Buford Owen and Charles Simmons in Hampton, Virginia. Cruz intervened after two school girls were accosted by Owen and Simmons, two white youths. Cruz was then struck from behind as he attempted to call the police. He died from the injuries. Grand jury indicted. Trial jury convicted.

Victim(s):

Macco Alston Santa Cruz


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Hubert Matthews Costigan

E. Buford Owen

Charles Simmons

Perpetrator group type: [ ]

Date of incident: 1951-02-06
Location: Pulaski, Pulaski County, Virginia
Location type: public space - urban
Allegation against victim: stopping a white man from raping two young Black girls

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

Criminal process
Arrest: yes
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: yes
Trial: yes
Conviction: yes
Sentence: 5 years each


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