Arrest of Edgar Ray Killen on January 6, 2005

On January 6, 2005, Edgar Ray Killen, a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, was arrested for his involvement in the infamous 1964 murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi. This arrest marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to address historical racial injustices in the United States.

Background

The murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, often referred to as the “Mississippi Burning” case, occurred on June 21, 1964. These three civil rights workers were part of the Freedom Summer campaign, an initiative aimed at registering African American voters in Mississippi. Their disappearance and subsequent discovery of their bodies in an earthen dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi, drew national attention and highlighted the violent resistance to civil rights efforts in the South.

Events Leading to the Arrest

In 1967, several individuals, including Edgar Ray Killen, were tried on federal conspiracy charges related to the murders. However, Killen’s trial ended in a hung jury, with one juror refusing to convict a preacher. For decades, the case remained a symbol of the unpunished racial violence of the era.

Renewed interest in the case, driven by persistent advocacy from civil rights activists and the victims’ families, led to a re-examination of the evidence. In 2004, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood reopened the case, leading to Killen’s arrest in January 2005.

The Arrest and Trial

Killen, then 80 years old, was charged with three counts of murder. His arrest was a pivotal moment, as it demonstrated a commitment to seeking justice for civil rights-era crimes, even decades later. The trial began in June 2005, and on June 21, 2005, exactly 41 years after the murders, Killen was convicted of manslaughter. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison, effectively a life sentence given his age.

Broader Historical Significance

The arrest and conviction of Edgar Ray Killen underscored the importance of addressing historical racial injustices and the enduring impact of the civil rights movement. It highlighted the efforts of activists and legal authorities to bring closure to unresolved cases from the civil rights era. The case also served as a reminder of the systemic challenges faced by those seeking justice for racially motivated crimes.

Killen’s arrest and subsequent conviction were seen as a measure of progress in the long struggle for civil rights and justice in the United States, illustrating the nation’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation and equality.