James Willie Thurmond

Death by Force

James Willie Thurmond, a 13-year-old African American boy, died on June 26, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia. Born on August 19, 1925, in Watkinsville, Georgia, he was the son of Roberta Brown Elder. At the time of his death, the official cause was listed as complications from influenza and malnutrition. No autopsy was conducted, and his death was initially considered natural.

Years later, in 1952, Roberta Elder was arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder after an investigation reve ...Read More