Roy Mitchell

Serial Killer

Roy Mitchell: The Waco Serial Killer and the Last Public Hanging in Texas

Background

Roy Mitchell was an African American laborer who became associated with a series of murders, robberies, sexual assaults and attacks on couples in and around Waco, Texas, during 1922 and early 1923. Contemporary authorities portrayed Mitchell as a calculating predator who approached victims in isolated locations, particularly parked automobiles near Cameron Park and other secluded areas outside the city. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced to death after confessing to five murders, although some historical accounts state that he was convicted or held responsible for six. Mitchell also made a later confession to an additional triple homicide, creating continuing uncertainty about the exact number of people he killed. Mitchell's case unfolded during an intensely racist period in Texas history. Waco had already become notorious for mob violence and lynchings, and accusations against Black suspects frequently resulted in rushed investigations, coerced confessions or extrajudicial killings. Mitchell confessed during police interrogation but later withdrew his statements, alleging that officers had beaten him, burned him with matches, stuck him with pins and threatened to turn him over to a lynch mob. These allegations have caused historians to question aspects of the prosecution, even though investigators reported finding property belonging to murder victims inside Mitchell's residence.

The Murder of William Driskell

The first murder commonly attributed to Mitchell occurred on May 7, 1922. William Driskell was a Waco cotton buyer who also served as a part-time deputy constable. Driskell was attacked inside or near his garage and killed with an axe. His assailant stole several personal possessions, including a handgun, holster, watch and ring. The brutality of the attack suggested that robbery was the immediate motive, but investigators had few useful clues and the case remained unsolved for months. Driskell's stolen handgun later became one of the most important pieces of evidence against Mitchell. After Mitchell was arrested, authorities reported finding the weapon and its holster in his home. Investigators believed the same pistol had been used during at least one later attack, connecting the seemingly isolated garage murder to the developing series of crimes around Waco. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

William Driskell , Date of Death: 1922-05-07

Survivors:

Naomi Boucher , Date of Attack: 1922-11-20

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