Mississippi Murders, 1964

What were the Mississippi Murders?

Three male volunteers were arrested by a policeman who was a Klan member during the Freedom Summer project. On their release from prison they disappeared. Their bodies were eventually found.

When did the Mississippi Murders happen?

The Mississippi Murders took place between 21st June and 4th August, 1964.

Who was killed in the Mississippi Murders?

3 civil rights activists were murdered:

• ❖ James Chaney.
• ❖ Andrew Goodman.
• ❖ Michael Schwerner.

What happened during the Mississippi Murders?

There were 6 main incidents during the Mississippi Murders:

• ❖ Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman were 3 CORE activists who went to investigate the burning of a Freedom Summer school.
• ❖ They were arrested on 21st June, 1964.
• ❖ They were released by the police in the middle of the night and followed by a mob.
• ❖ The FBI became involved in the case when Attorney General Robert Kennedy heard about the incident.
• ❖ The activists' bodies were found by FBI agents on 4th August, 1964. They had been shot in the head and Chaney, who was a black American, had been badly beaten.
• ❖ An initial court case failed, but in 1967 18 men were charged with violating the victims' civil rights. Just 7 were found guilty and sentenced to between 3 and 10 years in jail. No verdict was reached on 3 of the accused, and 1 was found not guilty as he was a Baptist minister. The remaining cases were dismissed.

What effect did the Mississippi Murders have on the national debate?

The deaths attracted huge publicity and support for civil rights.