There are cases of injustice which can be found throughout US history. However some cases just are so blatant that they stand out even after nearly a century.
George Stinney Jr. was only 14 years old when he was executed via the Electric Chair.
George Stinney Jr. was only 14 years old when he was executed via the Electric Chair.
He was so small that the Bible he walked to the death chamber with was put underneath him so that the upper cap could be placed on his head.
He was accused of the gruesome double murder of two white girls in the small town of Alcolu, South Carolina in March, 1944.
The bodies of Betty June Binnicker, aged 11, and Mary Emma Thames, 8, were found with their skulls fractured on the “black side” of the divided community.
The bodies of Betty June Binnicker, aged 11, and Mary Emma Thames, 8, were found with their skulls fractured on the “black side” of the divided community.
They had been bludgeoned to death with a railroad spike.
Police arrested little George after it emerged that he had seen the pair the previous day.
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Police arrested little George after it emerged that he had seen the pair the previous day.
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He was taken from his home by cops who then claimed he confessed to the double murder despite no written confession ever being produced. There was also no physical evidence linking him to the crime.
He had a trial which lasted only 2 hours, he was not allowed to call any witnesses, he had a court appointed lawyer, who did not even bother to question the police.
Yet, the "all-white" "jury had no problem handing him a death sentence.
Yet, the "all-white" "jury had no problem handing him a death sentence.
His own verbal appeals were never granted, nor even considered. He was presumed guilty; and treated as such. His life held no real value to the American Justice System.
Just two months later, the 14-year-old child was led crying and shaking into the execution chamber. Moments later the first surge of 2,400 volts were blasted into his little body before the adult death mask, slipped from his face revealing tears streaming down from his eyes.
Here's the execution video 💔💔
In December 2014, that's 70 years after his execution, George’s murder conviction was overturned by a South Carolina judge.
Judge Carmen Mullen revealed that the boy’s lawyer had called "few or no witnesses," and failed to properly cross-examine his accusers. 😓
Judge Carmen Mullen revealed that the boy’s lawyer had called "few or no witnesses," and failed to properly cross-examine his accusers. 😓
The clearing of George’s name came too late to save his young life. History sometimes does indeed grant justice in delayed fashion, but this justice is only in name. For George Stinney Jr. his life ended at just 14 years of age.
A 1991 movie titled "Carolina Skeletons" recreates the terrifying execution of the teenager.
The film was based on a book written by George's nephew David Stout.
The film was based on a book written by George's nephew David Stout.
