Info sought in 1940 murder of NAACP leader in Brownsville area
PRESS RELEASE FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL FREDERICK H. AGEE:
According to the US Civil Rights Division, on June 20, 1940, in Brownsville, Tennessee, NAACP leader Elbert Williams was abducted from his home by Sheriff Samuel “Tip” Hunter.
📸: Elbert Williams Memorial Committee
Sheriff Hunter took Mr. Williams to the local jail where he was questioned about NAACP activities believed to be associated with registering African Americans to vote.
Mr. Williams was released from the jail to a group of white males who are believed to be responsible for his abduction and murder.
Mr. Williams’ body was discovered three days later in the Hatchie River.
“It has been 84 years today since this senseless bigoted violent act,” stated Frederick H. Agee, District Attorney General. “We want to provide closure with the details of this murder. We would encourage citizens to check old family photos, journals or other writings. If you have any information that would assist us, please reach out to our Criminal Investigator Jimmy Wilson at 731-855-7813 or jdwilson@tndagc.org”
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