Died in jail or a lockup
George Halsey
George Halsey, a 20-year-old Black man, was held at the Smyth County Jail in Marion, Virginia, while awaiting trial. Around 10 pm on May 11, 1893, a mob of citizens, reportedly joined by Knights Templars, took him from the jail and hanged him from a tree about half a mile south of Marion, then shot his body. A coroner's inquest the next day found that he died at the hands of persons unknown.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A mob took him from the Smyth County jail, hanged him from a tree and shot his body, and a coroner's inquest found he died at the hands of persons unknown.
Reported by: Coroner's inquest jury (medical examiner or coroner); news report.