Died in jail or a lockup
Howard Flotow
Howard Flotow was held in the Sardis county jail in Sardis, Mississippi. On the night of August 4, 1923, a mob took him from the jail, hanged him from a tree near town and shot his body, according to the summary of the account. The sheriff, J. A. Carter, had met with the crowd earlier and was assured no violence would be attempted, but then left the jail and took the keys. A coroner's jury later found that he died at the hands of parties unknown.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A mob took Howard Flotow from the Sardis county jail, hanged him from a tree and shot his body, after Sheriff J. A. Carter left the jail and handed over the keys.
Reported by: coroner's jury (medical examiner or coroner).