Willie McGee
Willie McGee was a 36-year-old truck driver, and a husband, father and son whose mother, Bessie McGee, sought outside help for him during his case. He was electrocuted shortly after midnight on May 8, 1951, in the Jones County Courthouse in Laurel, Mississippi, after years of trials and appeals. His case drew wide national and international attention, and many critics called his execution a legal lynching. The account notes that the facts of the case remain clouded and disputed. His granddaughter, Bridgette McGee-Robinson, now shares his story as the family historian.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Critics called the execution a legal lynching, and his case drew national and international attention over years of trials and appeals.
Reported by: the State of Mississippi (court).