Jackson Free Press

On the 41st anniversary of the deaths of Goodman, Schwerner and Chaney, one man has been convicted. One thing to think about is the fact that the jury would not convict Edgar Ray Killen of murder. Although his role in the murders was obviously premeditated, they chose the verdict of manslaughter, which meant that he might not have known they would be killed—even as he was known to be the organizer and orchestrator of the murders. Also, a gravesite for the three men was already chosen; thus, how could this murder have been one of passion? Rita Bender and Ben Chaney gave us a reminder that this is only the beginning.

Other cases are not receiving the attention that this one has and that is for one main reason—two of the men murdered were white; thus, as Rita Bender stated after the verdict, "This country has a long way to go." Through the prosecution of this case, the state of Mississippi has taken a small step. Ben Chaney also spoke of disappointment. He is disappointed that the black community was not "lined up around the block because this directly affects them." He also criticized the "us against them" argument that was put forth by the defense. Chaney says that this case was not one of "us against them"; it was a battle of "justice and peace versus violence and destruction." Jim Hood and Mark Duncan spoke on behalf of the prosecution and said they were pleased with the outcome although it was not a perfect ending. After nine years of investigative work, this case is closed for now.

Previous Commentsshow

My heart went out to Ben Chaney when he made those comments. I wish to God I could have been there! However, I think that blacks were not lined up because they did not believe Killen would be found guilty. A lot of blacks have lost faith in the system because of the continuing discrepancy between how whites and minorities are treated in the justice system. I, however, do not want to give up. I believe God's Word when he says that you reap what you sow, and that is what happened here today. Is it just me, or is the sky a little bit bluer? :-D

LatashaWillis

Jun 21 2005

Yes, the sky is definately bluer and the shine shines brighters. :-)

C.W.

Jun 21 2005

Much too late for me - the sun shines brighter. I think I had better go to bed before I make any more huge typos.

C.W.

Jun 21 2005

Yeah, good idea. Good night shine shine! HA HA!

LatashaWillis

Jun 21 2005

I heard everything the night of the closing arguments. The 6/6 deadlock and all at the end. I'm suprised so much changed since that jury vote. One thing I remember the D.A. saying after the Luke Woodham trial has how much harder it is to get a conviction for conspiracy to commit murder. After they got Luke convicted they eventually dropped the conspiracy charges on the "Charles Manson" ring-leader that got him to commit the acts, because it's "always" difficult to get a murder conviction on folks that didn't physically commit the act.

herman

Jun 22 2005

To me, conspiracy is just as bad as the person who pulled the trigger. The only difference is that the conspirator was too much of a coward to do it himself. I can't believe that let him go - then again, I can believe it.

LatashaWillis

Jun 22 2005

I mean "they", not "that". Maybe I didn't get enough sleep! :-)

LatashaWillis

Jun 22 2005

In many popular cases (like the ones mentioned) it definetly is just as bad. It's just typically much harder to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. They are much tougher cases to convict from what I've heard.

herman

Jun 22 2005

Justice may be slow, but it made it to the finish line this time. :)

Ironghost

Jun 22 2005

I was pleased that justice finally prevailed, but why do I feel just a tinge of sorrow for that old man? I feel sorry because I think if he had done the right thing 41 years he wouldn't be in prison as an old, tired and sick man, taken away from his wife, children and grandchildren for the rest of his life. I feel bad because three people were derprived of their right to live for simply trying to live. I'm pleased, but why don't I feel much like celebrating? Thank God for a new day.

El Canario

Jun 22 2005

Sid Salter's thoughts today on sympathy for Mr. Killen: Killen certainly does deserve sympathy at his sentencing on Thursday ó the very same sympathy he and the Klan mob gave to Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner before they were shot dead and buried like animals in a pond dam. "Preacher" Killen deserves the maximum sentence for his Klan-era crimes. What goes around, comes around.

DonnaLadd

Jun 22 2005

My mom said something interesting today. Someone at work told her that the Lord could have let Killen live just long enough to pay for his crime. Can you imagine? You're 80 years old, and you figure you'd be dead before anyone can do anything to you. Next thing you know, they're rolling you to jail in a wheelchair with your oxygen tank rolling behind you. For all we know, God could let him live another ten years just so he can sit in jail a while before he expires. If he never repented for what he did, what else can you expect? As the old saying goes: Oh, what a tangled web we weave When first we practice to deceive!

LatashaWillis

Jun 22 2005