Jackson Free Press

Convicted former Ku Klux Klansman Edgar Ray Killen is suing the FBI for millions, claiming violations of his civil rights, reports The Los Angeles Times. Killen, 85, convicted in 2005 of manslaughter in the 1964 slayings of three civil rights workers in Philadelphia, Miss., says the FBI hired mafia hit man "The Grim Reaper" to pistol whip witnesses into providing information in the case.

"Money is secondary, we really just want the truth out," lawyer Robert A. Ratliff of Mobile, Ala., who represents Killen, told a reporter. "What we're looking for is the complete, unredacted FBI file. Stand up and tell us what happened."

During Freedom Summer in 1964, civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner disappeared. Authorities found their bodies buried in an earthen dam weeks later. Witnesses identified Klan members, including Killen, in connection with their abduction and slayings. An all-white jury in the original 1967 trial could not reach a verdict.

See the Jackson Free Press coverage of Killen's 2005 trial.

Previous Comments

ID

156328

Comment

I really, really hope the Ledger's renewed interest in cold cases doesn't give people like Killen grounds to get out or get revenge. It would be an unfortunate development.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2010-02-26T10:55:48-06:00

ID

156333

Comment

He's got some nerve suing for violations of his civil rights! Just die, already!

Author

Tre

Date

2010-02-26T13:01:57-06:00

ID

156353

Comment

Yes, I know it's a little harsh. I have a problem with saying what I'm thinking - probably should have just kept that comment in the ol' noggin. I'm not wishing any harm on him, he's just old and it's about that time. Lots of good people die young and this scumbag is still breathing at 85. It's just not fair.

Author

Tre

Date

2010-02-26T15:49:30-06:00

ID

156376

Comment

Two wrongs don't make a right, if that applies here.

Author

DrumminD21311

Date

2010-02-27T16:09:04-06:00