Feds Charge Roxie Klansman in Dee-Moore Murders

It's nice to see that The Clarion-Ledger's main photo on their package today is one of Kate's when we visited Charles' grave with Thomas and David in July '05. They got it from AP and don't have her photo credit on it. Too bad.

This is a proud day for Mississippi, folks.

CBS is reporting:

Moore's older brother, Thomas Moore, worked with Canadian film producer David Ridgen for two years piecing together what happened in 1964. The effort led them to a brief confrontation with Seale, a former sheriff's deputy who had been reported as deceased in several newspapers.

This isn't exactly right. David met Thomas in July 2005 and they/we confirmed that Seale was still alive within two weeks while on that trip in Adams and Franklin County. Now, they have continued to work together in the year and a half since then, and likely have amassed mountains more. But it didn't take them that long to find out that Seale was alive! It was easy, really. Everybody down there know, but it seems that no one had asked in a long time.

I do have to pause here and give David major props for helping facilitate this, and for reaching out to Mississippi journalists to be involved. Unlike many other journalists who visit the state to cover civil-rights stories, he seemed to get how important it was for Mississippians to be involved in these endeavors and telling the stories of our past, not to mention seeking resolution. We appreciate him reaching out to us to both bring us in on his work and to ask to document Mississippians helping a fellow Mississippian look for justice. It was, and is, a remarkable experience. And Thomas is one of the most amazing men you'll ever meet.

GREAT NEWS.

This is great news for Mississippi! Kudos to Pridgen and to JFP for a job well done!

I meant 'Ridgen' (not *Pridgen) in my 5:24 pm post.

Thanks, all. It's too bad that much of the national media, again, seem to be focusing only on the efforts of non-Mississippians in this case. That's what always happens, so we Mississippians are used to it.

But we are so happy for our friend Thomas. The time we spent with him is probably the most incredible two weeks of my life.

This is amazing news, and really makes my day. Nicely done, folks!


Cheers,

TH

Like the MS Supreme Court said, the wheels of justice turn exceedingly slowly sometimes, but they do turn. Mississippi needs equality for everyone, because otherwise everyone is in jeopardy of being denied justice.

Ummm.... the bounces,

minor correction, killed by the clan, not willed by the clan. Feel free to drop this "comment" just put it here b/c your email was blocked.

Here's an example of a media machine gone mad:

Former Mississippi legislator charged in 1964 slayings of 2 black teens

Former legislator!?!

Oh, my God. I am crying. I am so happy for Mr. Moore (the brother); he needed some closure so badly for what was done to his brother.

Bless Dunn Lampton.

I know, C.W. When we all signed up for the coalition, did we actually think this would happen!?! I've grown to believe it recently, but when we first did the story, I thought maybe it was more empty promises. My big priority going in was for Mississippians to step up and tell our own stories—but once we figured out that Seale was alive, I had real hope for justice.

You're right: Dunn Lampton was as good as his word. Soldier's honor and all that. ;-D

didn't know about this story or the history of it. Damn. My attitude, on this site that opposes the death penalty, is if convicted, fry em.

Yeah, you weren't a JFP regular in 2005 when we did this work. I don't agree with the "fry" part, obviously, but I sure would settle for Seale not being able to sit out on the porch swing with his wife as we watched him do while covering this story. (If he's guilty, of course.)

Maybe Killen needs a roommate? Sorry. Tasteless.

all right, I apologize. That was over the top and going too far.

I'll settle for hanging him since they liked to lynch.

and congrats to those of you who worked hard to keep this story going and not letting it fade away into the past as another forgotten injustice. The effort to seek justice is never in vain.

Justice is a dish that is never cold when served.

"... as good as his word ..."

From what I understand Ridgen did all the investigative work on this.

I thank god and bless the family of Charles and Henry, I can't stop crying that an arrest is finally made. I feel that my contributions were helpful. Thanks to all that kept the word out there. Donna, hats off to you your staff keep up the good work.

Nowhere to run now, old KKK terrorists (those who are still alive, at least). Given all the years that passed, it's gonna be a photo finish for Mississippi - but with determination and hard work, we've got some great legs and arm pumpings going for us. Time vs. Hard Work...who'll break the ribbon? To repeat, the late start, due to a seriously sprained ankle of denial and lingering non-acceptance - combined with the cadre of decidated citizens and journalists who choose to be on the right side of history will mean a Photo-Finish!

Good News for MS and Mississippians who want to live and let live and not with the constant threat of being harmed by someone whose ideas are different.

Heads up on this...Donna is in Meadville right now with a CNN crew and we understand they could be on the air within an hour or so...if you're near a TV, check it out. :-)

Phillip, there are still living defendants from the federal trials of the 60's in Neshoba County. Killen was only one of several.

Todd, thanks for the heads up- right on, Donna, you go girl!

Just got word that Donna was interviewed by NPR's Day To Day. Not sure when that it supposed to air, but it may be today from noon to 1pm on MPB.

It was just aired and they did mention JFP's role. I could not get to the computer as it was airing to post an alert; however, it's likely that it'll be aired an hour from now and perhaps throughout the evening.

**It was just aired and they did mention JFP's role. I could not get to the computer as it was airing to post an alert; however, it's likely that it'll be aired an hour from now and perhaps throughout the evening.** <--Kacy 12:11am post

On CNN, that is.

It's on CNN again right now.

Yep. This story is currently CNN's top story!!! GOOD JOB!!

Donna told me that the full package on CNN -- including the stuff they filmed today in Natchez -- is supposed to air at 7:00pm, I think it's on the Paula Zahn hour.

It's about time. I want the world to see that we in Mississippi do actually care about justice now. Dave with the CBC seems to have forgotten that.

here's the NPR link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7022278

How was it on CNN? I had a meeting and missed it - somebody fill me in!

Sitting in an aiport way too early checking in ...

The CNN segment was great—loved all the images. And they had three photos of Kate's in there from the original trip with Thomas in Meadville -- and, unlike on the front page of The Clarion-Ledger yesterday, these were prominently credited to her. Also, the footage they used from David's doc brought back major memories. They even had the footage of Thomas whacking the tree, which I describe in my first story.

Thomas looked tired. If the number of calls I've fielded is any indiction, I suspect the media arek smothering. But it must be wonderful to have so many people interested after so few people being interested over the years. Or at least bittersweet.

Otherwise, I'm hearing from old friends and acquaintances around the country who are catching the media segments, so it must really be getting play. That's great.

The best part, though, is the e-mails and calls I'm getting from "regular" people who are so touched by the story. One woman yesterday told me that she wasn't as ignorant as she was the day before after reading the story. That's a great compliment for a writer. ;-)

I saw the CNN report. Great press for MS and the JFP. It is evident of just how determined you are to your work as journalist representative of "THE BEST OF THE NEW SOUTH"

Justjess, are they running it throughout the day? Maybe they'll still be running it tonight when I get home.

well, the Vicksburg Post has it on page 3, beyond 'casino to begin
landscaping.'
I tell my friends up north, out west, whereever, see the JFP for
what Mississippians can and do care about.
It's hard truth, but so good to see it getting confronted. Nationwide.

I'm new here, three years. You may know. Everyone says,
well, you may know what they say. So tired of that.

Hurray for this story here ( it was on Democracy Now today also,
my favorite source, well besides JFP of course...ha.)
you go.

I just read the news in the Las Vegas paper, and I am bitterly, tearfully disappointed that it didn't mention Donna there. But that's okay--CNN did!!! I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of you and the JFP staff right now.