LOCAL · MS · 1964-1968
Lawrence Rainey
Sheriff · Neshoba County · Democrat · Mississippi
NOTABLE
On the record
Implicated in 1964 murders of Goodman/Schwerner/Chaney; acquitted at state trial; federal civil-rights conviction of deputies
SEVERITY · ACQUITTED · CRIMES · civil-rights
Background
Lawrence Rainey (1923–2002) was Sheriff of Neshoba County, MS 1964-1968. Implicated in the murders of civil-rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner June 21 1964 (the FBI "Mississippi Burning" case). Acquitted at the 1967 federal civil-rights trial despite his deputy Cecil Price being convicted. Subject of FBI investigation reopened 2005; Edgar Ray Killen finally convicted of manslaughter 2005 — Rainey died before trial.
Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.
From the article
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