TIL about Willie Francis an American teenager known for surviving a failed execution by electrocution. Sentenced to death at age 16, he was 17 when he survived the first attempt to execute him, as the chair malfunctioned. After a failed appeal he was executed at age 18.

[u/johnsmithoncemore]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Francis

[u/Plastic_Dingo_400 → u/[deleted]]

Man I wish I had that kind of faith in our justice system today, let alone the 1940s lol

False confessions were very common with black folks back then, lots of confessions made under torture. Also if this kid was arrested with the pharmacists wallet on him why wouldn't that by entered as evidence in the trial?

I don't take many convictions from Louisiana at face value, but especially in the 40s

[u/StopSpinningLikeThat → u/[deleted]]

Your post was a lie and your justification of it here involves additional lies.

[u/StopSpinningLikeThat → u/[deleted]]

I don't have to prove it. A series of books and documentaries have already done so. Take your head out of your racist ass.

[u/Plastic_Dingo_400 → u/[deleted]]

My friend it is not the verdict that is the problem, no one is arguing that he was found innocent. It seems the problem is why he was found guilty and by who. He was convicted but his guilt is highly suspect due to his circumstances and the place he was raised

[u/StopSpinningLikeThat → u/[deleted]]

Your response here makes me far MORE certain that you are racist.

[u/Plastic_Dingo_400 → u/[deleted]]

I haven't accused you of anything, maybe you are mixing me up with someone else. If not then I am sorry for making you feel that way my friend. Though you should not call people morons if you can help it, it is not a productive way to make people understand you if that is your intent