In a groundbreaking decision, a Virginia judge declared that three Black men who were lynched by mobs over a century ago were innocent, acknowledging the gross miscarriage of justice they faced. The ruling brings closure to families and sheds light on a dark chapter of American history.
Historic Ruling Acknowledges Denial of Due Process
Circuit Court Judge Dale B. Durrer ruled Monday that Charles Allie Thompson, William Thompson, and William Grayson were “denied due process” and “remain to this day innocent of their charges.” The decision followed a request by prosecutor Russell L. Rabb III and ensures court documents detailing their treatment remain unsealed for public access.
Judge Durrer highlighted the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths, stating, “This discomfort causes us to learn and grow and harness the great collective power we have as a community.”
The Lynching Cases: A Legacy of Injustice
Charles Allie Thompson (1918)
Thompson was lynched in 1918 after a white woman accused him of rape. Despite being held in jail for five days, a mob kidnapped him and hanged him without trial.
William Thompson (1877)
In 1877, Thompson was accused of raping an 11-year-old white girl. Just three days after his arrest, a mob of 50 men dragged him out of jail and lynched him from a poplar tree. It is unclear if he was related to Charles Allie Thompson.
William Grayson (1849)
Grayson, a free Black man, faced accusations of killing a white man in 1849. Despite the Virginia Supreme Court overturning two convictions due to evidence of his alibi, he remained in jail awaiting a third trial. A mob overpowered the sheriff and lynched Grayson, circumventing the legal system entirely.
A Community’s Persistent Effort for Justice
The push for the ruling was spearheaded by Zann Nelson, a 76-year-old historian who spent nearly two decades researching the cases. Her persistence ensured the forgotten stories of these men were brought back to the forefront.
“There are those who might say, ‘Well, it was so long ago, why is it so important?’” Nelson said. “Well, because it brings closure. Not just to families, but to the community.”
A Step Toward Healing
The ruling not only restores the names of Charles Allie Thompson, William Thompson, and William Grayson but also serves as a reminder of the systemic racism that permeated the justice system. It is a step toward reconciliation and understanding, ensuring that their stories and the lessons they hold are never forgotten.
