The Bizarre Case of Medgar Evers

By Crusader1307

Medgar Evers was an early African American Civil Rights Activist who was also a founding Member of The NAACP (National Association for The Advancement of Colored People). On the forefront with regards to establishing Laws to allow for Black American Voters in The ‘’Deep South’’, He lobbied equal rights in education and an end to segregation. But all great men who wish to change injustice often in History meet tragic ends, and Evers was one. On June 12^th 1963, outside His Home in Mississippi – Evers was shot one thru the back by a self-professed Racist Assassin (Byron De La Beckwith). Rushed to the nearby Hospital, Evers was refused entry because He was Black. Eventually allowing Him every after close to an hour, Evers would die from His injuries. This would not only propel Evers into History as a Hero and Martyr – but would start one of the more unusual Court and Forensic investigations in the mid-20^th Century.

(2) separate trials were brought against Ever’s killer – who openly bragged of His deed and the fact that no ‘’White Jury’’ would ever convict Him. In 1963 Mississippi – He was right. Prejudiced and corrupted evidence would find De La Beckwith acquitted on both trials. But Ever’s Wife never let the injustice go. It wasn’t until 1994 that finally a ‘’brave’’ (and Caucasian) State District Attorney would champion the Case. Finding suppressed evidence, a third trial would find De La Beckwith convicted – at 78. He would die in prison of heart failure.

But as part of the trial, it was determined that Ever’s remains be exhumed as part of the forensic re-examination. With His Wife’s permission, the task began. Ever’s casket was in poor shape after 30-odd years of burial. Chances of His remains being too ‘’far gone’’ for examination were a real factor. When The Medical Examiner however opened the casket, all were quite shocked and amazed. Other than some very ‘’minor’’ elements of natural decomposition, Ever’s remains were in pristine condition. He appeared to have ‘’died’’ perhaps months past and not 3 decades.

After forensic evidence was gathered- and Evers was reburied (with Honors – He was a decorated US Army Veteran as well), a strange request came from Ever’s Son. Have died when He was only 6-months old, Ever’s Son grew up never knowing His Father. He asked ‘’to meet Him’’. Based on the excellent condition of Ever’s remains (and after some mild preparation), a Son got to ‘’see His Father’’ – 30 years after His death!