O.D. Henderson

O.D. Henderson was an African American man killed by Fairfield Radio Patrolman Thomas Nelson on September 5, 1940.

According to reports submitted to Fairfield officials, Mr. Henderson and a white man, M.M. Hagood "bumped" into each other while crossing a road near the Westfield plant, which then created an altercation. Mr. Henderson was arrested by Motorscout officer W.T.Glenn and brought to Fairfield Police Headquarters. In M.M. Haygood's statement concerning the killing, he admitted to striking Mr. Henderson in the face with a leather strap several times at the police headquarters and in the presence of the officers. Mr. Henderson then allegedly attempted to get a hold of Radio Patrolman Thomas Nelson's blackjack, which started a fight between the two men. Officer Nelson shot Mr. Henderson once in the abdomen and twice in the chest. Mr. Henderson was handcuffed at the time he was shot.

Charges against Sergt. Cook were filed on June 7, 1940 for conduct unbecoming of an officer and detrimental to public service, for unlawfully permitting Mr. Henderson to be assaulted and killed, and assault. Officer Nelson, along with Officer Glenn and Desk Sergeant W.G. Cook, who was present during the shooting, were indicted by the Bessemer Grand Jury on second degree murder charges.

References

The Birmingham News May 11, 1940 "Suspended Fairfield Officer Under Bond in Death of Prisoner" page 2

The Birmingham News May 24, 1940 Page 1 "Murder in Second Degree Laid to Four in Fairfield Shooting" The Birmingham News June 7, 1940, page 31" Unbecoming Conduct Charged to Fairfield Desk Sergeant Cook"