Killing Of Henry Marrow
Racially Motivated Homicide
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Oxford, North Carolina
TIME PERIOD
May 11, 1970
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
The case involves the murder of Henry Dortress "Dickie" Marrow Jr., an African-American Army veteran, who was shot and killed on May 12, 1970, in Oxford, North Carolina, during a racial confrontation. Marrow's death occurred outside the Tidewater Seafood Market, where he had been socializing with friends prior to the incident. Two white suspects, Robert Teel and another individual, were acquitted by an all-white jury, sparking protests and a significant boycott of white-owned businesses by the local black community. The case remains a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, highlighting ongoing racial tensions and the struggle for equality in the region. Investigators have noted that the acquittal and subsequent community response led to a renewed push for civil rights actions in Oxford and beyond.
The killing of Henry Marrow is believed to have been motivated by racial tensions, as he was shot by white individuals during a confrontation. The acquittal of the suspects by an all-white jury sparked outrage and led to protests and boycotts by the black community against white-owned businesses in Oxford. Some speculate that the events surrounding Marrow's murder played a significant role in revitalizing civil rights activism in the area and influencing the broader movement across the United States.
The Killing of Henry Marrow: A Catalyst for Change
The Tragic Event
On a warm evening in May 1970, the town of Oxford, North Carolina, became the backdrop for a brutal and racially charged killing that would spark widespread civil rights protests. Henry Dortress "Dickie" Marrow Jr., a 23-year-old African-American Army veteran, found himself at the center of a storm when he was shot and killed by white men in a racially motivated confrontation. This incident, coupled with the subsequent acquittal of the suspects by an all-white jury, ignited a ferocious response from the black community, revitalizing civil rights activism in Oxford and beyond.
Background
Henry Marrow entered the world on January 7, 1947, in Oxford, North Carolina. His early life was marked by hardship; after his parents separated and his father died violently, his mother, Ivey Hunt Marrow, left for New Jersey in search of work, leaving Henry to be raised by his maternal grandparents. As a teenager, he moved in with the family of Benjamin Chavis and attended Mary Potter High School. His academic journey continued briefly at Kittrell College before he joined the military at 19, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Disenchanted with Army life and hesitant about serving in Vietnam, Marrow often returned home to Oxford, where he maintained a relationship with Willie Mae Sidney, whom he eventually married. Despite a New York Times article in 1978 suggesting otherwise, Marrow never served in Vietnam. After completing his military service, he settled back in Oxford with his growing family and began working at Umstead Hospital in Butner. He was the father of two daughters, with a third child on the way when tragedy struck.
In 1970, Oxford was still grappling with segregation, despite the passage of federal civil rights laws. A boycott was in progress against Robert Teel, a white store owner with a criminal past and rumored Ku Klux Klan ties, after he assaulted a black schoolteacher during an argument with his wife.
The Killing
The night of May 11, 1970, seemed ordinary enough as Marrow joined friends for a game of whist at the Tidewater Seafood Market. However, events took a dark turn when he left to buy a Coke for Fanny Chavis at Teel's shop. In the parking lot, he encountered Larry Teel and his wife, Judy. A comment from Marrow—its nature disputed—sparked a violent reaction. Larry shouted, "That's my wife you're talking to," leading Robert Teel and his stepson, Roger Oakley, to arm themselves with guns from the shop.
Robert Teel later claimed that Marrow's words amounted to "suicide," accusing him of insulting his daughter-in-law. As tensions escalated, Marrow attempted to defuse the situation, explaining he was speaking to nearby African-American women. But Larry Teel was not placated. When Teel attacked Marrow with a wooden block, Marrow brandished a knife and retreated, encouraged by friends to leave.
Despite Marrow's attempts to flee, the Teels pursued him with shotguns and a rifle. Robert Teel fired, injuring Marrow and wounding Boo Chavis, who had unwittingly entered the fray. Marrow fell after further shots from Oakley. As Marrow lay bleeding but conscious, the Teels and Oakley descended upon him. Witness Evelyn Downey recounted a harrowing scene of kicks and Robert Teel's chilling command to "Shoot the son of a bitch, shoot the son of bitching nigger," followed by a fatal bullet to Marrow's head.
At trial, Oakley claimed the gun fired accidentally due to Robert Teel jarring his shoulder, while Chavis testified that Larry Teel fired the fatal shot. The Teels locked their shop and left the scene, leaving Marrow to be rushed to Granville County Hospital and then to Duke University Medical Center, where he died en route.
Aftermath
The killing of Henry Marrow became a flashpoint for civil rights activism in Granville County. On the day of Marrow's funeral, mourners marched from the gravesite to the Confederate monument at the county courthouse, a rallying point for speeches about the injustice. Demonstrations continued, and arson attacks on white businesses caused approximately $1 million in damages. Rumors attributed these acts to Vietnam veterans, prompting a four-day curfew as protests spread, including a march to the state capital.
Indictments were filed against Robert Teel, his son Larry, and stepson Roger Oakley for murder, but an all-white jury acquitted them of all charges. Marrow's widow pursued a wrongful death suit later that year. In response, Benjamin Chavis, a local civil rights leader, led a significant protest march and orchestrated a protracted boycott of white businesses, culminating in the integration of Oxford.
Henry Marrow's grave bears a military headstone with his name, rank, and the word "Vietnam," despite conflicting reports about his service there.
Cultural Impact
The story of Henry Marrow's death and its repercussions were immortalized in Timothy Tyson's 2004 book, "Blood Done Sign My Name," which explored the event's resonance within the civil rights movement and the socio-racial dynamics of the time. The book inspired a 2010 film adaptation, bringing the harrowing tale to a broader audience, and a stage play that debuted at Duke University in 2008.
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Henry Marrow Killed
Henry Marrow is shot and killed by Robert Teel and his associates in a racial confrontation.
Marrow Dies
Henry Marrow dies from his injuries while being transported to Duke University Medical Center.
Protests Erupt
Protests and demonstrations begin in response to Marrow's killing, leading to civil unrest.
Teels Indicted
Robert Teel, Larry Teel, and Roger Oakley are indicted on charges of murder in connection with Marrow's death.
Trial Begins
The trial of the Teels and Oakley begins with an all-white jury selected.
Not Guilty Verdict
The jury returns a not guilty verdict for all charges against the Teels and Oakley.
Boycott Initiated
The black community initiates an 18-month boycott of white businesses in Oxford.
Civil Rights Progress
The boycott leads to negotiations that result in the end of segregation in public facilities.
Civil Suit Filed
Marrow's widow files a wrongful death civil suit against the Teels following the trial.
The case involves the murder of Henry Dortress "Dickie" Marrow Jr., an African-American Army veteran, who was shot and killed on May 12, 1970, in Oxford, North Carolina, during a racial confrontation. Marrow's death occurred outside the Tidewater Seafood Market, where he had been socializing with friends prior to the incident. Two white suspects, Robert Teel and another individual, were acquitted by an all-white jury, sparking protests and a significant boycott of white-owned businesses by the local black community. The case remains a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, highlighting ongoing racial tensions and the struggle for equality in the region. Investigators have noted that the acquittal and subsequent community response led to a renewed push for civil rights actions in Oxford and beyond.
The killing of Henry Marrow is believed to have been motivated by racial tensions, as he was shot by white individuals during a confrontation. The acquittal of the suspects by an all-white jury sparked outrage and led to protests and boycotts by the black community against white-owned businesses in Oxford. Some speculate that the events surrounding Marrow's murder played a significant role in revitalizing civil rights activism in the area and influencing the broader movement across the United States.
The Killing of Henry Marrow: A Catalyst for Change
The Tragic Event
On a warm evening in May 1970, the town of Oxford, North Carolina, became the backdrop for a brutal and racially charged killing that would spark widespread civil rights protests. Henry Dortress "Dickie" Marrow Jr., a 23-year-old African-American Army veteran, found himself at the center of a storm when he was shot and killed by white men in a racially motivated confrontation. This incident, coupled with the subsequent acquittal of the suspects by an all-white jury, ignited a ferocious response from the black community, revitalizing civil rights activism in Oxford and beyond.
Background
Henry Marrow entered the world on January 7, 1947, in Oxford, North Carolina. His early life was marked by hardship; after his parents separated and his father died violently, his mother, Ivey Hunt Marrow, left for New Jersey in search of work, leaving Henry to be raised by his maternal grandparents. As a teenager, he moved in with the family of Benjamin Chavis and attended Mary Potter High School. His academic journey continued briefly at Kittrell College before he joined the military at 19, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Disenchanted with Army life and hesitant about serving in Vietnam, Marrow often returned home to Oxford, where he maintained a relationship with Willie Mae Sidney, whom he eventually married. Despite a New York Times article in 1978 suggesting otherwise, Marrow never served in Vietnam. After completing his military service, he settled back in Oxford with his growing family and began working at Umstead Hospital in Butner. He was the father of two daughters, with a third child on the way when tragedy struck.
In 1970, Oxford was still grappling with segregation, despite the passage of federal civil rights laws. A boycott was in progress against Robert Teel, a white store owner with a criminal past and rumored Ku Klux Klan ties, after he assaulted a black schoolteacher during an argument with his wife.
The Killing
The night of May 11, 1970, seemed ordinary enough as Marrow joined friends for a game of whist at the Tidewater Seafood Market. However, events took a dark turn when he left to buy a Coke for Fanny Chavis at Teel's shop. In the parking lot, he encountered Larry Teel and his wife, Judy. A comment from Marrow—its nature disputed—sparked a violent reaction. Larry shouted, "That's my wife you're talking to," leading Robert Teel and his stepson, Roger Oakley, to arm themselves with guns from the shop.
Robert Teel later claimed that Marrow's words amounted to "suicide," accusing him of insulting his daughter-in-law. As tensions escalated, Marrow attempted to defuse the situation, explaining he was speaking to nearby African-American women. But Larry Teel was not placated. When Teel attacked Marrow with a wooden block, Marrow brandished a knife and retreated, encouraged by friends to leave.
Despite Marrow's attempts to flee, the Teels pursued him with shotguns and a rifle. Robert Teel fired, injuring Marrow and wounding Boo Chavis, who had unwittingly entered the fray. Marrow fell after further shots from Oakley. As Marrow lay bleeding but conscious, the Teels and Oakley descended upon him. Witness Evelyn Downey recounted a harrowing scene of kicks and Robert Teel's chilling command to "Shoot the son of a bitch, shoot the son of bitching nigger," followed by a fatal bullet to Marrow's head.
At trial, Oakley claimed the gun fired accidentally due to Robert Teel jarring his shoulder, while Chavis testified that Larry Teel fired the fatal shot. The Teels locked their shop and left the scene, leaving Marrow to be rushed to Granville County Hospital and then to Duke University Medical Center, where he died en route.
Aftermath
The killing of Henry Marrow became a flashpoint for civil rights activism in Granville County. On the day of Marrow's funeral, mourners marched from the gravesite to the Confederate monument at the county courthouse, a rallying point for speeches about the injustice. Demonstrations continued, and arson attacks on white businesses caused approximately $1 million in damages. Rumors attributed these acts to Vietnam veterans, prompting a four-day curfew as protests spread, including a march to the state capital.
Indictments were filed against Robert Teel, his son Larry, and stepson Roger Oakley for murder, but an all-white jury acquitted them of all charges. Marrow's widow pursued a wrongful death suit later that year. In response, Benjamin Chavis, a local civil rights leader, led a significant protest march and orchestrated a protracted boycott of white businesses, culminating in the integration of Oxford.
Henry Marrow's grave bears a military headstone with his name, rank, and the word "Vietnam," despite conflicting reports about his service there.
Cultural Impact
The story of Henry Marrow's death and its repercussions were immortalized in Timothy Tyson's 2004 book, "Blood Done Sign My Name," which explored the event's resonance within the civil rights movement and the socio-racial dynamics of the time. The book inspired a 2010 film adaptation, bringing the harrowing tale to a broader audience, and a stage play that debuted at Duke University in 2008.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Henry Marrow Killed
Henry Marrow is shot and killed by Robert Teel and his associates in a racial confrontation.
Marrow Dies
Henry Marrow dies from his injuries while being transported to Duke University Medical Center.
Protests Erupt
Protests and demonstrations begin in response to Marrow's killing, leading to civil unrest.
Teels Indicted
Robert Teel, Larry Teel, and Roger Oakley are indicted on charges of murder in connection with Marrow's death.
Trial Begins
The trial of the Teels and Oakley begins with an all-white jury selected.
Not Guilty Verdict
The jury returns a not guilty verdict for all charges against the Teels and Oakley.
Boycott Initiated
The black community initiates an 18-month boycott of white businesses in Oxford.
Civil Rights Progress
The boycott leads to negotiations that result in the end of segregation in public facilities.
Civil Suit Filed
Marrow's widow files a wrongful death civil suit against the Teels following the trial.