Byron De La Beckwith was born on September 11, 1920, in California. He would later become a notorious Ku Klux Klansman who assassinated African-American civil rights activist Medgar Evers in 1963. This heinous act would shape the course of his life, eventually leading to a life sentence without parole and his death in prison in 2001.
Before his infamous crime, Beckwith served as a U.S. Marine Corps gunner during World War II. His military background would influence his beliefs and actions, aligning him with the racist and violent ideology of the Ku Klux Klan.
Despite openly bragging about the murder to his fellow Klansman, Beckwith was not arrested for his crimes until 1994. This delay in justice highlights the systemic racism and complicity that allowed him to evade punishment for so long.
Beckwith was married twice, first to Mary Louise Williams and later to Thelma Lindsay Neff. He had a son named Delay, whose life would also be impacted by his father's actions and beliefs.
His story was immortalized in the 1996 film "Ghosts of Mississippi," where he was portrayed by James Woods. Woods's performance earned him an Oscar nomination, further shining a light on Beckwith's dark legacy.
Throughout his life, Beckwith's actions stood as a stark reminder of the hatred and violence that still lingers in society. His name became synonymous with the worst aspects of humanity, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations.
Despite his death in 2001, Byron De La Beckwith's legacy lives on, a haunting reminder of the destructive power of bigotry and prejudice.
Byron De La Beckwith was a criminal, known for his involvement in the Ku Klux Klan and the assassination of Medgar Evers.