Henry Dickie Marrow murder trial, Oxford NC

Outcome?

The outcome was decided by an all-white jury. After review, they pleaded that the Teel’s were not guilty of the killing. The Teel’s testified that Marrow spoke “ugly, nasty words” to Teel's wife. After finding out, the local black community was outraged, and burned parts of the city down. Today there’s a book and a movie about the trial, and Teel’s family still lives in Oxford.

Credits

The Trial cont.

However, the Teel's testified that the killing of Henry Marrow was in their self defense, with Robert Teel claiming that

Marrow spoke "ugly, nasty words" to Larry's wife. Since there was no one to testify for Marrow, the jury decided that the Teel's were not guilty.

“1970 Racial Killing in Oxford, North Carolina.”Black Then. Web. 16 May 2017. <https://blackthen.com/henry-d-marrow-1970-racial-killing-in-oxford-north-carolina/>

“Fate 1.”Jackie Whiting.”Web. 14 May 27.<http://jackiewhiting.net/Collab/Fear/Fates/Rural.htm>.

“Oxford Still Scarred By 1970 Racial Killing”.WRAL.Web. 15 May 2017.

<http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/110772/>

“1970 Oxford Murder Sparked Violent Protests” NCDCR. Web. 17 May 2017. <https://www.ncdcr.gov/blog/2014/05/11/1970-oxford-murder-sparked-violent-protests>

The Trial

The trial was inconclusive, because it was an all-white jury (appointed) against a black man's case. Oxford at the time was a segregated town, but even then, the black community was still surprised about the murder. The only evidence or bases of them being not guilty is that Marrow pulled out his knife for self defense. But, no one was at the trial to testify this.

Background Information

Henry Marrow- A black man, who was in the U.S army. Married and had two daughters.

Robert Teel- A white man, who owns a general store. Past member of The K.K.K. with a criminal record.

Larry Teel- Son of Robert Teel and is married.

Mr. Oakley- A friend of the Teel's

Marrow was with his 3 friends celebrating because he came home from the military. He left saying he wanted to get a Coke at the Teel's store. He walked by Larry Teel and wife Mrs. Teel. They were unpacking a motorcycle. Marrow made a remark to two white women (claimed) and Mrs. Teel interpreted it toward her and so did her husband, Mr. Teel(Larry), Mr. R. Teel (Larry's father), and Mr. Oakley (friend) weren't willing to believe that it was directed to the two black women.

Background Information cont.

The Teel's became hostile, then some other black men tried to help him in his defense.

Marrow ran, then pulled out his knife in self defense. Then Robert Teel pull out his shotgun and shot him to the ground and then again two more times. Then Larry Teel beat him with a board, and soon after that Mr. Oakly pulled out his gun and shot him once again in the head killing him.

Henry "Dickie" Marrow murder trial, Oxford NC

By Vito Kuznik & Will Turk