My grandfather “BT” was killed on Sunday, November 6, 1938 by his father Edward Guy Crump late that night. Apparently an intense argument had developed between BT and his father after arriving home from a lodge meeting at 11pm. My grandmother was 8 months and some days pregnant with their 4^th child Etta Ruth, who NEVER got a chance to know her father because of this senseless killing. There are so many unanswered questions as well as so many fictional stories of this incident. After my interviews and research of the questions that stirred in my mind, I can’t help but wonder what lead to the argument that Papa Crump felt so threaten? Why would BT be so angry after arriving home from a lodge meeting at 11pm? Only to meet his death within an hour later. What could be discussed by him and his pregnant wife of 8 months that would lead to an argument? Well all the evidence I found is before you via the links under “the truth will set you free”.

Edward Guy was 65 years old on this cold Sunday night, November 6, 1938. Edward Guy was a short man, but never took anything off of anyone. He had a quick temper whenever he felt you crossed him or bothered any of his children. From what I gathered he loved his family even though he was a white man during the time segregation was prevalent. He was always seen with his children in town, on the bus traveling to town, as well as acknowledging their presence when he was with his white counterparts.

“BT”, my grandfather was ONLY 39 years old. All I got about him was he was jovial all the time. He was a womanizer, and a handsome man. His life was snuffed out by this senseless killing, and from the information from Leon County Courts. Apparently his stature was tall, and had a heavy voice, which I am not surprise. After reading the "acquittal" where it stated that Edward Guy Crump felt "....the difference in the size between the defendant (Edward Guy) and the deceased (Elmer C.). If you believe that the actions of the deceased (Elmer C.) coupled with his great size and greater agility and youth were such as to convince the defendant that his life was in immediate danger. Then you should acquit the defendant". You know the old adage "the apple does not fall far from the tree". I never got to know my grandfather, but I can testify the temperments alone from Elmer C. Crump, Jr and his brother Adlai S. both have the heavy voices. Their temperaments was something no one ever wanted to challenged. So, I can only imagine what BT would have been like.

Upon coming home that night BT came in the home as normal. He went to the bedroom with his wife and a conversation was discussed. When he came out he informed his father, he was moving his family that night. His father was not pleased with that choice and told him “your mother(Hattie Miles) said you must stay with me until I die”, so they kept passing words, and in a haste with his choice of words E. G. Crump said well someone was going to die that night. As BT started packing his belonging going back and forth from the house to the car and arguing. His wife Carrie was 35 years old and 8 months pregnant with Etta Ruth, their 4^th child.

E. G. Crump always had a gun that he normally kept on his dresser, it was then noticed by his eldest grandson(Elmer C Crump Jr)the gun was missing. Shortly thereafter the sound of a gunshot ranged out. As the Tallahassee Democrat article reported the bullet went through his body killing him instantly. E. G. Crump was taken to jail that night and was released on a $600.00 bond. The appearance bond stated he must answer the charge of manslaughter on November 16, 1938 @9:00am. The grand jury came to a decision to arrest him after they investigated the death, in which they convened for almost 9 days before the charge of second degree murder. The witnesses for the state was Dr. George H. Gwynn, Joe Campbell, Carrie Crump, Robert Crawford, Elmer C. Crump Jr., Roosevelt Porter, and Frank Stoutamire. Throughout the trial, Carrie was due any day with the birth of their 4^th child, and given the stress of the trauma of her husband’s death, she gave birth to Etta Ruth on November 17, 1938, in the midst of all this turmoil. In fact, Etta Ruth was born the same day of the grand jury testimony. Shortly thereafter, in the Spring of 1939 Edward Guy Crump was acquitted of the murder of his 5^th child, Elmer C. Crump Sr. The acquittal motion was stated:

“In considering the defendant’s plea of self-defense, you may and should consider the difference in the size between the defendant and the deceased. If you believe that the actions of the deceased coupled with his great size and greater agility and youth were such as to convince the defendant that his life was in immediate danger. Then you should acquit the defendant.

Respectfully requested”

With all the information found on this case, I will like to say thanks to all the family members that shared this information with me. I also like to say a special thanks to my Uncle Jack for taking several of the family members on the tour of the family homes and the timeline of this senseless killing. Also Auntee(Etta Ruth) for passing the information as told to her by her mother, who tried to keep her father's memory alive. The above information was gathered from several members of the family as well as pertinent materials from the courthouse. Under no certain terms I was trying to offend anyone in these findings, only the truth of the matter. As the topic state “the truth will set you free”.

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