Carolyn Bryant Donham Dies at 88; Her Words Doomed Emmett Till
Carolyn Bryant Donham, a central figure in one of the most infamous incidents of racial violence in American history, has died at the age of 88.
The events that led to Till's death began when he and a group of friends went to a store owned by Donham's husband, Roy Bryant, to buy candy.
Bryant and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, kidnapped Till, brutally beat him, shot him in the head, and threw his body in the Tallahatchie River.
Till's mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, insisted on an open-casket funeral so the world could see the brutality of the crime committed against her son.
They later admitted to the murder in a Look magazine article, feeling safe from any further prosecution due to the constitutional protection against double jeopardy.
Donham's role in Till's murder came to light in the 2000s, when Tyson interviewed her for a book about the case.
Her death serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity.
The revelation sparked calls for Donham to be held accountable for her role in the murder, but legal experts say that her statements are unlikely to result in any charges due to the aforementioned protection against double jeopardy.