A Racism Story: Double Execution of Willie Francis

This story from 1940s America, when racism was at its peak, highlights the blatant racism and disregard for human life and dignity.
Willie Francis, a 16-year-old African American, survived a failed electric chair execution on May 3, 1946. Even more horrifying, he had to spend another year in a cell before facing the same punishment again, knowing the pain he would endure.
Willie was initially arrested when police were searching for drug smugglers. Despite finding no drugs, police claimed they found a wallet belonging to a murdered man, Andrew Thomas, in Willie's pocket. However, they provided no evidence to support this claim.
After brutal interrogation, police claimed Willie confessed to killing Thomas. An all-white jury convicted him of murder and sentenced him to death. The first execution attempt failed due to improper setup by a drunk guard, but Willie still received an electric shock.
His lawyer argued that putting Willie through the execution process again would be unconstitutional, considering it an unusually cruel punishment. The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 against Francis, leading to his second and successful execution on May 9, 1947.
The article suggests that the gun Willie was accused of using belonged to a deputy sheriff, implying the possibility that the real killer may have framed an innocent black child to save himself.
This case exemplifies the extreme racial injustice and disregard for human rights prevalent in 1940s America.