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Monday Evening
Charles and his roommate are sitting on some steps on a darkened street, quietly talking. 3 police officers approach and demand to know why they are there. Charles explains they are waiting for a friend and stands up. Officer Mora beats Charles with his billet. Charles flees, Mora fires shots, Charles returns fire; 3 shots each, both injured. Charles returns home. Police arrive, gunfire ensues; 2 more officers dead. So begins the largest manhunt in New Orleans history... -
Tuesday
Charles uses social capital and people he knows to find a hiding place on Saratoga Street. Police receive a tip of his location. By the afternoon, 5,000 angry Whites gather. Police arrest all Black men who voice support for Charles. A White man is fined for suggesting perhaps Charles was just defending himself, and that he deserved a fair trial. -
Wednesday
Charles remains in the house on Saratoga Street. White newspapers dramatize the events and portray Charles as a ruthless killer with an evil heart who hates the "White man". Anger among Whites grows exponentially. Acting Mayor of New Orleans offers $250 reward "for the capture and delivery, dead or alive, [of] the body of the negro murderer." (p. 68). Governor of Louisiana authorizes an additional $250 reward. -
Thursday
Charles remains in the house on Saratoga Street. At least 70 Blacks have now been injured, shot, or killed by angry White mobs. -
Friday
2 officers enter the house on Saratoga Street. Charles shoots them; shoots occasional bullets into yard. 20,000 angry Whites surround Charles; ~5,000 bullets are shot into the house within hours. The White mob sets fire to the house to oust Charles. He flees and is shot and killed. The White mob dehumanizes the corpse, then burns down a prominent Black school. Charles' Autopsy Report:
34 bullet holes to torso
"numerous" arm/leg wounds
skull "almost beaten to a pulp"
penis shot