Ex-Klan Leader Is Charged in ‘60s Firebombing Death

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — A former Ku Klux Klan leader who was tried twice during the 1960s in the firebombing death of a black civil rights activist was arrested again Thursday on charges of masterminding the crime.

Samuel Bowers, 73, was charged with murder and arson in the 1966 attack that killed Vernon Dahmer. Two other men were also arrested.

In the previous trials, one each in state and federal court, the juries deadlocked.

Officials said the renewed investigation has yielded new evidence, including new witnesses, that they believe will mean a conviction this time.

State Atty. Gen. Mike Moore, his voice oozing with sarcasm, referred to Bowers as “the imperial wizard” and described the two others as “henchmen.”

Charles Noble, 55, a poultry company executive, was arrested on charges of murder and arson. Deavours Nix, 72, was charged with arson.

Bowers was imperial wizard of the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1960s. The White Knights were linked to firebombings, murders and harassment of civil rights leaders in Mississippi.

Authorities say two carloads of klansmen bombed the Dahmer family home after it was announced that residents could pay their poll taxes at Dahmer’s store near Hattiesburg. Dahmer returned gunfire through his front door while his wife and children escaped through a back window.

Four men were convicted and a fifth pleaded guilty. But Bowers, who was identified in testimony as masterminding the raid, was not among them. Bowers has said he is not guilty. Published reports in March said an FBI informant reported that Bowers told him he had tampered with a jury.

Lawrence Arrington, Bowers’ attorney, said Thursday the charges are politically motivated. He predicted another mistrial.