Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Soledad Prison Murder, 1971


Soledad State Prison inmates James Wagner and Roosevelt Williams, both 24, arrive at Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas on May 26, 1971. Williams and Wagner were among seven black inmates who gained notoriety in the case as the "Soledad Seven," who were tried in the murder of prison guard William C. Shull, who was stabbed to death on the grounds of the prison. Charges were later dismissed by the District Attorney when it was determined that a key witness had lied when questioned by an investigator.