There will be no trial for an ex-Alabama State Trooper accused of the 1965 shooting death of a civil rights activist. James Bonard Fowler, 76, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Monday in the half century old murder case of Jimmie Lee Jackson.
Fowler, a white Alabama State Trooper, was accused of shooting Jackson, a black man, during a 1965 civil rights demonstration in Marion. Jackson’s death sparked outrage and inspired marches at Selma that led to passage of the Voting Rights Act.
Fowler pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to six months in the Geneva County Jail, his home county.Perry County District Attorney Michael Jackson said Monday’s plea brings a long needed sense of closure.
“We were trying to accomplish one of three things,” Jackson said, “and we accomplished all three.”Jackson said Fowler admitted guilt, apologized to Jackson’s family in open court and will receive jail time.
“Hopefully, the community can heal now,” Jackson added.
“I was coming over here to save lives,” Fowler told the family. “I didn’t mean to take lives and wish I could re-do it.” Fowler’s attorney, George Beck, says his client has until December 1 to turn himself in to authorities.