WebBlog

Who Killed Michael Donald From Mobile AL? Lynch And Murder Mystery- Was Henry Francis Hays Involved?

The sensational lynching murder of Michael Donald of Alabama still gave goosebumps to our bodies. Who killed him? Read on to learn more about the tragic death of a young boy. 

Michael Donald was a 19-year-old boy from Alabama. He became the victim of a lynching murder back in 1981. The 

As per the records, Michael is of African-American descent, and he was 19 years during his death. 

The KKK’s grim protest resulted in the death of a young boy in the early 1980s. Sources revealed it was just the beginning of the terror that happened that night. 

Reportedly, the two men were roaming to kill a black man. Unluckily, they found Michael, then aged 19, was tortured physically and later hung to death.

His mother, Beulah Mae Donald, fought for her son’s justice, and thanks to the lawsuit, the perpetrators were captured and sentenced to life imprisonment. Who are they? Read on to know the details. 

Table of Contents

Who Killed Michael Donald?

Michael Donald became the victim of the Klan’s racist hatred back in 1981. Many KKK (Ku Klux Klan) members beat and killed Michael in 1981. 

The two white men, Henry Hays and James Knowles were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Lynching of Michael Donald, dead and obituary https://t.co/eQVSbOaBYl

— PeppeDemNG (@PeppeDemNG) February 3, 2022

After the brutal death of Michael, the devasted mother Beulah fought until the killers were convicted and pleaded guilty for their wrongdoings. The incident took place on March 21, 1981. 

Michael Donald Lynch And Murder Mystery

The murder of Michael Donald is the first lynching murder in the US. His mother, Beulah Mae Donald, died at 67 in 1988. She was honored by Ms. Magazine as the publication’s 1987 Woman of the Year prior to her death.

I’m watching @CNN #thepeoplevtheklan. This episode is where I’m gonna feel some pride. My mother, the lone black jurist, convinced 3 other jurists to convict Henry Hays of Michael Donald’s lynching. It’s her story that needs to be shared with the world.

— LaKeisha Chestnut Broadnax (@LaKeishaChest23) April 19, 2021

As per the ABC Chicago, Donald was the youngest son of Beulah. He was a well-behaved teenage boy and was studying to be a brick mason. 

Some reports stated Michael served in the mailroom of the Mobile Press-Register.

Was Henry Francis Hays Involved In Michael Donald Lynching?

 Yes, Henry Francis Hays was involved in the Michael Donald lynching. His follow partner, James Knowles, pleaded guilty and testified against him.

As per the lawsuit, Henry was executed by electric chair in 1997, while James Knowles was sentenced to life in prison.

Michael Donald Wife And Family Details- Where Are They Now?

Michael Donald was not married. Hence, his wife’s details are off the radar. 

Meanwhile, his mother died in 1988. She was 67 when she took her last breathe. Her mom was a fighter and fought bravely for civil rights. She is known for suing KKK after her son’s lynching in 1981. 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7u7PRZ6WerF%2Bau3DDyKSgaK%2BYpHqstculnJ1lnZ6wqa3EpWSdp56WuaV5xaumpmWdpK%2BquMRmmKVlnK67pLSMmqWdZZ2qv6Wx0Waksqukmr%2B6edaaqmaglaO%2FunnFq5inm5moeqmt2KxkoqampLm3scNo

Lynna Burgamy

Update: 2023-12-24