Other civil rights-era cases have been revived by prosecutors in recent years. Blanton is the second former Klan member put on trial in the bombing of the church, a downtown rallying site for civil rights protesters. Another former Klansman, Bobby Frank Cherry, was indicted last year but his trial was delayed after evaluations raised questions about his mental competency. A fourth suspect, Herman Cash, died without being charged. The bombing came during white backlash to desegregation, including a series of dynamite bombings of black homes in Birmingham.
Many residents remain defensive of the city's reputation from that era.
Jones, who prosecuted the case in state court under a special arrangement, touched on the fact in his closing statement. Back to Top 2001 Sun Herald. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of the Sun Herald is expressly prohibited.