Death by Suicidal Means: The Killing of Wardell Burge

DEATH BY SUICIDAL MEANS focuses on the barbaric use of North Carolina's infamous outlawry statute. The law, born of racism, allowed a sheriff's posse in 1965 to lynch a mentally deranged black man. Based on fact, the book reveals how Wardell Burge died when the house where he lived with his elderly mother burned to the ground in a confrontation with four white lawmen. The sheriff hand picked a coroner's jury which returned a verdict of DEATH BY SUICIDAL MEANS. The cover displays in vibrant color a computer enhanced image of Wardell Burge preaching to his church congregation while brandishing gun & Bible. DEATH BY SUICIDAL MEANS is filled with the political intrigue of corrupt public officials who commit adultery, embezzle public funds & otherwise abuse their public trust to gain greater power. Subsequent to the tragic death of Wardell Burge, outlawry was declared unconstitutional. DEATH BY SUICIDAL MEANS has signaled a call for repeal of outlawry, which remains law. This book is ideal for use in colleges & high schools to illuminate the injustice of racism, police brutality, bigotry, & the barbarity of outlawry. It is recommended & well suited for public, high school, & college libraries. To order, call-fax 919- 448-1113 or write to: Inheritance Press, 101 Henderson La., Trenton, NC 28585. Also available from: Baker & Taylor, & Brodart.