John J. Roberts

AKA: John Roberts
Gender:Male
Era:1850s
State:Massachusetts
Support
Abolitionist movement
No image available

Biography

John J. Roberts was arrested in Boston on May 26, 1854, during the attempted rescue of Anthony Burns from rendition to slavery. Contemporary reporting initially accused him of breaking a gas lamp in Court Square. He was then included in the collective murder complaint arising from James Batchelder’s death and committed to jail after the May 27 hearing. The June 7 newspaper report listed Roberts as still awaiting further examination. His eventual disposition, exact release date and total time in custody have not been verified.

Case

Charges: Collective murder complaint after the Anthony Burns rescue attempt; initial allegation of breaking a gas lamp
Arrested: May 26, 1854
Sentence: Actual custody from the May 26 arrest, followed by jail commitment on May 27 and continued proceedings reported June 7. No verified sentence, release date or complete duration. A newspaper prediction of discharge is not treated as an actual discharge.
Convicted: Awaiting further examination in the June 7, 1854 report; final disposition unverified

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