James Cobern
James Cobern | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Willard Cobern January 31, 1924 Chilton County, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | September 4, 1964 (aged 40) |
| Occupation | Handyman |
| Criminal status | Executed by electrocution |
| Conviction | Robbery |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
James Willard Cobern (January 31, 1924 – September 4, 1964) was an American convicted robber executed in Alabama. On December 6, 1959, at a cafe in Selma, Alabama, Cobern, a World War II veteran, robbed his ex-girlfriend, 45-year-old Mamie Belle Walker, of her automobile and her jewelry, before he raped and murdered her. Cobern was charged with robbery, rape and murder, but was ultimately put on trial for solely the robbery charge, and sentenced to death. Cobern, who was executed by the electric chair on September 4, 1964, was the last person to be executed for robbery in the United States.