FBI ANNOUNCES $10,000 REWARD IN CIVIL RIGHTS CASE

Special Agent in Charge David W. Welker, New Orleans Division of the FBI announced today that the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those responsible for the 1964 death of Frank Morris.

In February 2006, the FBI began a "Cold Case" initiative to identify and investigate unsolved civil rights cases which resulted in death and which could still be viable for prosecution.

In February 2007, the Department of Justice and the FBI announced a joint effort with the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Urban League to investigate decades-old unsolved violent crimes from the Civil Rights era.

Much time has passed in the aftermath of these crimes. However, the FBI and the Department of Justice are committed to re-examining these cases and undertaking all appropriate investigative steps to bring before the bar of justice those individuals who may have avoided punishment for so long.

One such tragedy occurred in Ferriday, Louisiana forty-four years ago:

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on December 10, 1964, unidentified white males entered a shoe repair store in Ferriday, Louisiana owned by Frank Morris, a black male, and spread flammable liquid throughout. Morris, who was sleeping in an adjacent room, was awakened by the noise and came out to see what was going on. When Morris entered the shop area, the store was set on fire. The fire and explosion injured Morris, causing severe burns to 100% of his body. Four days later, the burns ultimately resulted in his death at approximately 7:30 p.m. on December 14, 1964.

The FBI and the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana are investigating this case and seeking new information. Sometimes an innocuous, small bit of information can be crucial to breaking an investigation wide open. A secret harbored for many years can be the piece of evidence needed to make the case.

Anyone with information concerning the arson murder of Frank Morris is urged to call the New Orleans FBI Field Division, 504-816-3000 or the Monroe Resident Agency, 318-387-0773. All calls/callers will be treated confidentially.

Protecting the civil rights of all Americans is one of the FBI's highest priorities, whether the violations occurred four days ago or forty-four years ago.