Leavenworth Brothers Convicted

Leavenworth Brothers Convicted

The Leavenworth brothers have been convicted by an all-white Wichita, Kansas jury of leading a prison rebellion last year.

The four black men--Odell Bennett, Jessie Lee Evans, Alf Hill and Alfred Jasper--were found guilty of inciting a riot at the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in August 1973.

During the seven-week trial, state prosecutors relied heavily on the testimony of prison guards who stated the four inmates "masterminded" the prison uprising.

However, the defendants maintain they have been singled out as ringleaders because all have been active in prison reform movements.

The jury handed down its guilty verdict after five days of deliberation. Defense attorneys say they will file motions calling for a new trial October 7.

--ZODIAC