On November 20, 1932, in the heart of Detroit, James J. Smith’s life meets a horrifying end. Robert Harris, a member of the Allah Temple of Islam, orchestrates a grim ritual, drawing Smith into a room adorned with a makeshift altar. Witnesses, including Harris’s family, watch as Smith agrees to sacrifice himself for the cause. In a chilling act, Harris stabs Smith in the chest and bludgeons him to death, fulfilling what he claims is a divine command.
The aftermath is swift and chaotic. Neighbors tip off the police, leading to Harris’s arrest along with his wife, Bertha. In custody, Harris admits to the murder, describing it as a necessary act to appease his gods. The press dubs the incident the “Voodoo Murder,” as authorities launch a manhunt for other temple leaders. The case exposes a web of fanaticism, drawing public outrage and media frenzy.
Harris’s trial takes a dramatic turn as he is declared legally insane and sent to a mental institution. The Allah Temple of Islam dissolves, eventually reforming as the Nation of Islam. Harris’s life ends in 1935 within the confines of the hospital, leaving behind a legacy of fear and sparking protests against the cult’s practices. The murder of James J. Smith remains a haunting reminder of the dangers of fanaticism and the impact of religious extremism on society.
Story Source: Non-fiction books titled “The Messenger: The Rise and Fall of Elijah Muhammad” (Knopf Doubleday) and “In the Name of Elijah Muhammad: Louis Farrakhan and The Nation of Islam” (Duke University Press).
