Jesse Washington was a seventeen-year-old African American farmworker accused of the rape and murder of a white woman, Lucy Fryer, in Waco, Texas. The crime reportedly occurred on May 15, 1916, and was characterized by a wave of racial tension that fueled lynching in the American South. The trial that followed was notably swift, taking place within hours, reflecting the deep-seated racial prejudices of the time. Despite the lack of substantial evidence, Washington was found guilty and sentenced to death almost immediately.

After his conviction, a mob, galvanised by both racial hatred and sensationalist media coverage, seized Washington from the courthouse. They dragged him through the streets of Waco, displaying him as a trophy of their prejudice before lynching him. Washington's body was then brutally burned in front of a large crowd, many of whom were reportedly taking photographs as a means of preserving the gruesome spectacle. This tragic incident was emblematic of the rampant lynching culture in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly targeting African Americans.

The lynching of Jesse Washington shocked many across the country, sparking discussions about race, justice, and the legal system. The incident was widely reported in national newspapers, which prompted outrage and calls for reform. Washington's death thus not only represented a single act of racial violence but also highlighted the desperation for social change amidst deep-rooted racism in American society.