Criminal The Family Land, Part 2
Nov 1, 2024
Kim Duhon, niece of Melvin and Ly Curtis Reels, shares her family's compelling saga of love and loss tied to their ancestral land. Attorney James Hairston discusses the brothers' legal fight that culminated in a landmark case. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of incarceration, familial resilience, and the complexities of property rights. Listeners learn about the heart-wrenching sacrifices made, the significance of home, and the enduring hope for future generations to honor their legacy.
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Jailed for Their Land
- Melvin Davis and Ly Curtis Reels were jailed in 2011 for refusing to leave their family land.
- A judge ordered them to vacate their homes which sat on disputed heir's property.
Heir's Property Vulnerability
- Their grandfather's land became heir's property due to the lack of a will.
- This legal loophole makes it easy to lose such property, especially in the South where it affects a significant portion of Black-owned land.
The Search for Legal Help
- Kim Duhon, their niece, struggled to find legal help due to high fees and lack of interest in the case.
- She faced personal hardships, including her husband's cancer diagnosis, while trying to support her uncles.