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BELZONI, MISS. —
J.D. “BUBBA” ROSEMAN, the first black sheriff
of Humphreys County, is a convivial man. In his
office and in casual conversations on the street
in this town of 2,200, he engages people quickly
and easily, inquiring about a son on the football
team, a niece in college or a grandmother in the
hospital. He talks loud and fast, always smiling, and works a deep, infectious laugh into just
about every conversation. ¶ But when Roseman, 57, talks about Kathy Mabry, the mirth
drains from his face. His brow straightens. He
speaks softly. He pauses from time to time to
swallow the catch that latches onto his words.
His eyes sometimes well up. It’s an unexpected
reaction from a stout man wearing a gun.