The Legs Murder Scandal

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Crimes & Criminals, Murder, True Crime, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book The Legs Murder Scandal by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer, University Press of Mississippi
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer ISBN: 9781604737233
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi Publication: August 9, 2010
Imprint: University Press of Mississippi Language: English
Author: Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
ISBN: 9781604737233
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Publication: August 9, 2010
Imprint: University Press of Mississippi
Language: English

In Laurel, Mississippi, in 1935, one daughter of a wealthy and troubled family stood accused of murdering her mother. On her testimony, authorities suspected an equally prominent and well-to-do businessman, her reputed lover, of assisting. Ouida Keeton apparently shot her mother, chopped her up, and disposed of most of her body parts down the toilet and in the fireplace, burning all but the pelvic region, the thighs, and the legs. Attempting to dispose of these remains on a narrow, one-lane, isolated road, Ouida left a trail of evidence that ended in her arrest. People had seen her driving to the road. Within hours, a hunter and his dogs found the cloth in which she had wrapped her mother's legs.

Touted as the most sensational crime in Mississippi history at the time, the Legs Murder of 1935 is almost entirely forgotten today. The controversial outcome, decided by an unsophisticated jury, has been left muddled by ambiguity. With The Legs Murder Scandal, Hunter Cole presents an intricately detailed description of the separate trials of Ouida Keeton and W.M. Carter. Having researched trial transcripts, courthouse records, medical files, and vast newspaper coverage, the author reveals new facts previously distorted by hearsay, hushed reports, and misinformation. Cole pursues many unanswered questions such as what, really, did Ouida Keeton do with the rest of her mother? The Legs Murder Scandal attempts to provide the reader with clarity in this story, which is outlandish, harrowing, and intriguing, all at once.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Laurel, Mississippi, in 1935, one daughter of a wealthy and troubled family stood accused of murdering her mother. On her testimony, authorities suspected an equally prominent and well-to-do businessman, her reputed lover, of assisting. Ouida Keeton apparently shot her mother, chopped her up, and disposed of most of her body parts down the toilet and in the fireplace, burning all but the pelvic region, the thighs, and the legs. Attempting to dispose of these remains on a narrow, one-lane, isolated road, Ouida left a trail of evidence that ended in her arrest. People had seen her driving to the road. Within hours, a hunter and his dogs found the cloth in which she had wrapped her mother's legs.

Touted as the most sensational crime in Mississippi history at the time, the Legs Murder of 1935 is almost entirely forgotten today. The controversial outcome, decided by an unsophisticated jury, has been left muddled by ambiguity. With The Legs Murder Scandal, Hunter Cole presents an intricately detailed description of the separate trials of Ouida Keeton and W.M. Carter. Having researched trial transcripts, courthouse records, medical files, and vast newspaper coverage, the author reveals new facts previously distorted by hearsay, hushed reports, and misinformation. Cole pursues many unanswered questions such as what, really, did Ouida Keeton do with the rest of her mother? The Legs Murder Scandal attempts to provide the reader with clarity in this story, which is outlandish, harrowing, and intriguing, all at once.

More books from University Press of Mississippi

Cover of the book Can’t Stand Still by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book The President’s Ladies by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Fiddling Way Out Yonder by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Black Diva of the Thirties by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Perspectives on Barry Hannah by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Comics and Language by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Bodies by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Jujitsu for Christ by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Werner Herzog by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Comics and Adaptation by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book The Painted Screens of Baltimore by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Right to Revolt by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Caribbean Visionary by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Acting My Face by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
Cover of the book Faulkner and the Native South by Hunter Cole, Elizabeth Spencer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy