Typically, the closing statement is a lawyer’s moment to shine. Though they must stick to how the evidence supports their side in the case, they have a lot of room to shape the narrative. The closing is the last thing the jury will hear before they leave to deliberate. A powerful story will make anContinue reading “Closing Statements”
Tag Archives: Local History
The State of TN vs. William D. Sheffey, opening day
As the August 1925, session of the Circuit Court in Blount County, TN, approached, the town was abuzz. The earliest reports were that the Sheffey defense team was hard put to get the state to reveal their evidence prior to its presentation at trial. There was no preliminary hearing. By August 11, it had beenContinue reading “The State of TN vs. William D. Sheffey, opening day”
The Poes
Warning: this post includes details of a sexual assault. Clyde Poe was just 21 in December, 1924, and he and his wife Lora had been married a little over a year. He was listed as a laborer, a “hard working farmer,” in Alcoa. Clyde and Lora lived with their four month old baby boy nearContinue reading “The Poes”
A Trap is Set
This post is based on a chapter written by N. Locklin and was edited by Trey Hampton (MC ’24) In the months after he had received the anonymous letter, Sheriff John C. McCampbell did not stop looking for the Night Marauder. Two people who had seen the letter—the Sheriff’s sister-in-law and old Dr. Cusick fromContinue reading “A Trap is Set”
Luther and Ada Wells
This post is based on a piece written by N. Locklin, edited by Andy Kelly (MC ’23) and Sydnee Hansraj (MC ’23). At eighteen years old, the young couple had only been married eight months when the terrifying Night Marauder landed on their doorstep and changed their lives forever. On the night of December 10,Continue reading “Luther and Ada Wells”
Who was Will Sheffey?
Written by Scotty Leach (MC ’23) based on research compiled by N. Locklin. Within the quiet, peaceful town of Maryville lay the College Hill Historic District. From Goddard to Waller Avenue, this humble area of Blount County lies along with all of its historic memories of its past. The land across from the district isContinue reading “Who was Will Sheffey?”
The Crime Wave shifts to Blount County
Based on a piece written by Nancy Locklin, edited by Cooper Harrison (’22). The Blount Country crimewave began on June 15, 1922, when Miss Mary McCampbell awoke to a man with a pistol and a flashlight in hand. She was the matron of the Blount County Children’s Home and was checking on the residents. TheContinue reading “The Crime Wave shifts to Blount County”
John Honeycutt–A Killer or a Star-Crossed Lover?
This post was written by contributor Allie Maynard (MC’24). The post was edited by N. Locklin. John Honeycutt was a local man of the Knoxville area. A simpleton if you will, he had the simple everyday life of the 1915 era he’d go to work, come home, drink a little and repeat. He was aContinue reading “John Honeycutt–A Killer or a Star-Crossed Lover?”
Making the List
It should come as no surprise that the defense team for Maurice Mays, facing the death penalty after having been charged with the murder of Bertie Lindsey, pulled out all the stops. The crucial evidence, that the assaults and murders kept happening even as Mays was incarcerated, never made it to the jury’s ears. ThatContinue reading “Making the List”
The Night Marauder Project 