Crime in the Coalfields

Latest Episodes:

Irene Wilson Aug 21, 2024

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A brutal stabbing - one swift strike for every year of the woman's life. This was the untimely demise of 52 year old Irene Wilson. In this episode - Harper and Julia delve into Calhoun County - 1963.

In the small town of Broomstick, the grisly murder is discovered by two teen girls - while Irene's husband is on a night watch miles away. How does a murder like this affect a rural West Virginian town?

The McDowell County Courthouse Murders: A Walk Through History Aug 07, 2024

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The murder of both Sid Hatfield and Ed Chambers in 1920 - committed in Broad Daylight, with witnesses and family present.

This episode sees Julia and Harper visiting another infamous Courthouse.

This site is the stage of the notorious double-murder, sometimes known as the McDowell County Courthouse murders - responsible for inciting the historic Battle of Blair Mountain.

Listen to how this Crime Ignited the Coalfields - in tonight's Walk Through History.

Reta Mays Jul 24, 2024

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Seven veterans dead in the same hospital.

Seven life sentences waiting for a culprit to take the blame - and the responsibility.

Tonight, Julia and Harper delve into the case of the nurse behind seven serial killings in Clarksburg, West Virginia; Reta Mays. What motivated her to do this? What makes a killer?

The Wyoming County Courthouse: A Walk Through History Jul 10, 2024

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Courthouses are intended to be places of law at the center of a town or city. But sometimes they draw crime and law together; especially in rural America.

In this episode, Julia and Harper discuss some of the notable stories about crime surrounding the Wyoming County Courthouse during the 20th century.

The Death Penalty: A Walk Through History May 29, 2024

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Tonight's episode focuses on the recent history of the death penalty. Julia and Harper take a look at how public and private executions have changed since the beginning of the country's history, both in and outside of the Coalfields. The depth and breadth of cases involving execution is huge, but a historic perspective goes a long way.

Carl Cox May 15, 2024

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In this week's episode, Julia and Harper examine a case of cold-blooded murder- from shocking court outbursts, surprising video evidence, and a disturbing father-daughter relationship that ends with one of them dead. This is a recent case from just this past February 2024, where Carl Cox was officially found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder of his own daughter Rhonda Cox, and her husband, James Neal. Tune is as we explore Cox's unsettling motive and discuss the ins and outs of this unique case.

Closing the Carter Case (Alex Carter Revisited) May 02, 2024

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After nearly a quarter century - the missing persons case of Alex Carter has finally come to a close.

Listen as Julia and Harper delve into the efforts that went into closing this cold case in 2024.

Although it ends with a terrible truth - that Alex Carter and her mother, Susan Carter, were in fact murdered by a trusted individual over money troubles - her case now at least becomes a shining example of how hope is always important to keep, for both the law enforcement agencies that fight to close cold cases, and for the families of victims searching for answers.

Cathy Jo McCoy Apr 11, 2024

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In 2011, more than a decade after she first disappeared from Summers County, the remains of Cathy Jo McCoy eventually led police to her own mother, Mary Bowles. The question that remains even after all this time; Did Mary Bowles kill her daughter?

Julia and Harper dive into this Summers County murder case to try to provide answers to that question and to the question of why such a personal crime would be perpetrated on someone's own family.

The Unsolved Rainbow Murders Feb 14, 2024

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Two women: Vicki Durian and Nancy Santomero were hitchhiking to the Rainbow Gathering in 1980. The Rainbow Gathering was a world-peace festival meant to celebrate love, harmony and freedom held in Pocahontas County. The two women, however, would never make it there alive. Their murders would result in eight different suspects, an admission, a wrongful conviction lawsuit, and even the survivor's guilt of a close friend. Julia and Harper discuss the case of the Pocahontas County Rainbow Murders.

Murder on the Appalachian Trail Jan 31, 2024

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The Appalachian Trail is known for having some of the most scenic views on the East Coast of the United States, if not the entire country. However, the Appalachian Trail can also be a sinister place.

The Appalachian Trail has seen a total of 13 murders and many more disappearances. Tonight, Harper and Julia take a look at why this trail is sometimes known across the world as America's most deadly trail.

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