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All things Kooky and Spooky in the Sooner (or Cowboy) state! Native Oklahomans and cousins, Jess and Tiff, explore all the dark history, paranormal, and true crime in their home state.
Copyright: © Curious Cousins OK
Time for Arkansas’ trial of the 40s! James Waybern Hall, aka Red, was going to be tried for his crime against his wife Fayrene. The state felt this was the strongest case they had in placing and keeping Red behind bars. This week, Tiff will walk us through the State’s case against Red. And of course, Red’s attorney will pull every string he can in an attempt to get his client off with an insanity plea…surprised? We weren’t either.
This trial is, at times, a circus event, with the defense interrupting, objecting, and frustrating witnesses and the judge. Was this the plan all along? You be the judge…lol! And with a pile of evidence, the defense will attempt to convince the jury that Fay’s death is anything BUT obvious…something the prosecution easily feels they can prove.
Don’t forget! If you haven’t listened to Episodes 89-92, please do so now! We can’t have our cousins being lost!
**Please check out Janie Nesbitt Jones’ book “The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern ‘Red’ Hall” wherever you get your books!
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This week, Jess takes us into part 4 of our season finale James Waybern “Red” Hall…the Arkansas Hitchhike Killer.
The investigation into the murders connected to Red Hall revealed disturbing details about his actions and mindset. He provided law enforcement with detailed descriptions of his crimes, even taking them to the site where he left his wife, Fay. The identification of Fay was made possible through a jawbone, and as detectives continued their inquiry, they discovered that Red had traveled to California after her murder. This raised suspicions that he might have committed more murders during his travels, prompting authorities to share his picture and fingerprints nationwide. As information poured in from various states, law enforcement sought connections to other unsolved cases, including the Lambert/Nipper killings in Kansas and other murders in Oklahoma and Texas.
As the investigations progressed, Red Hall's personality and interactions with law enforcement became increasingly notable. Despite his heinous acts, he managed to charm those around him, leading to moments of dark humor and disturbing revelations. During his trips with police, he reenacted some murders and expressed a bizarre sense of pride in the attention he garnered, even likening his situation to a carnival sideshow. Red's confessions, filled with contradictions, included claims of having killed numerous individuals, yet he continued to deny involvement in specific cases despite the mounting evidence against him. The investigations highlighted the complexities of Red Hall's character, leaving many questions unanswered as law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to piece together his dark past.
Don’t forget! If you haven’t listened to Episodes 89-91, please do so now! We can’t have our cousins being lost!
**Please check out Janie Nesbitt Jones’ book “The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern ‘Red’ Hall” wherever you get your books!
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When it comes to serial killers, there are some things that many have in common; childhood abuse, head injuries, discipline and strictness in the name of religion, submissive parent while the other is domineering…Red Hall seemed to check many, if not all these boxes. Narcissism is also a characteristic of these types of people. Red loved to talk…and talking about his crimes was no exception!
When Little Rock PD and the Arkansas State Police questioned Red Hall, it didn’t take much longer than 2 hours to get him to start talking. And talking he did! Investigators not only got motive, but they got blow-by-blow accounts of each death.
This week Tiff will take you through Red’s confession and account on what happened each day, on the roads, while hitchhiking. If his story hasn’t convinced you yet to not hitchhike, perhaps this one will…
This is part 3 of our season finale deep dive covering The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer James Wayber ‘Red’ Hall. Please listen to episodes 89 and 90 before you listen to this one!
**Please check out Janie Nesbitt Jones’ book “The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern ‘Red’ Hall” wherever you get your books!
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This week Tiff takes talks us through part 2, the crimes portion, of our deep dive into the life of serial killer James Waybern Hall.
James Waybern Hall, also known as Red, was involved in a series of crimes spanning various states in the late 1930s and early 1940s. He was suspected of multiple murders and was known to hitchhike and commit violent acts. His first victim was believed to be his own brother, followed by a string of murders in different locations such as Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The details of his crimes were gruesome, with victims found beaten and shot. Red's behavior led to suspicions and investigations conducted by law enforcement across different states.
As the investigation unfolded, more connections were made between the murders, and Red's involvement became clearer. He was known for his constant traveling and encounters with various individuals before his eventual arrest. The police gathered evidence linking him to multiple killings, including the discovery of a crucial firearm. Despite initially appearing calm during interrogations, Red's demeanor shifted when faced with incriminating evidence. The investigation into Red's crimes continued, revealing a pattern of violence and deception that kept authorities on high alert.
**Please check out Janie Nesbitt Jones’ book “The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern ‘Red’ Hall” wherever you get your books!
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Well cousins, it’s that time again! Time for our season finale shows! What a season we have had! But don’t fret…it isn’t over yet! You still have a few more weeks before we take our August break!
This Season 2 final deep dive was requested to us by listener Janie Nesbitt Jones! We traveled to Arkansas in May of 2023 to Crime Con. There is where we met Ms. Jones. This is where we learned about a man who would peak our podcasting interests. A man by the name of James Waybern Hall, or Red, for short, who became one of our region’s prolific serial killers. James Hall is known as “The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer”. Ms. Jones reached out to us this May, and the crazy thing was, we were looking for topics for our season finale…and Red’s story was in our choices! So we dedicate these episodes to author and expert Janie Nebitt Jones!
James Waybern Hall honestly had all the makings of a serial killer…strict, zealot-like religious upbringing, abusive father, submissive mother, a head injury…in addition, Red, as he was often called, grew up on a farm where their meals came straight from the field to table…perhaps helping to appease a fascination with death. Throughout his early life, Red seemed to be charming, manipulative, and a tad bit deceitful. He talked a good game, in other words. He dabbled in petty thief, but that didn’t always bring the thrill it seemed he needed at times. Red LOVED traveling…making stops in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and as far away as Arizona and California.
So buckle up, cousins. Jess is going to kick off this ride with some background info regarding Arkansas’ notorious murderer. Let’s take a ride through the 1940s. Just be careful who you pick-up along the side of the road…
**Please check out Janie Nesbitt Jones’ book “The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern ‘Red’ Hall” wherever you get your books!
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John Stink, a legendary Osage figure, also known as the Osage Ghost, was surrounded by myths and tales of his ability to come back from the dead (maybe they should have called him the Osage Zombie?). He lived a simple life close to nature, rejecting material wealth and preferring the company of his beloved dogs. Despite various versions of his supposed "deaths" and returns, John Stink remained a mysterious and enigmatic character in Pawhuska until his ACTUAL passing in 1938 at the age of 75. But perhaps his spirit has decided to walk the streets of Pawhuska once more…do you hear those dogs barking?
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While traveling last week, Tiff was introduced to someone, or rather, a group of someones, that she had never heard of…the Bald Knobbers of the Ozark region of southwest Missouri.
This group of vigilantes reigned from 1885 to 1889. They wore black horned hoods with white faces painted on them, derived their name from the nearby Ozark Mountains' bald knob summits. The group aimed to protect life and property, assist law enforcement, combat corruption, and uphold community values. The group's actions aimed to restore order in a post-war society plagued by lawlessness and economic struggles. But this wouldn’t be a dark history lesson if something didn’t go drastically wrong…
The Bald Knobbers' story has left a lasting impact on Ozark culture. From plays and tourism developments to a long-running variety show and even a documentary, their presence is still felt today. Despite their controversial methods and violent history, the Bald Knobbers' role in history remains a subject of debate. Similar to other vigilante groups of the time, they emerged in response to a lack of effective law enforcement and societal challenges. While some view them as law enforcement militias, others see them as criminal gangs or groups seeking to reclaim power lost during the Civil War. As descendants continue to explore and share their stories, the Bald Knobbers remain a complex and intriguing chapter in the history of the Ozarks. So strap into this deep dive with Tiff as she explores the illustrious history of bald knobbers…the twists and turns are only rivaled by the roller coaster that portrays their misdeeds!
Sources:
Wikipedia; Bald Knobbers
Matthew J. Hernando, The Bald Knobbers of Southwest Missouri, 1885-1889: A Study of Vigilante Justice in the Ozarks
Bill Tilghman, born on July 4, 1854, had an intriguing life as a quintessential Old West Cowboy and Lawman. Tilghman started his journey as a buffalo hunter at the age of 16, becoming known for his exceptional shooting skills with a Sharps rifle. Throughout his time as a buffalo hunter, he befriended notable figures like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, but also engaged in illegal activities such as stealing horses from Native American tribes. Despite this, Tilghman transitioned into law enforcement in Dodge City, Kansas, working alongside figures like the Earps and Mastersons.
Tilghman's lawman career further blossomed when he became part of "The Three Guardsmen," renowned for their pursuit of outlaws in the Indian Territory. His most notable arrest of Bill Doolin in 1895 solidified his status as a national hero. As time progressed, Tilghman's life took unexpected turns, including a foray into Hollywood with the production of "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws." However, tragedy struck in 1924 when Tilghman was fatally shot in Cromwell, Oklahoma, by U.S. Prohibition Officer Wiley Lynn. Despite Lynn's controversial acquittal in court, Tilghman's legacy lives on through the Bill Tilghman Award, recognizing individuals who uphold the highest standards of law enforcement in Oklahoma.
Sources:
“100 Oklahoma Outlaws, Gangsters, and Lawman: 1839 - 1939” by Dan Anderson and Laurence Yadon
“Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West” by Tom Clavin
Oklahoma Historical Society - The Three Guardsmen
Two of Oklahoma’s most notable and earliest theaters are The Constantine Theater and The Poncan Theatre. Both were early halls for entertainment in Oklahoma. As we return from our 2 weeks off, Tiff dives right into the spooky tales of these historic theaters.
The Constantine is found in Pawhuska, and is the second oldest theater in Oklahoma. It traces its history to pre-statehood, as well as, participated in many events such as plays, movies, vaudeville, and even oil lease auctions. Touted as being the “finest opera house in the southwest”, Pawhuska built a facility it could be proud of. Yet, over the years, hard times befell it. Eventually, it became abandoned until the fine folks of Pawhuska decided it needed saving. Almost 40 years later, The Constantine is a venue that once again hosts an array of activities…including the spooky type. From turn of the century actors to former managers and a secret tunnel, The Constantine boasts not only the history, but perhaps, the talent, to make things go BUMP anytime!
Just about 45 minutes west is a theater straight out of the roaring 20s! The Poncan Theatre, at its opening in 1927, boasted 1,200 seats! Acts from around the country could be seen there, including Will Rogers, Ethel Barrymore, and more recently, Blake Shelton! Like many theaters of its time, The Poncan experienced its ups and downs. But today, it continues as a working theater, one you can catch a movie on almost every day of the week. But beware, that might not be all that you catch…spirits are said to reach out and let you know that they are nearby. Maybe they just want to share the popcorn?
Sources:
Wikipedia: Constantine Theater, Poncan Theatre
Oklahoma Haunted Houses: Constantine Theater, Poncan Theatre
The Battle of Honey Springs, fought on July 17, 1863, was a significant event during the American Civil War in Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma. Jess takes a look at this historic battle in this week’s history episode. The battle took place on a rural countryside near Checotah and was the largest and most decisive conflict in the region during the war. It marked a key moment in the conflict between Union and Confederate forces in the area. The engagement, lasting four hours, resulted in the Union forces, including Black soldiers from the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment, emerging victorious over the Confederates under Brigadier General Douglas H. Cooper.
The aftermath of the Battle of Honey Springs saw significant impacts on the region. The engagement reflected the diverse composition of the soldiers involved, with Black, Native American, Hispanic troops, and enhanced the legacy of the significance of the fight in ending slavery for many. In more recent times, efforts to commemorate and preserve the historic battlefield have culminated in the establishment of the Honey Springs Battlefield Park, including a visitor center with state-of-the-art exhibits detailing the events of the battle. This significant site serves as a reminder of the pivotal role played by the region in the Civil War and its lasting impact on the communities involved.
Honey Springs Battlefield Park is opened Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and located 423159 E 1030 Road in Checotah. Check out their website for more info!
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