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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
This week Tiff wraps up the gruesome and horrific life of crime of one Franklin Delano Floyd. Last week, we left off where Franklin was awaiting trial on a burglary and assault case out of OKC. But what Franklin does while released is the true stuff of nightmares. September 12, 1994 would be a day many students at Indian Meridian Elementary School in Choctaw remember to this day. That is the day that Floyd waltzed into the school and kidnapped, not only the school principal, James Davis, but also Floyd’s “son” Anthony Michael Hughes. Even though Principal Davis would be found alive, Michael would never be seen, dead or alive, again. You read that right…Michael has never been found.
But that is only the tip of this episode’s iceberg. When the truck Floyd stole from Principal Davis that day in September is auctioned off, authorities receive a very peculiar phone call…It seems Floyd abandoned the truck without cleaning out some pretty convincing evidence. Meanwhile, while unusual and disturbing photos are being investigated in Kansas and Oklahoma, the skeletal remains of Cheryl Ann Commesso were discovered on the side of a highway in Florida. What could these two stories possibly have in common, you ask? Commesso was a known coworker and friend of Floyd’s deceased wife and Michael’s mother, Tonya Hughes…aka Sharon Marshall…aka Suzanne Sevakis.
As this knot of lies, abuse, crime, and evasion from police starts to unravel so does the truth behind just who Tonya is, and how depraved Franklin was.
Listener Discretion is advised. This is part 2 of a 2 parter over Franklin Delano Floyd.
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If you’ve watched Netflix's documentary “Girl in the Picture” (2022), you will be familiar with this week’s true crime dive. But do you really know the Oklahoma connections to this story? Franklin Delano Floyd may have a presidential sounding name, but he certainly didn’t have the charm and qualities to go with it. Stemming from a ROUGH childhood, Floyd made multiple life choices that were, well, bad. In part 1, Tiff dives into Franklin Floyd’s troubled past before he really left his mark in Oklahoma’s dark history.
Listener Discretion is advised. This is part 1 of a 2 parter over Franklin Delano Floyd.
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This season seems to be all about the school spooks! Jess jumps back into looking for ghosts and haunting tales, but this time, she stops in at the University of Oklahoma. From dog burials in the football field, to a rolling skating spirit in the old infirmary, OU doesn’t disappoint when it comes to keeping it kooky and spooky! As one of the three universities necessary for statehood (UCO, OSU, and OU), its rich tradition is due to its rich, and long history.
Sources:
“Campus Ghosts of Norman, Oklahoma” by Jeff Provine
“Haunted Oklahoma” by Jeff Provine
University of Oklahoma Website
With the recent tragedy in Baltimore, Maryland involving the Francis Scott Key Bridge, it reminded Tiff of a similar tragedy here in Oklahoma back in 2002…
The morning of Sunday, May 26, 2002, started as a normal day for many, until a tragic bridge collapse on the i40 bridge over the Arkansas River in Webbers Falls, OK shocked everyone. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities, 5 injuries, and extensive damage, with an estimated $30.1 million in losses. The collapse, caused by the captain's loss of consciousness possibly due to an abnormal heart rhythm, had far-reaching impacts, affecting families, communities, and leading to emergency response efforts involving multiple agencies, volunteers, and fishermen. Recovery and reconstruction efforts were swift, showcasing the Oklahoma spirit of unity.
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Most 21st birthdays are celebrated with fun filled evenings of pub crawls and fun times. At 21, most of us were more worried about where everyone was going Thursday night. No one plans for their 21st birthday to be their last birthday. But for one coed, that’s exactly what it was. Tracey Diane Neilson, born on January 5, 1960, was a woman known for her vibrant personality. She excelled in academics and sports, and exhibited a passion for life. She went on to join Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Oklahoma State University, where she met her future husband, Jeff Neilson, a pre-med student. They married in July 1980, and moved to Moore so Jeff could attend medical school; Tracey transferred to the University of Oklahoma. In the newlyweds’ apartment, on her 21st birthday, January 5, 1981, Tracey was found horrifically stabbed over 20 times. Despite extensive investigations by authorities, including a task force and technological advancements years later, her killer and motive remained elusive. Details emerged about YEARS LATER, but no conclusive leads were generated. Jeff Neilson and Tracey's family continued to seek closure, offering various rewards over the years for any information leading to the apprehension of her murderer.
Jess’ case this week is an unsolved, cold case. For any information regarding Tracey Neilson's murder, contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 800-522-8017 or email tips@osbi.ok.gov.
Sources:
https://oklahomacoldcases.org/tracey-neilson/
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65142250/tracey-diane-neilson
https://morbidology.com/who-killed-tracey-neilson/
https://medium.com/@jennbaxter_69070/the-horrific-murder-of-tracey-neilson-46c2e27f0040
Are you a fan of mysterious creatures that may or may not exist? I’m talking, one in the company of wendigos, Moth Man, and BigFoot? Then Tiff has a story for you! The mysterious Pale Crawlers are mystifying entities that emerge at night. These humanoid creatures are thin, pale, and possess sharp claws, long limbs, and large black eyes, appearing fast, stealthy, and smart. They are commonly found in dark and eerie places, especially where evil activities occur, seeking shelter in shadows or dark areas to avoid sunlight that burns their pale skin. Pale Crawlers are known to mimic voices, access memories, and feed off fear, with abilities to camouflage, jump to great heights, and even manipulate thoughts. People encountering them often experience fear, obsession, and nightmares afterward, believing the creatures attach themselves like parasites to their souls. Escaping or combating them is challenging, requiring avoidance of interaction, prayers, and extreme measures like headshots with firearms. So before you decide on a late night stroll, take heed to the many sightings around our state, and decide if that midnight walk is worth it or not…
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It is a bold statement to say that one woman changed the course of rodeo history in Oklahoma, but if anyone fits that description, it is Lucille Mulhall.
Lucille Mulhall, born in 1885, grew up on a ranch in Oklahoma, showing remarkable talent in riding horses and roping at a very young age. Despite her desire to focus on ranch work, her mother insisted she attend school. Lucille's skills with horses and roping led to her becoming a renowned cowgirl, excelling in competitions and eventually performing in Wild West shows alongside notable figures like Will Rogers and Tom Mix. She even gained national attention when Theodore Roosevelt invited her to his inaugural parade.
As Lucille's career blossomed, she traveled extensively, winning competitions and gaining recognition as a skilled horsewoman. She faced challenges, including a decline in her career due to a controversial incident in a Chicago show. Despite setbacks, she continued to break barriers for women in rodeo, establishing herself as a pioneer in the sport and opening doors for future female competitors. So saddle up with Jess as she brings us the remarkable, glass-ceiling shattering COWGIRL Lucille Mulhall!
Sources:
“The 101 Ranch” by Ellsworth Collings and Alma Miller England
“Along Came a Cowgirl” by Chris Enss
“Oklahoma Originals” by Jonita Mullins
“Oklahoma Rodeo Women” by Tracey Hanshew
On May 6, 1984, Eddie Cash, a kind-hearted man from Broken Arrow, was tragically murdered by Gary Alan Walker, a spree killer with a troubled history of abuse and criminal behavior. Walker's background was marked by a childhood filled with abuse, hospitalizations for his behavior, and a string of criminal activities leading up to his murderous spree. His crimes involved robbery, assault, rape, and murder, leaving a trail of victims in his wake. Over a span of several days, Walker wreaked havoc across multiple states, terrorizing and harming innocent individuals like Jayne Hilburn, Janet Jewell, Valerie Shaw-Hartzell, and several others.
Ultimately, Walker was apprehended by law enforcement, brought to trial, and convicted for his heinous crimes. He was sentenced to death and multiple life terms in prison for the brutal murders and assaults he committed. Despite various appeals and legal proceedings, Walker met his demise through a lethal injection in January 2000. His destructive spree, fueled by violence and depravity, left a lasting impact on the communities and families of his victims, showcasing the chilling consequences of unchecked criminal behavior and mental health issues.
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This week, Jess take us to one of Oklahoma’s oldest Native American sites.Spiro Mounds is a significant prehistoric Native American site, evolved from a small village to a key center during the Mississippian Culture era. The site consisted of twelve mounds, ceremonial spaces, and a support city for Caddoan-speaking leaders. Notable for its wealth and artifacts, especially from the burial mound Craig Mound, Spiro Mounds attracted interest but faced looting in the 1930s. Efforts in the 1930s and later by the University of Oklahoma and Works Progress Administration involved excavations that revealed rich burials, artifacts, and the site's historical importance.
But we are here for the kooky and spooky this week!The Spiro Mounds site, aligned with the equinox, showcased remarkable artifacts, including effigy pipes and treasures unearthed in the Great Mortuary Mound. While celebrated for its archaeological richness, the site also carried eerie legends of phantom wagons, mysterious occurrences, and a rumored curse akin to King Tut's tomb. Despite challenges like looting and destruction, ongoing efforts by various institutions aim to preserve and repatriate artifacts. So follow along, or go visit, if you dare…
Sources:
Haunted Oklahoma by Jeff Provine
Myths and Mysteries of Oklahoma by Robert L. Dorman
Weird Oklahoma by Wesley Treat
Tulsa’s Haunted Memories by Teri French
Oklahoma Historical Society https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=SP012 https://www.okhistory.org/sites/spiromounds
As we close Black History Month, Tiff gives the story of Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, born in Chickasaw on Feb 8, 1924. Dr. Fisher was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement in Oklahoma. Her parents, survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, played a significant role in the Black community. Despite Oklahoma's segregated laws, Ada aspired to become a lawyer and challenged the system by applying to the University of Oklahoma's law school in 1946. Represented by Thurgood Marshall, she fought a three-year legal battle that resulted in the landmark case Sipuel v Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma. This case led to the mandate that Oklahoma must provide Ada Fisher with the same educational opportunities as other citizens.
After finally being admitted to the University of Oklahoma's College of Law in 1949, Ada faced continued discrimination but persevered. Her trailblazing efforts opened doors for future African American students at OU and across the nation. Despite the challenges she faced, Ada went on to graduate from OU Law in 1952 and later earned a master's degree in history. Throughout her career, she worked as a law practitioner, faculty member at Langston University, and ultimately retired as the assistant vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher's legacy of courage and determination in the face of adversity continues to inspire many, and she was posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in 1996.
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