Stay ConnectedBecome a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-cousins-ok-podcast/subscribe
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
Since 1907, the annual State Fair of Oklahoma has attracted visitors from near and far. But in 1981 two 13-year-old friends, Cinda Pallett and Charlotte Kinsey, went missing from the fairgrounds. They were last seen accepting a job offer to help a male carnival worker unload stuffed animals from a truck. Despite extensive search efforts, including eyewitness reports and suspect descriptions, the girls were never found. The prime suspect, a known predator with a history of violence, was charged but the case was eventually dismissed due to lack of physical evidence. The mystery of Charlotte and Cinda's disappearance remains unsolved, haunting their families and investigators to this day. Follow along as Jess details the accounts from witnesses, family members, and detectives, all who worked tirelessly to find closure on this case.
Since this is still an open case, those with information regarding the case are asked to contact the Oklahoma State Police at 405-231-2121 or the Oklahoma City Police Department at either 405-297-1129, 405-297-1290, 405-297-1288 or 405-297-1000. Tips can also be called into the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-522-8017 or 405-427-5421 and the FBI’s Oklahoma City office at 405-290-7770.
Sources:
The Disappearances of Charlotte Kinsey & Cinda Pallett https://storiesoftheunsolved.com/2021/06/01/the-disappearances-of-charlotte-kinsey-cinda-pallett/
Oklahoma Cold Cases https://oklahomacoldcases.org/charlotte-kinsey/
The Charley Project https://charleyproject.org/case/charlotte-june-kinsey, https://charleyproject.org/case/cinda-leann-pallett
KOCO news article https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-fairground-kidnapping-charlotte-kinsey-cinda-pallett/45109287
The Oklahoma State University System consists of six educational institutions in Oklahoma, including the flagship institute, Oklahoma State University–Stillwater. OSU, founded in 1890 under the Morrill Act, is a public land-grant research university. While known for its academic and athletic achievements, OSU is also known for its spooky tales and rumored hauntings. Various locations on campus, including fraternity and sorority houses, the Bartlett Center, Student Union, Edmon Low Library, Williams Hall, and Old Central, have reported paranormal activities. These sightings include apparitions, mysterious sounds, moving objects, and temperature fluctuations. Many of these stories involve tragic events or unexplained occurrences that have left a lasting imprint on the campus. But don’t take our word for it…just read the numerous articles OSU’s own library has collected on all the things going “bump in the night” around campus!
Sources:
Images of America: Stillwater by Stan Tucker
Haunted Oklahoma by Jeff Provine
Tulsa’s Haunted Memories by Teri French
“The Spooks of Williams Hall” by Jan Berry Feb. 2, 1969 for the Daily O’Collegian
"Is Old Central haunted?" Oct. 20, 2012 by KChris Griffin for the Daily O’Collegian
"Haunted buildings on OSU's campus" Oct. 29, 2017 by Nhan Doan for the Daily O’Collegian
This week, Jess recounts a tragic event that occurred on September 28, 1917. A passenger train collided with an empty troop train near Kellyville, resulting in the death of 32 people and injuries to over 50 others. The majority of the fatalities occurred in the Jim Crow car, which was designated for African Americans due to segregation laws. The collision was attributed to a misunderstanding of orders and the running of the troop train in two sections.
The aftermath of the train wreck led to changes in passenger car construction laws, particularly that of prohibiting the use of wood in train car construction. The old metal bridge where the collision occurred can still be seen near the modern bridge on Route 66. It’s rumored the spirits of the victims still linger along the old railway tracks today…
Sources:
“Kellyville, Oklahoma - Small Town America” Legends of America
“Tragic Railroad Accident of 1917” from theroute-66.com
“The Archivist: A Tragic Anniversary” from The Oklahoman
“27 Die When Trains Crash At Kellyville” from RootsWeb
Tiff likes to call this week’s episode an oldie but a goodie. So jump into the way-back machine, and strap in for a true roller coaster of a case. Eugene Monroe was born in 1931 in Tulsa and had a troubled childhood, being placed in an institution at a young age. Throughout his life he seemed to run on the wrong side of the law. By the time he was finally put away at the Big Mac in 1951, Eugene was suspected of 3 murders, numerous assaults, and even some burglaries . There are even suspicions that he may have been a serial killer, with evidence linking him to multiple murders and rapes in Tulsa during the 1940s and 1950s. We hope you don’t get motion sick!
Sources:
Was Eugene Monroe a Serial Killer? By J’amie Rubio Aug. 1, 2017
The Tulsa Tribune (28 July 1951)
This week, Jess takes us to her alma mater for the spooky and kooky.
The University of Central Oklahoma has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, and with that history comes some spooky tales and ghostly encounters. From the haunted Mitchell Hall Theatre to the eerie occurrences in Old North, there are plenty of ghost stories to keep you on edge. The University House, Murdaugh Hall, and even the Y-Chapel of Song all have their own mysterious happenings that have left students and staff with chills down their spines.
But the ghostly tales don't stop there. The campus is also home to the legend of 'Bronchy' the Broncho Lake Monster, and even has a history of illegal burials on the school land that may have left restless spirits behind.
Whether you're a believer in the supernatural or not, the stories and legends surrounding the University of Central Oklahoma are sure to send shivers down your spine. So, the next time you find yourself on campus, keep an eye out for any unexplained occurrences and maybe you'll have your own ghostly encounter to share with your favorite cousins.
Sources:
Hey cousins! This week, Tiff tackles a topic that was “news” to her; Native Freedmen. A freedman is a term used to refer to African-American men and women who were former slaves. This included enslaved people of the Native American tribes, in Oklahoma, before and after the American Civil War. The Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole nations all held enslaved Africans and were required to emancipate their slaves and offer them citizenship in their tribes after the Civil War. These Native Freedmen were to be given full rights as Native citizens. However, many freedmen faced discrimination and challenges in obtaining full citizenship and rights within their respective tribes. The Dawes Rolls, which were used to assign allotments to tribal members, also played a role in determining the citizenship of freedmen. Despite ongoing struggles, many freedmen have continued to fight for equal legal status and recognition within their tribes. Join us as Tiff discusses the plight of these people, while looking at both sides of the coin.
Sources:
Wikipedia Freedmen; Cherokee Freedmen Controversy; Choctaw Freedmen; Creek Freedmen; Dawes Rolls; Seminole Nation; Chickasaw Nation; Black Seminoles
Oklahoma Freedman of the Five Tribes by Angela Y Walton-Raji
Freedmen by the OK Historical Society
Muscogee Nation Judge…by NPR
This week, Jess wraps up the senseless and tragic case of Logan Tucker. Unfortunately, this case doesn’t have that nice, pretty wrap-up we like to see. Jess dives into the trial of Kathrine Rutan, reporting on witness testimony, forensics, and speculation…remember…there was, and still is, no body. Despite everything, a family was dramatically changed that day in late June of 2002. And today, that family, as well as the community of Woodward, are left with more questions than answers…still. Where is Logan? And why? If you have any information, I know the Woodward Police Department and Woodward County Sheriff's Department would love to hear from you.
Listener Discretion is advised.
Sources:
Articles from The Oklahoman, The Enid News and Eagle, News On 6
The Center for Missings persons at ncmissingpersons.org
The Charley Project at charleyproject.org
“Legal and Investigative Strategies for a ‘No Body’ Homicide, by Chris L. Ross, District Attorney, 22nd District, State of Oklahoma from the Journal of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction
Talkswithholly.medium.com
“Looking for Logan Tucker” podcast from the The Oklahoman
Continuing from last week, Jess dives into the investigation of Katherine Rutan and the disappearance of 6 year old Logan Tucker. The amount of stories this woman had to keep straight regarding the whereabouts of her child will just blow your mind! Investigator Monty Clems, with the help of not only the FBI, but the citizens of Woodward and other surrounding communities, made it his life mission to find the missing boy. Though Logan’s body was ultimately never located, an indictment of murder was served. This episode is a roller coaster of emotions, so buckle up cousins!
Listener Discretion is advised.
Sources:
Articles from The Oklahoman, The Enid News and Eagle, News On 6
The Center for Missings persons at ncmissingpersons.org
The Charley Project at charleyproject.org
“Legal and Investigative Strategies for a ‘No Body’ Homicide, by Chris L. Ross, District Attorney, 22nd District, State of Oklahoma from the Journal of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction
Talkswithholly.medium.com
“Looking for Logan Tucker” podcast from the The Oklahoman
This week, Jess brings us another listener request; the disappearance and murder of Logan Tucker. Logan went missing the summer of 2002 from his home in Woodward, OK. However, leading up to this disappearance, Logan’s mother reported Logan as being troubled and a danger to his family. Although no one seemed to be able to corroborate this, DHS was scheduled to pick Logan up for evaluation at a mental health facility. Yet, Logan was never picked up or placed in DHS’s care. After several weeks, and an uncle asking for a welfare check, it was discovered Logan was missing. When mother Katherine Rutan reported Logan as camping with another uncle, law enforcement became very suspicious. This tale is a roller coaster ride of stories…none of which could appear or seem to be true!
Listener Discretion is advised.
Sources:
Articles from The Oklahoman, The Enid News and Eagle, News On 6
The Center for Missings persons at ncmissingpersons.org
The Charley Project at charleyproject.org
“Legal and Investigative Strategies for a ‘No Body’ Homicide, by Chris L. Ross, District Attorney, 22nd District, State of Oklahoma from the Journal of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction
Talkswithholly.medium.com
“Looking for Logan Tucker” podcast from the The Oklahoman
When urban legends are built on truth, some pretty creepy things can happen. Take Weatherford’s own Dead Woman’s Crossing. When the mysterious disappearance and murder of Mrs. Katy DeWitt James happens in 1905, stories from an estranged husband and mystery men and women all fight for a spot on the suspect list. And when the prime suspect unexplainably poisons herself, IN HER JAIL CELL, more questions just seem to come forth. Ride along with Tiff as she tells the tale of Mrs. James’ murder, the disappearance of her child, and the hard working private investigator who refused to give up, even when trails abruptly ended. When the dust settles, spirits are unsettled, perhaps still seeking the justice they so deserve.
Sources:
Ghostlahoma by Tonya Hacker and Tammy Wilson
Dead Woman’s Crossing by Atlas Obscura (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/dead-woman-s-crossing
Dead Woman’s Crossing by Becky Ray for KC Ghosts (https://www.kcghosts.com/oklahoma-dead-woman-s-crossing)
Tulsa Daily Democrat, Aug 3, 1905
“Father Offers Reward; No Trace of Mrs. Katy James can be found”- Pryor Creek Clipper, Aug 5, 1905;
The Shawnee Herald- “Mrs. Katy James’ Body Discovered” Aug. 31, 1905
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
