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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
Nothing says kooky and spooky like a jail, turned church, turned handicap home, turned cult headquarters! But Jess found just the place!
"Church Row" is located on Noble Avenue in Guthrie, OK. It features a series of houses of worship. Guthrie became a city, almost quite literally, overnight during the 1889 Land Run. This area also houses the notorious Black Jail, constructed in 1892, to manage the outlaws that plagued the region. Initially deemed "escape-proof," the jail, in fact, saw multiple successful escapes, including several notorious figures from the American Frontier. Over time, it transitioned from a federal prison to a church and later housed the controversial Samaritan Foundation cult, whose leader, Linda Greene, was linked to bizarre beliefs and the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Allen Ross. Following Greene's death, the jail has remained abandoned, attracting paranormal investigators who report strange occurrences, including ghost sightings and unexplained sounds, adding to its eerie legacy. Today, efforts are underway to restore the building, though its haunted history continues to intrigue and mystify.
Join us this week as we explore one of Oklahoma’s most well-known haunted towns!
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This week, Tiff dives into the story of a true Oklahoma legend.
Quannah Parker was the last great Comanche Chief, ruling over a vast territory that was originally Comanche land long before settlers arrived. The Comanche people thrived as skilled horsemen, becoming a powerful tribe after the introduction of horses by the Spanish. Quanah, born around 1845, was the son of Cynthia Ann Parker, a captive who was adopted by the Comanche after the Fort Parker Massacre. His mother struggled to adapt after being recaptured by Texas Rangers in 1860, ultimately dying in despair. Quanah became a respected leader among the Comanche, refusing to sign treaties that compromised their land. He led warriors in battles against U.S. forces but later adapted to reservation life, promoting education and self-sufficiency while maintaining ties with both Native and White communities. Known for his wealth and influence, he established the Native American Church and became a cultural figure, advocating for his people even as their lands were encroached upon. Quanah Parker passed away in 1911 and was buried with honors, leaving a legacy celebrated through various locations and events named in his honor. His life reflects the complex balance between traditional Comanche culture and the pressures of modernization.
Join your favorite cousins as we jump into the way-back machine, and explore a piece of Oklahoma’s Native history!
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This week, Jess will wrap up the bonkers ride that was the Roger Wheeler case!
The investigation into the murder of Roger Wheeler highlighted significant corruption within the Boston FBI and the involvement of the Winter Hill Gang, including notorious mobsters like Johnny Martorano, Whitey Bulger, and Stevie Flemmi. In 1994, sealed indictments for racketeering were issued against several gang members, leading to Martorano's arrest for an unrelated horse-racing charge. Upon learning that Bulger and Flemmi were FBI informants, Martorano agreed to cooperate with authorities, which set off a chain reaction of testimonies from other gang members. As the plot unfolded, Martorano and accomplice Joe McDonald meticulously planned Wheeler's murder, ultimately targeting him during a golf game at Southern Hills Country Club, in Tulsa, where Martorano shot Wheeler in a carefully orchestrated hit.
Following the murder, the fallout included the unraveling of the Winter Hill Gang and the exposure of FBI corruption. While several gang members, including Martorano and Flemmi, received deals in exchange for their testimonies, many felt justice was inadequately served, particularly for Wheeler's family. Bulger was ultimately captured in 2011 and sentenced to two life sentences after a trial that revealed his extensive criminal activities. His death in prison in 2018 brought some closure, but many in the community, including Detective Michael Huff, believed the impact of Wheeler's murder had lasting effects on Tulsa, emphasizing the broader implications of organized crime and corruption on society.
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In the complex landscape of organized crime, the murder of Roger Wheeler was orchestrated primarily by Johnny Martorano and involved significant players from the Winter Hill Gang, including Whitey Bulger. Martorano, known for his violent reputation and loyalty to the gang, ultimately accepted the contract. The motivations for his murders were often rooted in loyalty rather than financial gain; betrayal was met with lethal consequences. Meanwhile, the gang's connections to law enforcement, particularly through former FBI agent H. Paul Rico, complicated the investigation, as Rico had a history with Bulger and was suspected of corruption.
Tulsa Detective Michael Huff faced numerous challenges in the investigation, encountering resistance from the Boston FBI while pursuing leads on Wheeler's murder and its ties to World Jai Alai. Despite initial setbacks, including the suspicious death of John Callahan, Huff's persistence paid off over the years. Eventually, evidence accumulated against Bulger and his associates led to racketeering charges. This culminated in Johnny Martorano's decision to testify against Bulger, Flemmi, and corrupt FBI agents, revealing the intricate web of crime and betrayal. Martorano's confession highlighted Callahan's pivotal role in targeting Wheeler, ultimately shedding light on the motivations and dynamics within the criminal enterprise that led to Wheeler's assassination.
Organized crime...am I right? It’s time for Part 3 of Roger Wheeler’s tumultuous case!
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Last week, Jess started us down the rabbit hole that was Roger Wheeler’s unalving…The investigation into his death identified three potential motives: armed robbery, kidnapping/extortion, and the most likely scenario of a contract killing. The police quickly dismissed robbery since Wheeler had significant cash and credit cards still on him. The detectives at the scene, including Michael Huff, arrived amid heavy traffic to find Wheeler fatally shot in his Cadillac. Initial theories suggested that a robbery had gone wrong, but evidence soon indicated a professional hit: a single bullet wound, the calm demeanor of the killer, and the absence of fingerprints on the shell casings pointed to a calculated execution rather than a random crime. The detectives found links between Wheeler's murder and organized crime, particularly involving the Dixie Mafia and two suspects, Patrick Early and Dennis Bates Fletcher, known for their criminal connections.
As the investigation progressed, the focus shifted to the Winter Hill Gang, an Irish mob based in Boston with a long history of organized crime activities, including extortion and murder. Detective Huff traveled to Boston to gather information about potential connections between the gang and Wheeler's ownership of World Jai Alai. The gang, notorious under the leadership of James "Whitey" Bulger, was characterized by its ruthlessness and enforced loyalty through violence. Bulger's criminal rise mirrored that of his associate Stephen Flemmi, who was also an FBI informant, complicating the investigation further. Despite extensive efforts to connect the Winter Hill Gang to Wheeler's murder, leads continually turned cold, leaving the case shrouded in uncertainty.
Join us for part 2 of the Roger Wheeler case!
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This week Jess dips her toes into the world of organized crime…or does she?
Roger Wheeler, a prominent businessman in Tulsa, was unexpectedly murdered in 1981, sending shockwaves through the community. The assassination occurred in the parking lot of Southern Hills Country Club, with no clear motive or suspects at the time. It wasn't until 1997 that the truth emerged: the 16-year-old murderer linked to the notorious Winter Hill Gang from Boston. Wheeler, from Boston, had displayed entrepreneurial talent from a young age, eventually starting a successful anode manufacturing company and later acquiring Telex Corporation. Under his leadership, Telex grew into a competitive force in the electronics industry, challenging giants like IBM. However, Wheeler's aggressive business tactics and a significant antitrust lawsuit against IBM led to financial and legal turmoil for the company.
By 1978, Wheeler ventured into the gambling business by investing in World Jai Alai, a risky decision that ultimately proved fatal. He acquired World Jai Alai, despite warnings about mob connections. As he sought to rectify underperformance within the business, he became increasingly concerned for his safety, especially after the murder of a company cashier. Tragically, on May 27, 1981, Wheeler was shot in the head as he left the country club, leaving behind unanswered questions and a complex investigation into the motives behind his assassination.
Join your favorite cousins for part 1 of the kooky case of Roger Wheeler.
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The Murrell Home, located at 19479 E Murrell Rd, Park Hill, OK, is the only antebellum plantation house still standing in the state. Built in 1845 by George Michael Murrell, a wealthy white planter married to Minerva Ross, the home is one of the few surviving structures from the antebellum period in Cherokee lands. The Murrell family, allied with the influential Ross family, moved to Indian Territory around 1839. The plantation, originally named Hunter’s Home due to George's passion for fox hunting, features Greek Revival architecture and was equipped with modern amenities of the time, including living quarters for enslaved people, a barn, and a smokehouse. The home witnessed significant historical events, including troop movements during the Civil War, yet it survived relatively unscathed, unlike many local buildings.
In 1948, the state of Oklahoma acquired the house, which was designated a national historic landmark in 1974 and is now run by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The museum showcases life in the 1800s through living history demonstrations, allowing guests to experience chores, cooking, and crafting from that era. Additionally, the home is known for its haunted reputation, with numerous accounts of ghostly encounters, including sightings of Civil War soldiers and children playing. Paranormal activities reported include flickering lights, mysterious noises, and apparitions, such as a woman in an attic window and a shadowy girl in a plaid dress. Annual events like the May Day Celebration and Ghost Stories events attract visitors, making the Murrell Home a significant historical and cultural site within the Cherokee Nation.
Join Tiff as she takes us on a spine-tingling adventure to the early days of Indian Territory, where life was both humble and haunting…
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Ghost Stories from Murrell Home by Jennifer Sparks
Rodeos are BIG here in Oklahoma. We are the Horse Show Capital of the World, after all. When you mention rodeos in Oklahoma, two things come to mind; Garth Brooks’ famed song and Lane Frost.
Lane Clyde Frost, born on October 12, 1963, in Lapoint, Utah, was raised in Kim, Colorado, before moving to Oklahoma, where he developed a passion for bull riding at a young age. The son of Clyde and Elsie Frost, he began riding calves at five and quickly gained recognition, winning multiple awards in rodeo competitions. By 1981, he was the National High School Bull Riding Champion, and by 1987, he had become the PRCA World Champion bull rider. His career peaked during the "Challenge of the Champions" in 1988, where he competed against the legendary bull Red Rock, gaining significant popularity for both himself and the sport. Tragically, on July 30, 1989, Frost died at the age of 25 during a competition when he was injured by the bull Takin’ Care of Business. His legacy lives on through various tributes, including the film "8 Seconds," and he is remembered for his spirit, mentorship, and the impact he made on the rodeo community. Posthumously, protective vests became mandatory in bull riding, a change inspired by his untimely death. Frost's story remains a symbol of resilience and passion in the world of rodeo, with numerous honors and memorials celebrating his life and contributions to the sport.
Listen as Jess schools not only Tiff, but all you cousins, in the mechanics of rodeos, and Oklahoma’s treasured son, Lane Frost.
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And now, the end has come...
On February 18, 1936, during Day 7 of the trial, Phil Kennamer testified before a packed courtroom. Dr. Karl Menniger recalled his earlier testimony, stating he believed Phil was insane when he ended John Jr., citing a psychopathic personality. Dr. E.A. Werner, who examined Phil multiple times, concurred, noting Phil couldn't grasp right from wrong at the time of the murder. When Phil took the stand, his deliberate and concise responses seemed to AFFIRM his sanity. He claimed his motive was to protect Virginia from kidnapping and denied any mental instability, though his answers contradicted others' testimonies. The day concluded with the defense resting.
By February 19, Day 8, the state presented rebuttals, challenging the insanity plea. Various professionals, including educators and mental health doctors, testified that Phil showed signs of a psychopathic personality but did not exhibit true insanity. The prosecution argued against the self-defense claim, and the timeline of the gunshots indicated premeditation. The case was in the hands of the jury now…
Join us for Part 5, THE END, of the High Society Murder.
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Murder in the Name of Love: The Phil Kennamer Trial by Jim Freese
Deadly Hero: The High Society Murder that Created Hysteria in the Heartland by Jason Lucky Morrow
Okemah Daily Leader, Vol. 17, No. 64, Ed. 1 Tuesday, February 3, 1942
Are you ready for the trail of the 1930s?? Buckle up, buttercups, because here it is!
In the investigation surrounding Phil Kennamer, a decoded note from Lee Krupnick to Preston Cochran, originally from Phil, raised questions about Pat's reliability and potential future murders. (whew, did you get all that?) Lee, working for both Phil and the TPD, is allowed to smuggle notes to gather more information. The correspondence reveals a complex network of coded messages between Phil and Preston, indicating a growing sense of paranoia and media scrutiny. As the situation escalates, Lee starts rewriting notes to ensure their exchange continues, despite Phil's concerns about the risks involved. By late December, the communication becomes increasingly fraught, leading to a change in their coded system! And all this before the trial even begins!!
As the trial progresses, numerous witnesses are called to testify, revealing conflicting accounts of Phil's mental state and his actions leading up to the murder of John Gorrell Jr. The prosecution emphasizes Phil's confessions and threats, while the defense argues for his insanity and self-defense due to an extortion plot involving Virginia Wilcox. Tension escalates in the courtroom as unexpected testimonies add chaos, including a witness claiming threats against her life! The trial is marked by a shift in venue and a new sheriff, complicating Phil's defense. As the jury is selected amidst allegations of witness tampering, Phil's fate hangs in the balance, with the trial revealing deeper implications of personal and societal turmoil surrounding the case. If this was a ride, we’d definitely all need some anti-nausea meds!
Join us for Part 4 of the High Society Murder.
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Murder in the Name of Love: The Phil Kennamer Trial by Jim Freese
Deadly Hero: The High Society Murder that Created Hysteria in the Heartland by Jason Lucky Morrow
Okemah Daily Leader, Vol. 17, No. 64, Ed. 1 Tuesday, February 3, 1942
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