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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 story just keeps getting twisted and thicker…Tiff left us at part 2 with Phil’s friend, and Virginia’s little brother, being the cause of the street lights being out…the streetlights on the street John Gorrell Jr was found, deceased with two gunshot wounds to the head…
Phil's past behavior and childhood history raised concerns about possible mental health issues, with some suggesting sociopathic tendencies or neurodivergent thinking.
At 8:30pm, the night of Thursday, November 30, 1943, Phil arrives at the Owl Tavern to meet Jack Snedden and Randall Morton, marking their first encounter in 10 days. After discussing Phil's upcoming meeting with John Gorrell Jr., tension arises when Randall insists on examining Phil's knife. As they converse, Phil reveals his intention to confront Gorrell, which Randall finds alarming. Despite Phil's attempt to assure Randall that no harm will come, Randall expresses concern for his friends. Phil manages to retrieve the knife from Randall without him realizing until later, emphasizing his desire to be prepared but not wanting to show up empty-handed.
From Jack's perspective, the situation escalates when Phil reveals his plan to kill John Gorrell Jr. to halt a kidnapping plot of Virginia Wilcox. Jack, disturbed by Phil's admission, attempts to dissuade him, but Phil remains eerily calm. After a brief confrontation with Randall, who doubts Phil's resolve, Phil leaves the tavern and is driven by Sidney Born to St. John's Hospital, where he intends to meet John. What happens next, no one can really know, except for Phil and John Jr. But whatever happened resulted in John's death. In the aftermath, Phil panics and seeks comfort from friends, but to no avail. As Phil grapples with the consequences of his actions, the community is rocked by the unfolding events, leading to further tragic outcomes, which raises questions about foul play and the motivations behind these violent incidents.
Join us for Part 3 of the High Society Murder.
Sources:
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
Last week, we cousins learned of the tragic and mysterious death of John Gorrell Jr, Thanksgiving Night 1934. When we left off, Flyod Huff, of Kansas, had just finished telling KCPD Chief Higgins a story straight from movies…He knew who had killed this young man in Tulsa, OK…
Philip Millholland Kennamer, born on July 26, 1915, in Madill, OK, grew up in Tulsa during the 1920s and 30s. The youngest son of District Judge Franklin E. Kennamer and Lillie Kennamer, Phil was often described as a “peculiar” child with an exceptional ability to learn but socially awkward. His childhood was marked by rebellious behavior and attempts to escape his home life. After moving to Tulsa, his family sent him to the New Mexico Military Institute, where he ran away multiple times. Phil's infatuation with Virginia Wilcox, a wealthy girl he met in Tulsa, dominated his teenage years, leading to a deep obsession that left him depressed when she rejected him.
As Phil transitioned into adulthood, he struggled to find direction in his life, dropping out of school and quitting various jobs, leading to a heavy drinking problem. He became involved with the High Hat Club, an exclusive social group for wealthy teens. His fixation with wealth led him into a dangerous circle, culminating in a plot with John Gorrell Jr. to kidnap Virginia for ransom. The plan evolved into a scheme to extort money through threats of kidnapping. Despite sharing a long history with Virginia, Phil's desperation intertwined with criminal intentions, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation with Gorrell that would seal their fates.
Join us for Part 2 of the High Society Murder.
Sources:
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
Well, Tiff has done it again! Inadvertently, she has chosen a topic that led her down a rabbit hole, resulting in a multi-parter…so here’s part 1…
This is a captivating account of a murder that took place in Tulsa in 1934, deeply entwined with the societal dynamics of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The story centers around the tragic death of 21-year-old John Gorrell Jr., who was discovered shot in his car shortly after Thanksgiving. Initial assessments suggested he took his own life due to the bullet wound, but further investigation revealed two gunshot wounds, indicating foul play. The circumstances surrounding his death unfolded through a series of odd events and eerie coincidences, including a mysterious phone call and a peculiar interaction with friends before his untimely demise. The presence of the victim’s revolver, which had been wiped clean, only added to the intrigue.
As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered numerous leads and suspects, including a man named Bob Wilson, whom Gorrell had expressed concern about to his friends. Complicating matters, a witness claimed to have seen a man near Gorrell's car on the night of the murder, and rumors swirled about potential motives. This story takes a further twist when Floyd Huff comes forward with a chilling confession about a plan to murder Gorrell, revealing the suspect's name as Phil Kennamer. This revelation will stir chaos among Tulsa's high society, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of wealth, privilege, and betrayal in a time of great social upheaval. This is part 1 of The High Society Murder.
Sources:
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
Enjoy chasing sunsets at the lake? At Lake Jed Johnson, so may say that not the only thing being chased…
Lake Jed Johnson, located in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, is named after Jed Johnson, a notable American attorney and politician. As the third largest of thirteen small reservoirs in the area, it spans 57.5 acres and was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s. The lake serves primarily to preserve wildlife habitat. Historically a popular recreational spot, the area has become quieter over the years, with some attributing this decline to modern attractions and others… to eerie local legends. Among these are tales of tragic incidents involving women who allegedly drowned in the lake, rumors surrounding a visitor observation tower closed due to its association with su!c!de attempts, and strange occurrences involving local wildlife gathering near the tower at night. Join Jess as shares these spooky legends and reminds us that lake life may not always be the best life.
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We talked about the ghosts at the 101, now let’s talk about the history…The Miller Brothers 101 Ranch, located near Ponca City, spanned 110,000 acres at its peak and was primarily owned by the Miller family. Founded by George Washington Miller, a former Confederate colonel, the ranch became a significant agricultural enterprise after he transitioned from military life to ranching. Miller's ranching career began in 1871, and he developed strong relationships with the Quapaw and Ponca tribes, leasing land for his operations. By the early 1900s, he had expanded the ranch significantly, developing a diversified farm and stock-raising complex.
After George Miller's death in 1903, his sons established the 101 Ranch Wild West Show, showcasing the skills of ranch hands and Native performers. Despite early success, the show faced competition from other entertainment forms and challenges during World War I. The ranch also entered the oil business, striking a significant oil well in 1911. However, by the Great Depression, financial struggles forced the ranch into bankruptcy, leading to the sale of its assets. Today, few remnants of the ranch remain, but it is commemorated along State Highway 156, with a historical marker and a museum in Ponca City.
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It’s been a hot minute since your favorite cousins have brought you a story so horrible and gruesome we’ve had to attach a listener's discretion to it…so let’s dive in…
Spade Cooley, born Donnell Clyde Cooley on December 17, 1910, in Grand, Oklahoma, was a prominent figure in Western Swing music, often referred to as "the King of Western Swing." Cooley's musical journey began at a young age, mastering the fiddle while at the Chemawa Indian School. After relocating to California in the 1930s, Cooley gained recognition as a bandleader, rivaling other notable musicians like Bob Wills. His career flourished during the 1940s. Alongside his music, Cooley ventured into acting, appearing in numerous Western films and even hosted his own successful tv show. However, his personal life was tumultuous, marked by heavy drinking and infidelity, particularly during his second marriage to Ella Mae Evans…
Cooley's violent tendencies culminated in a tragic incident on April 3, 1961, when he brutally attacked and murdered Ella Mae in front of their daughter, Melody. Following the murder, Cooley attempted to claim innocence by alleging that Ella Mae had slipped in the shower, but he was ultimately found guilty of first-degree murder in a highly publicized trial. Sentenced to life in prison, he was later transferred to a mental facility where he continued to engage with music. Cooley was paroled in 1968 but tragically died of a heart attack shortly after performing in a benefit concert in 1970, just months before he would have regained his freedom.
This story serves as a cautionary tale of the darker sides of fame, domestic violence, and the impact of mental health issues.
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This week Tiff dives into one of Oklahoma’s most well known ranches…the 101 Ranch in Ponca City.
The Miller Brothers 101 Ranch, a 110,000-acre cattle ranch, was founded in 1893 by Colonel George Washington Miller, and became a significant site for the Wild West Show and the oil rush. Miller, who established the 101 brand on his cattle, expanded the ranch operations despite various challenges, and after his death in 1903, it thrived under his wife's management and their sons. The ranch gained fame for its Wild West shows starting in 1905, featuring notable performers, but faced financial struggles leading to its decline during the Great Depression. Today, the ranch is rumored to be haunted, with visitors reporting ghostly encounters such as melancholy cowboy music, phantom voices, and eerie figures, particularly around the ruins of the original white house. Paranormal activity includes EVP recordings, sightings of spirits, and unexplained phenomena, drawing interest from paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers alike.
So who’s ready to take a trip into yester-year, and look for rowdy good time?
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Ghosts and Legends of Oklahoma by Mike Ricksecker
In light of the recent airplane crashes, Jess decided to research incidents in Oklahoma. This turned up the tragic event from April 22, 1966. This date marks the worst plane crash in Oklahoma's history, involving American Flyers Airline Flight 280/D, which was transporting US soldiers from California to Georgia. The Lockheed L-188 Electra aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Ardmore Municipal Airport, leading to the deaths of the five crew members and 75 passengers, many of whom were new Army recruits. Factors such as low visibility, inclement weather, and a pilot's medical condition contributed to this disaster, which left a significant impact on the community.
The investigation by the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board revealed information that will shock you! The crash prompted nearly two dozen wrongful death lawsuits against the airline and led to reforms in pilot medical certification processes.
So stow your personal belongings in the overhead bins, buckle your seat belts, and sit back and enjoy this flight with your favorite cousins! We can’t promise turbulence free, but we can promise an informative time!
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This week Tiff wraps up the 3 part deep dive into the Sapulpa Coach’s Tragedy.
On January 26, 1976, a significant funeral for Coach Jerry Bailey took place at the First Baptist Church in Sapulpa, attended by around 1,200 people, including students and current and former players who honored a man celebrated for his inclusive approach to coaching. Coach Bailey, who grew up during a time of segregation, was known for treating all his players equally, regardless of race. His legacy included efforts to bridge racial divides, as he actively sought out African American players during a time when they were often unwelcome.
Coach Bailey’s life ended tragically, leading to the trial of Paul Reagor Jr., who was charged with his murder. The legal proceedings revealed a contentious battle over Reagor's mental state at the time of the incident. Dive in with your favorite cousins as we put an end to 3 parter, looking at all sides of the coin. Decide for yourself what was the cause of this atrocious murder. Hatred? Grief? Mental illness?
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Picking up where we left off last week in Part 1, Tiff dives right into days, weeks, and months following the death of Sapulpa High School football coach Jerry Bailey.
The investigation into the tragic events surrounding Coaches Paul Reagor Jr and Jerry Bailey began after medics transported Reagor to the hospital, leaving police to piece together the scene. Coach Bailey's body was discovered in the trunk of Reagor's car with signs indicating his life had ended brutally. He had multiple stab wounds and appeared to have been ambushed, as there were no defensive injuries. Meanwhile, the media frenzy began as photographers descended upon the scene, capturing the horrific details despite the sensitivity of the situation. Helicopter pilot Steve McKim, allowed to search a nearby abandoned farmhouse, discovered Reagor alive but in shock and covered in blood, leading police to question his role in Bailey's death.
As the investigation unfolded, it became increasingly clear that Reagor was not merely a victim but a prime suspect. His behavior was erratic, and he initially refused to communicate with law enforcement and medical personnel. After a series of medical evaluations, he was found competent to stand trial, but his mental state remained questionable. Reagor eventually admitted to stabbing Bailey, claiming it was due to "the hate." The circumstances surrounding the murder revealed a complex relationship between the two coaches, who were once friends, yet the motive remained a haunting question for investigators and the community.
Come with us as we explore the dark mind of others, and a story that has more twists than a Braums froyo machine.
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