Mississippi MurderMississippi conjures many different images in people’s minds. Some people think about the wonderful authors and artists from here, some think of the Civil Rights movement, some people think of The Blues, some people think of beauty queens and lately we have all been thinking about heat and humidity. This year though we have had three books published about MURDER! These are murders you might not know about even though when they occurred they were national news but they are part of local folklore to this day in their respective counties of Attala, Holmes and Jones.
One Night of Madness by Stokes McMillan
Stokes McMillan is fourth generation born and raised in Attala County, Mississippi. His mother had collected together his father’s photos and articles about this crime but never had a lot of interest in it until 2001 when one of his own children wanted a copy of the award winning photographs his grandfather had taken of the capture of the two killers. Mr. McMillan decided to also give some of the more interesting information along with the photograph. He read over the scrapbook and realized that this was a story that deserved to be told so he wrote One Night of Madness.
It’s 1950 and Mary Ellis Harris is struggling to care for her five children by sharecropping alongside her husband who loves to drink and gamble. One night, Leon Turner, a white man her husband drinks with, corners her in her house and refuses to take no as an answer. He is arrested for attempted rape and when he gets out of jail comes back for revenge on the Harris family. The scene at the Harris house is horrific and bloody and a manhunt led by the Sheriff of Attala County, Roy Braswell, with the help of Hogjaw Mullen and his tracking dogs ends in a shootout and the arrest of Leon Turner and two accomplices. The trial began but not only where these men on trial but the State of Mississippi itself. The eyes of the nation where watching and when the controversial jury decision is made the public’s outcry for punishment is heard through out the United States.
The Time of Eddie Noel by Allie Povall
Allie Povall was 12 years old in 1954 in Holmes County where the events of The Time of Eddie Noel took place. This is the story of how a black man, Eddie Noel, shot and killed a white honky-tonk owner, Ramon Dickard. One of the largest posses in Mississippi history was formed and they hunted Eddie Noel. Eddie Noel killed two more white men and wounded three others before disappearing into the the woods of southwest Holmes County. This is the story of how a black man, a three time murderer, in Mississippi could beat the lynch mob, beat the posse, beat the system and avoid almost certain death? Eddie Noel, though he confessed to the murders was never tried or convicted and he spent the last 22 years of his life living peacefully with family in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Allie Povall interviewed many people, read newspaper accounts and court records and relied on his own memory of this event. This story has almost reached mythic status in Holmes County but there are still those who will not talk about it for example Eddie Noel’s family in Indiana promised his mother that they would never discuss it outside of the family. Allie Povall has done a great job in gathering this information to tell us a story of a time in Mississippi that was full of bootlegging and moonshine, gambling and juke joints and the time of Eddie Noel.
The Legs Murder Scandal by Hunter Cole
In 1935, Ouida Keeton is arrested in Laurel, Mississippi for the murder of her mother, Daisy Keeton. Ouida shot her, chopped her up and disposed of the body parts by flushing them down the toilet and burning them in the fireplace. That is all but her mother’s legs. She tried to dispose of them on a isolated country road but they were soon found by a hunter and his dogs. After her arrest while police were interrogating her she incriminated her wealthy business man lover, W.M. Carter. While this murder is almost completely forgotten today, it was touted as Mississippi’s most sensational murder of the time. Hunter Cole through researching countless trial transcripts, courthouse records, medical files and endless newspaper coverage gives detailed accounts of the separate trials of Ouida Keeton and W.M. Carter and also reveals new facts that have been distorted by hearsay and misinformation about “Mississippi’s Lizzie Borden” throughout the years.
34 responses so far ↓
1 Liz White // Sep 25, 2010 at 8:02 pm
My Grandmother , who is 90 and lives in Wayne County, MS says she remembers the Legs Murder. She told me she remembered that some colored gentlemen were making whiskey near the property where Quida disposed of her mother’s legs and they had seen her with the sack.
2 star2005 // Oct 30, 2010 at 3:47 pm
where is the property? my grandma says it’s near fred’s downtown….somewhere near the tracks….that the house was a boarding house for travelers and it was torn down. still where exactly did it happen?
3 Mitchell3006 // Nov 26, 2010 at 7:29 pm
The house was located where the fruit stand is at the underpass. It is at the junction of Cross and Daughdrill St. s
4 Marcelle Harwell // Jan 21, 2011 at 9:58 pm
I have Written a book about Ouida Keeton as well. DEMENTED BEAUTY Based on the life of Ouida Keeton. No one has ever written a book about her life & her side of the story. My book takes you on a chilling psychological journey that spirals into the depths of Hell. The reason why her Mother was murdered, who killed her and how Ouida spent the rest of her tortmented and tortured life. My book is co-authored with my daughter- in-law Teresa Holloway. It is only available through us at this time,because it is with a Hollywood Producer for possible Movie.You can reach us by e-mail or call me at 601-498-2425 for more information. Paperback $17.00 plus shipping
5 LeAnn Moore // Jan 29, 2011 at 1:58 pm
My parents, who have lived in Jones County (Laurel) all of their lives and are in their late 70′s have talked about this murder for many years. Instead of a “boarding house” I heard it was a house of prostitution run by Ma Keeton.
6 April // Jan 31, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Ma Keeton was NOT Daisy Keeton. There was a ‘boadinghouse’ in Laurel owned by Ma Keeton, but it is not the house Daisy and Ouida lived in. Their’s was a family dwelling.
7 Marian // Jan 31, 2011 at 8:09 pm
I can’t get enough of this story. Hunter Cole’s Legs Murder Scandal seems to have more facts but still leaves you wanting to know more. Demented Beauty by Marcelle Harwell seems to be her opinion of what she wants to believe happened. It is mentioned Ouida never changed her story that Carter was in on it but at the same time Carter never changed his story that he had nothing to do with it. Carter was able to keep his affairs quiet for years so I find it hard to believe that he would be so stupid and not get rid of all the body parts. Why on earth would anyone bring back to the scene of the crime and tell Ouida to dispose of rest of the body. He was never accused of being insane. Just too many holes in her story.
8 Marcelle Harwell // Feb 9, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Marian,Read more carefully,witnessess saw Carter at Keeton home several times a week. His auto was seen ( from trial transcripts)at the home that fateful night Jan. 19,1935 after 1:00 am. Everyone I interviewed knew he was her lover. The part about the body is indeed “stupid”, this was the worse planned murder I ever heard of.Unless, he thought no one would see his auto at the home at that late hour & would indeed believe people would know she had to be insane to commit such a grusome murder. But, how did a 105 lb , sickly young woman drag a 185lb, 5’9″(dead weight) body from her bed , across the room, into back bedroom,across the hall,into the bathroom, lift her body up into a 3′ high french tub & cut her body in half, dispose of parts by burning some in fireplace, haul off her torso, ten finally drag her pelvic & thighs across the yard ( which we know she did) that monday morning all alone! Their are many unanswered questions we will probably never know the real truth. But as I wrote I just wanted to give Ouida a voice from the grave. to give her Peace ATLAST! That was my purpose in writing
9 Marcelle Harwell // Feb 9, 2011 at 3:29 pm
continued. this book. After all she paid dearly for the rest of her tormented, demented life for this crime & Carter went free, innocent or not!
10 Marian // Feb 12, 2011 at 2:55 pm
I agree we will probably never know the real truth. I don’t see her as pitiful as you have betrayed her to be. During her trial she appeared to be so helpless but yet was able to slap the guard after he took the stand. She was well aware of everything going on which leads me to believe she was cold and not remorseful one bit.
I do believe she and Carter were lovers but she wasn’t the only one he had on the side.
Demented Beauty does give an interested take on this story. If true, then it sounds as though she fell for every man that give her the time of day.
I believe Carter was more concerned about his reputation and don’t believe Ouida was pressured in continuing this affair for all those years. Carter may not have been confined but he too truly paid for something that has not been proven he committed.
Ouida, in my opinion, got off pretty good. She played the system so not to be in prison and lived out her days in an institution for the insane.
This story has stirred so much interest and from what I’m told there was a book written in 1962 but not knowing the author, I have not been successful located a copy. I don’t think we’ve heard the last of this story or at least I hope not.
11 Lynne Hastings // Mar 6, 2011 at 10:08 am
Fascinating story as all murders are. Thanks to Marcelle & Hunter.
12 Marcelle Harwell // Mar 11, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Dear Lynne, Thank you for your comment. Sincerely, Marcelle
13 Gail // Mar 12, 2011 at 8:13 pm
I won’t ever drive through the area of town near Cross Street ever again without thinking about the details that I read about in this book! Well written!
14 Marian // Mar 22, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Does anyone know about a book written in or about 1962, concerning this murder? Name of book or author would be helpful in locating a copy.
15 ReTina // Mar 23, 2011 at 3:35 pm
I can’t wait until they make this into a movie.
16 Janice // Mar 23, 2011 at 9:56 pm
My dad has lived most of his life in Laurel. He is 90 now. He and some friends were camping out. Mr Carter drove up and took a box out of his car. The boys shined a light on him . He picked up the box, put it back in the car, and drove off. No one pays attention to kids.
17 benton // Mar 27, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Very interesting story! I am 37 years old and I have never heard of this crime until now. It strange how history gets forgotten.
18 Beverly // Apr 14, 2011 at 8:18 pm
I grew up in Hebron, MS and I didn’t know about this murder. I just read the article in the IMPACT. Thank you all for writing the books. I just started writing and I think these stories need to be told. Everyone deserves justice.
Thank you
19 Marcelle Harwell // Apr 15, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Beverly, That is exactly what I wanted to do in my book Demented Beauty. Ouida deserves a voice. Insanity is a tragic illness that is misunderstood by many. I hope my book can help people dealing with mental illness of their own or a family member. Everyone deserves happiness & peace. God Bless all of them. Marcelle
20 Beverly // Apr 20, 2011 at 10:57 am
Marcelle,
Thank you for the response. I have a family member whom is mentally ill, and I agree with you. They need a voice too. I have known people who are judgemental, and could not understand it.
God Bless
21 Gale Bell // May 9, 2011 at 12:34 am
My grandfather was a juror at Ouida Keeton’s trial. Wish he were still alive so he could tell me his opinion, as he was a man with common sense and very good at “reading” people.
22 Pete // May 20, 2011 at 11:32 am
Marcelle – Where does the first part of your book (the life of Ouida from her perspective) come from? Her diary? Thank you. Pete
23 Jonelle // May 20, 2011 at 3:00 pm
It is funny how anytime you google “Legs Murder Scandal” you see a posting from Marcelle Harwell where she mentions her “book” “Demented Beauty” but she doesn’t acknowledge the hard work and research Hunter Cole put into his book which is written with professionalism.
24 Janice // May 20, 2011 at 3:17 pm
I agree with Marian that Marcelle gave her “opinion of what she wants” the reader “to believe happened”. In Marcelle writing the book she has not given Ouida “peace at last” she has ascribed her writings (opinions) as to the life of Ouida Keaton.
25 Marcelle Harwell // May 24, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Pete,My information comes from trial transcripts,Whitfield medical records,Elderly residents of Laurel, Deeds, Newspapers & knowledge learned of her type of mental Illness starting at an early age . Obviously some is speculation, but so much has been proven to be true since my book was published. I have enough new information to write another book on Ouida. I can tell you for a fact I was so close to her REAL life it is ERRIE! Jonelle & Janice, Hunter did a great job on his book. He researched for years. I think his book is a must read for all the historical facts & mine is about a Psychological Journey Into Insanity. Ouida has been written about many times telling about the horrific murder & mulilation of her Mother, but no one has ever cared to give an account of her life. She still has a family alive today that would like to read something about what happened to her to commit such a grusome act. Someone who had some empathy & understaning of Mental Illness. Lastly,H unter is a professional writer, I don’t pretend to be. Regardless my book is selling Great with good reviews from educated people and has a really good chance at becoming a movie, It is being presented to two of the biggest Production Companies in Hollywood. Thanks for hearing me out. Marcelle
26 Barbara // May 24, 2011 at 4:02 pm
The handwritten letters that were in the last part of the book, was that actual letters that Ouida wrote while she was at Whitfield or were the letters your take on her “Psychological Journey Into Insanity”. Also, is the young girl’s picture in the front of the book an actual picture of Ouida?
27 Marcelle Harwell // May 24, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Barbara, Letters created from comments taken from Medical records at Whitfield. Such as:”Long Rambling Incoherent Letters Written by Ouida,J. Edgar Hoover Writting her & the FBI looking into the case, Grandiose Delusions. Fear of being cut open. Seeing her Mother everyday with God, Actively hallucinating.” ALL symptoms of Schizophrenia. The picture of the little girl is a close family member. No KNOWN picture of Ouida as a child exist.
28 Rebecca // May 25, 2011 at 2:44 pm
I just finished reading your book and I was wondering why you did not submit your manuscript of the book to University Press of Mississippi, since the story behind your book took place in Jones County.
I am curious as to where you received your information in regards to Ouida’s childhood before the family moved to Jones County.
29 Marcelle Harwell // May 26, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Rebecca,UPM was not interested in my first book Meadow Woods The Beckoning a true accounting of my Ancestors, very important Historical figures in the American Revolution the Antebellum South & the Cival War. So, why would they be interested in my Ouida Keeton book? To answer your other question; Deeds found in Washington Parish Court House Where The Keetons owned ALOT OF LAND, a visit to the Village of Angie,La. & lastly statements made by family members.
30 Marcelle Harwell // Jul 15, 2011 at 3:40 pm
My books Demented Beauty Based on the Life of Ouida Keeton & Meadow Woods The Beckoning can now be purchased at Lemuria Book Store in Jackson,Ms.
31 Faye Cutchens // Sep 16, 2011 at 6:56 pm
I remember Ma Keeton’s house of prostitution being on central avenue. We were told by a driver’s ed teacher as we drove by, “Don’t ever let me hear of you being in there.” But I also remember visiting a house as a small girl with my mother that was located behind what is now Robinson’s Auto Sales on Cross Street. I don’t remember who lived there at the time but is this the house where the keeton murder ocurred…and is the keeton woman that was killed and Ma keeton two different people or the same person?
32 Quentin Daniels // Sep 26, 2011 at 8:53 pm
Yes, I know this sounds pedantic or petty, but I am only about 60 pages through the book and have spotted two glaring typographical errors, one of them a misspelling of “Bolivar” as “Boliver” county. C’mon, folks!
33 Jessica // Oct 20, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Ouida Keeton and “Maw” Keeton were two different people. Maw Keeton was Quida’s sister-in-law. She was married to Quida’s brother, Earl. At the time she was convicted of prostitution, she was a widow.
34 Laura // Nov 25, 2011 at 2:07 am
My great-grandfather, Jeff Collins, was Mr. Carter’s attorney and his brother was Ouida’s attorney. My granny was probably working as a secretary for her father at this time. I wish she was still around so I could ask her about it. My mom just found out about Cole’s book and is reading it now-I’m going to read it next.
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