Description
In 1948, a Delta Mississippi socialite named Ruth Thompson Dickins, hacked her mother to death with gardening shears. She blamed the murder on a “negro” man she claimed attacked her as well. But a jury of 12 white men didn’t believe her, in Mississippi, in 1949. That fact alone is incredible. But with her prominent family, wealthy and aggressive “cotton man” husband and the backing of the elite white people of her town and county, the governor of Mississippi was finally badgered into suspending her sentence after she served only six years.
Photo Gallery
Show Notes
Written, hosted, produced by Erica Kelley
Researched by Erica Kelley
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma Radio
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leland,_Mississippi
https://www.mc.edu/news/dedication-set-dickins-scoper-baseball-stadium-mississippi-college
https://www.thompsonhousebb.com/about_us
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8737148/ruth_dickins_back_at_parchman/
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8737261/ruth_dickens_at_home_following_surgery/
https://www.newspapers.com/search/#query=Ruth+Thompson+Dickins
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_Delta
https://www.leagle.com/decision/1949277208miss691269
https://www.thompsonhousebb.com/
https://www.newspapers.com/image/179579843/?terms=Ruth%2BThompson%2BDickins%2Bcollege
https://newspaperarchive.com/laurel-leader-call-jan-24-1996-p-2/