Digest

This podcast episode delves into two captivating stories, both highlighting the dark side of human experience. The first story revolves around the Black Hope Cemetery, a forgotten burial ground for enslaved people in Texas. The discovery of the cemetery during the construction of a new subdivision led to a series of paranormal events for the residents, including cold spots, strange noises, and even the disappearance of personal belongings. The residents, including the Haney family, faced legal battles with the developers and insurers, who denied responsibility for the cemetery's existence. The story explores themes of historical erasure, the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, and the struggle for justice. The second story focuses on the unsolved murders of Julie Williams and Lolly Wynons, two women who were found dead in their tent at Shenandoah National Park in 1996. The case initially pointed to Darryl David Rice, but DNA evidence later exonerated him. Twenty years later, the FBI identified the true killer, Walter Leo Jackson Senior, a convicted rapist and kidnapper who had died in prison. The story highlights the vulnerability of marginalized groups in the wilderness, the importance of seeking justice for victims of hate crimes, and the power of DNA evidence in solving crimes. Both stories offer a glimpse into the complexities of human nature, the enduring power of history, and the importance of seeking truth and justice.

Outlines

00:01:19

Haunted Homes and Paranormal Encounters

Christine shares her chaotic life, including moving, home renovations, and a paranormal experience. She details the struggles of home ownership, including a power line issue and a disastrous painting project. She also recounts a chilling story about a haunted house in Crosby, Texas, where a family experienced strange occurrences, including cold spots, ant infestations, and shadowy figures.

00:15:01

Podcast Milestone and Online Criticism

Christine and Allison celebrate the 300th episode of their podcast and discuss their experience reading one-star reviews. Christine shares her favorite review, which criticized the podcast for insulting veterans, and reflects on the absurdity of online criticism.

00:24:42

The Black Hope Cemetery Haunting

Christine recounts a paranormal story about a family who moved into a house built on top of a former cemetery. The family experienced a range of strange occurrences, including cold spots, ant infestations, shadowy figures, and health problems. The story culminates in the discovery of a pine coffin and human remains during a pool installation, revealing the true history of the land as a Black Hope Cemetery.

00:58:38

The Haney Family's Discovery and the Cemetery's History

The Haney family, new residents of a subdivision, discovered that their property was built on top of a former cemetery for enslaved people. They felt obligated to rebury two bodies, Betty and Charlie Thomas, and mark the spot with a flower garden. However, paranormal activity intensified in their home after these actions.

01:01:36

The Haney Family's Haunting and the Red Shoes

Judith, a member of the Haney family, experienced a series of unsettling events, including a sparking alarm clock, a sliding glass door opening on its own, and the disappearance of her red shoes, which were later found on Betty's grave. These events coincided with Betty's birthday, leading the family to believe that the spirits were trying to communicate.

01:02:59

The Haney Family's Legal Battle and the Neighbors' Experiences

The Haney family realized they couldn't sell their haunted house and sought financial compensation from the developers for not disclosing the cemetery's existence. Other neighbors, who had also experienced paranormal activity, joined their lawsuit, sharing stories of strange occurrences in their homes.

01:04:51

Ben and Jean's Ongoing Struggles and Family Tragedy

Ben and Jean, the original residents of the first house built on the cemetery, faced a series of personal tragedies, including the deaths of Jean's brother and father, Ben's mother's cancer diagnosis, and the death of their granddaughter's cat. Jean felt overwhelmed by the negative energy and believed it was a result of the history of the place, not vengeful spirits.

01:06:48

Ben and Jean's Legal Pursuit and the Insurer's Denial

Ben and Jean, unable to afford to leave their home, pursued a settlement with the developers' insurers. However, the insurer denied responsibility, claiming the cemetery wasn't registered with the county and therefore didn't exist. Despite testimonies from locals and evidence of the graves, the insurer refused to acknowledge the cemetery.

01:09:03

Jean's Desperate Act and Tina's Tragic Death

Frustrated by the insurer's denial, Jean decided to dig up a body near a large oak tree to prove the cemetery's existence. Her daughter, Tina, who was battling cancer and a heart condition, helped her dig. However, Tina became ill shortly after and died two days later from a heart attack. Jean believed she had desecrated another grave and was paying the price.

01:10:50

Ben and Jean's Escape and the Haney Family's Legal Setback

Ben and Jean, overwhelmed by the events, fled to Montana. They eventually moved back to Texas but in a different area, where they no longer experienced paranormal activity. The Haney family, on the other hand, won their lawsuit initially but were later ordered to pay the developers, leading them to declare bankruptcy and move.

01:11:50

The Legacy of Hilltop Drive and the Black Hope Haunting

Many residents of the development eventually left due to the paranormal activity and the legal battles. Ben and Jean wrote a book about their experiences, which was adapted into a TV movie. The story of the Black Hope Cemetery became a local legend, often mistaken for the inspiration for the movie Poltergeist.

01:12:59

Walter Winches' Encounters and the Ongoing Mystery

Despite claims that the neighborhood was no longer haunted, a longtime resident named Walter Winches reported experiencing strange occurrences, including a doppelganger of his wife and a coffin-shaped sinkhole in his yard. Ghost hunters continue to visit the area, suggesting the mystery of the Black Hope Cemetery persists.

01:16:55

The Unsolved Murders of Julie Williams and Lolly Wynons

The podcast delves into the story of Julie Williams and Lolly Wynons, a couple mentioned in a book about the Colonial Parkway Murders. Their case, however, was unrelated and was solved a few months before the podcast episode.

01:18:55

Julie and Lolly's Background and Shared Passion

Julie and Lolly met in the early 90s through a group called Woods Women, a Minnesota-based nonprofit focused on wilderness adventures. Both women shared a love for the outdoors and came from different backgrounds, with Lolly experiencing a difficult childhood and Julie being a quiet but empathetic individual.

01:20:57

Julie and Lolly's Careers and Shared Values

Lolly pursued environmental studies and later focused on adventure therapy, connecting abuse and rape survivors to the outdoors. Julie majored in geology and worked in the outdoor sector as a canoe guide and wildlife technician. Both women were admired for their dedication to their work and their shared values.

01:25:41

Julie and Lolly's Shenandoah National Park Trip

In late May 1996, Julie and Lolly decided to go on a trip to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. They registered their vehicle and equipment and planned to return home on May 27th. However, they never returned, and their disappearance sparked a search effort.

01:28:22

The Search for Julie and Lolly and the Discovery of Taj

Julie's parents contacted a ranger at Shenandoah Park, who issued an attempt to locate (ATL). Rangers found their car but couldn't locate the couple. A parkgoer encountered Julie's dog, Taj, wandering near a secluded trail. The ranger recognized the dog and took it to Julie and Lolly's car, where it jumped up and looked through the window.

01:31:44

The Discovery of the Campsite and the Horrific Reality

Rangers, following Taj's lead, hiked a secluded trail and discovered a campsite in disarray. They found Julie and Lolly dead inside their tent, both gagged, raped, and with their throats cut. The crime scene was preserved, and the FBI took over the investigation.

01:34:25

The Initial Theories and the Brutal Reality

Initial reports suggested a murder-suicide or a bear attack, but the evidence pointed to a more sinister crime. Both women had been gagged, raped, and murdered, highlighting the brutality of the attack. The outdoor community was shocked, especially marginalized groups who already felt unsafe in the wilderness.

01:36:30

The Investigation and the Arrest of Darryl David Rice

Investigators believed the women were targeted because of their gender and sexuality, as they were camping on a secluded path. In 2002, Darryl David Rice, who had a history of violence toward women in the park, was arrested for the murders. He had previously attempted to abduct a woman in the park and made homophobic statements in prison.

01:43:02

The DNA Evidence and Darryl's Exoneration

In 2004, DNA evidence from the crime scene proved that Darryl was not the murderer. The prosecution dropped their charges against him, but many people remained convinced of his guilt. Darryl retreated into seclusion, avoiding the media and law enforcement.

01:45:25

The Case Solved and Walter Leo Jackson's Identity

Twenty years later, in June 2024, the FBI announced they had identified the killer: Walter Leo Jackson Senior, a convicted rapist and kidnapper who had died in prison in 2018. DNA evidence from the crime scene matched Walter's DNA.

01:47:27

Darryl's Exoneration and Walter's Tragic End

Darryl was finally exonerated of the killings, but his whereabouts were unknown. He was later struck by a car while riding his bike and killed. The FBI released information about Walter's vehicle and requested public assistance in connecting him to other crimes.

01:49:09

The Closure and the Lasting Impact

The podcast concludes with a sense of closure, as the true killer has been identified. However, the story highlights the lasting impact of the crime on the outdoor community and the importance of seeking justice for marginalized groups.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the challenges Christine faced during her home renovation?

  Christine encountered a number of challenges, including a power line issue that cost $10,000, a disastrous painting and wallpapering project, and a supply chain issue that significantly increased the cost of her garage door.

• What were some of the paranormal experiences the family in the Black Hope Cemetery story encountered?

  The family experienced a range of paranormal activity, including cold spots, ant infestations, shadowy figures, health problems, and even the death of their pet birds.

• What historical significance does the Black Hope Cemetery hold?

  The Black Hope Cemetery represents the historical erasure of Black communities. It was a burial ground for Black sharecroppers who lived on the land, but it was later built over without proper documentation or recognition.

• What led to the discovery of the Black Hope Cemetery and the subsequent paranormal activity?

  The discovery of the cemetery occurred when a new subdivision was built on top of it. The Haney family, who moved into one of the houses, felt obligated to rebury two bodies they found, but this action seemed to intensify the paranormal activity in their home.

• What were some of the challenges faced by Ben and Jean in their legal pursuit against the developers and insurers?

  Ben and Jean faced numerous challenges, including the insurer's denial of responsibility due to the cemetery's lack of official registration, the lack of financial resources to leave their home, and the ongoing tragedies within their family.

• How did the case of Julie Williams and Lolly Wynons unfold, and what was the eventual outcome?

  Julie and Lolly, a couple who loved the outdoors, went on a trip to Shenandoah National Park but never returned. Their disappearance sparked a search effort, which led to the discovery of their bodies at a secluded campsite. The case was initially attributed to Darryl David Rice, but DNA evidence later exonerated him. The true killer, Walter Leo Jackson Senior, was identified after his death in 2018.

• What are some of the lasting impacts of the Black Hope Cemetery story and the murders of Julie Williams and Lolly Wynons?

  The story of the Black Hope Cemetery and the murders of Julie and Lolly have left a lasting impact on the outdoor community, particularly marginalized groups who feel more vulnerable in the wilderness. The case also highlights the importance of seeking justice for victims of hate crimes and the power of DNA evidence in solving crimes.

Show Notes