Episode 579: The Society Gang Killing
Episode 579: The Society Gang Killing
11Digest
This chapter delves into the highly publicized trial of Phil Kenner, a young man from a wealthy family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, accused of murdering his friend John Goral. The trial was a theatrical display, with both the prosecution and defense teams employing dramatic tactics to sway the jury. The defense, led by A Flint Moss, focused on Phil's mental instability, presenting evidence of his erratic behavior and presenting witnesses who testified to his obsession with Virginia Wilcox. However, the defense lacked concrete psychological evaluations to support their claims of Phil's insanity. Despite the defense's efforts, the jury found Phil guilty of first-degree manslaughter, sentencing him to 25 years in prison. Phil later appealed for parole and was granted a temporary release to be with his dying mother. After her death, Phil was denied a parole extension and eventually volunteered to join the military to fight in World War II. He was killed in action during the invasion of Normandy, adding a tragic twist to the already sensational case.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, Ash and Alaina, and announces the theme of the episode: Ghost Movie Week. They express their excitement for the upcoming Ghost movie and discuss their personal connections to the band.
The Society Gang Killing
This Chapter introduces the case of Phil Kenner, a young man from a wealthy family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Phil's life was marked by a series of impulsive and erratic behaviors, including a suicide attempt at the age of five and a constant desire to run away from home. He was obsessed with Virginia Wilcox, a young woman from a prominent family, and when she rejected his advances, his behavior became increasingly erratic.
The Extortion Plot
This Chapter details the events leading up to the murder of John Goral. Phil's obsession with Virginia led him to become involved in a kidnapping plot against her, orchestrated by his friend John Goral. Phil's plan was to intervene and save Virginia, making himself look like a hero in her eyes. However, John's plan escalated to include kidnapping and holding Virginia for ransom, which Phil found too dangerous.
The Murder of John Goral
This Chapter focuses on the murder of John Goral. Phil eventually killed John Goral, claiming self-defense, but the circumstances surrounding the murder were highly suspicious. The case captivated the public, with speculation about Phil's mental state and the possibility of a larger conspiracy.
The Aftermath
This Chapter explores the aftermath of the murder, including the public's fascination with the scandal, the investigation into Phil's mental state, and the death of Sidney Bourne, a witness who could have placed Phil at the scene of the crime.
The Trial
This Chapter discusses the prosecution's efforts to bring Phil to trial quickly, amidst the swirling rumors and speculation surrounding the case. The episode concludes with a reflection on the societal pressures of wealth and privilege, and the tragic consequences of obsession and delusion.
The Trial Begins
This Chapter details the beginning of Phil Kenner's trial for the murder of John Goral. The trial was highly anticipated, with a focus on the dramatic performances of both the prosecution and defense teams. The defense, led by A Flint Moss, employed a strategy of emphasizing Phil's mental instability, presenting evidence of his erratic behavior and presenting witnesses who testified to his obsession with Virginia Wilcox. However, the defense lacked concrete psychological evaluations to support their claims of Phil's insanity.
The Verdict and Aftermath
This Chapter details the jury's verdict in Phil Kenner's trial, finding him guilty of first-degree manslaughter. The verdict was met with excitement and applause from spectators. Phil was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He later appealed for parole and was granted a temporary release to be with his dying mother. After her death, Phil was denied a parole extension and eventually volunteered to join the military to fight in World War II. He was killed in action during the invasion of Normandy, adding a tragic twist to the already sensational case.
Keywords
Phil Kenner
Phil Kenner was a young man from a wealthy family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who was obsessed with Virginia Wilcox. His erratic behavior and eventual murder of John Goral made him a notorious figure in Tulsa society.
Virginia Wilcox
Virginia Wilcox was a young woman from a prominent family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was the object of Phil Kenner's obsession, and her rejection of his advances led to his increasingly erratic behavior and ultimately, the murder of his friend John Goral.
John Goral
John Goral was a dental student from Kansas City who was a friend of Phil Kenner. He was involved in a kidnapping plot against Virginia Wilcox, which ultimately led to his murder by Phil Kenner.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the setting for the story of Phil Kenner and the murder of John Goral. The city's wealthy elite and the social pressures they faced played a significant role in the events of the case.
Extortion
Extortion is the act of obtaining something, typically money, by threats. In this case, John Goral and his associates planned to extort money from Virginia Wilcox's family by kidnapping her and threatening her life.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is the unlawful seizure and detention of a person against their will. In this case, John Goral and his associates planned to kidnap Virginia Wilcox and hold her for ransom.
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. In this case, Phil Kenner murdered John Goral, claiming self-defense, but the circumstances surrounding the murder were highly suspicious.
Obsession
Obsession is a state of being preoccupied with a particular person, thing, or activity. In this case, Phil Kenner was obsessed with Virginia Wilcox, and his obsession led to his increasingly erratic behavior and ultimately, the murder of his friend John Goral.
Delusion
Delusion is a false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. In this case, Phil Kenner's belief that he could save Virginia Wilcox and win her back by killing John Goral was a delusion.
A Flint Moss
A Flint Moss was a prominent lawyer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who represented Phil Kenner in his trial for the murder of John Goral. He was known for his dramatic courtroom style and his focus on Phil's mental instability.
Q&A
What was the defense strategy employed by A Flint Moss in Phil Kenner's trial?
A Flint Moss, Phil Kenner's lawyer, focused on presenting Phil as mentally unstable, highlighting his erratic behavior and obsession with Virginia Wilcox. He aimed to create doubt in the jury's mind about Phil's sanity and potentially secure an acquittal or a lesser charge.
What was the significance of Edna Harmon's testimony in the trial?
Edna Harmon, an apartment owner, initially told police she overheard Phil discussing the murder. However, she later claimed she was threatened and refused to testify. This dramatic turn of events caused chaos in the courtroom, highlighting the sensationalism and theatricality of the trial.
What was the jury's verdict in Phil Kenner's trial?
The jury found Phil Kenner guilty of first-degree manslaughter, a lesser charge than the prosecution's request for first-degree murder. This verdict, while not a complete victory for the prosecution, still resulted in a significant sentence for Phil.
What happened to Phil Kenner after his conviction?
Phil Kenner was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He later appealed for parole and was granted a temporary release to be with his dying mother. After her death, he was denied a parole extension. He eventually volunteered to join the military and was killed in action during World War II.
What were the societal pressures and themes explored in the case of Phil Kenner?
The case highlighted the societal pressures of wealth and privilege, the dangers of obsession and delusion, and the potential for unchecked privilege to lead to reckless and destructive behavior. It also explored the complexities of mental illness and the challenges of proving insanity in a court of law.
Show Notes
On Thanksgiving Day 1934, police in Tulsa, Oklahoma found the dead body of John Gorrell Jr., a Kansas City dental student, slumped behind the wheel of his car, which had come to a stop at a downtown intersection. Gorrell had been shot in the head twice with his own gun and his wallet and other valuables were missing, leading police to conclude he had been killed in a botched robbery. Just one day later, the residents of Tulsa were shocked to learn that Gorrell hadn’t been killed by a robbery, but by his friend Phil Kennamer, and his motive wasn’t robbery.
At the peak of the Great Depression, newspaper reports of violent crime were nothing new. In this case, however, the victim was the son of a prominent local physician and his killer the son of a well-known US District Court judge. The privileged backgrounds of the victim and killer were enough to captivate the residents of Tulsa, but as the strange details of the story slowly emerged in the days that followed, the case quickly grew from local sensation to national fascination. In the weeks and months that followed, countless front pages (and then some) were dedicated to the lurid details of what the press soon dubbed the “Society Gang Killing;” a story of disaffected youth who, bored with their wealth and privilege, turned to crime and violence for the sake of entertainment and excitement.
Thank you to the incredible Dave White of Bring Me The Axe Podcast for Research!
References
Biscup, Walter. 1935. "Verdict of jury leaves punishment of Gorrell's slayer to Judge Hurst." Tulsa World, February 22: 1.
Frates, Kent. 2014. "The Society Gang Killingg." This Land, July 15.
Freese, Jim. 2016. Murder in the Name Of Love: The Phil Kennamer Trial. Tulsa, OK: Freese Publishing .
Miami Daily News-Record. 1934. "Sheriff refuses to act on Phil Kennamer's version of case, involving associates." Miami Daily News-Record, December 13: 1.
—. 1934. "Doubt cast on gang theory in Tulsa slaying." Miami Daiy News-Record, December 3: 1.
Morrow, Jason. 2015. Deadly Hero: The High Society Murder that Created Hysteria in the Heartland. Tulsa, OK: Independent.
Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat. 1935. "Counsel declares he could not tell right from wrong." Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat, February 15: 1.
New York Times. 1934. "Death car driver a suicide in Tulsa." New York Times, December 10: 38.
—. 1935. "Girl takes stand to Aid Kennamer." New York Times, February 16: 30.
—. 1935. "Kennamer reveals 'extortion letter'." New York Times, January 27: 15.
—. 1935. "Kennamer tells of fatal shooting." New York Times, February 19: 10.
Phillips, Harmon. 1935. "Kennamer Case goes on aftwer threat of mistrial." Tulsa Tribune, February 13: 1.
—. 1935. "Phil Kennamer back to jail with 25 years in prison as penalty for Gorrell killing." Tulsa Tribune, February 24: 1.
—. 1935. "State blocks quick opinion by doctor that Kennamer shot youth while insane." Tulsa Tribune, February 16: 1.
Tulsa Tribune. 1934. "Anderson tells plan of Kennamer Trial." Tulsa Tribune, December 15: 1.
—. 1935. "New clues seen in notes from Phil Kennamer." Tulsa Tribune, January 3: 3.
—. 1934. "Phil Kennamer inisists slaying his own actions." Tulsa Tribune, December 2: 5.
—. 1934. "Police call Born suicide." Tulsa Tribune, December 10: 1.
—. 1935. "Opposing Kennamer case legal batteries promise fiery clash of courtroom tactics." Tulsa Trribune, January 23: 7.
Tulsa World. 1935. "Judge Kennamer weeps as he describes Phil's abnormalities." Tulsa World, February 16: 1.
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