Digest

This podcast delves into the life and crimes of Winnie Ruth Judd, a woman known as the "Trunk Murderess." The episode begins by introducing Ruth's early life, marked by illness and a strict religious upbringing. It then explores her tumultuous marriage to William Judd, a morphine addict struggling to find stable work. Seeking a drier climate for her tuberculosis, Ruth moves to Phoenix, Arizona, where she forms close friendships with Agnes and Leroy. However, her relationship with William remains strained due to his addiction. As they share a cramped apartment and face financial difficulties, tension grows between Ruth and her friends. Ruth eventually returns to her job at the clinic, seeking independence. The episode introduces Happy Jack Collaron, a married businessman who becomes a frequent guest at Ruth and her friends' parties. It reveals Ruth's secret affair with Jack, adding another layer of complexity to the already strained relationships. On October 16, 1931, a heated argument erupts between Ruth and her friends, leading to the tragic deaths of Agnes and Leroy. Ruth escapes to Los Angeles, dismembers the bodies, and checks their remains in luggage at the train station. The bodies are discovered, leading to a massive manhunt for Ruth. After being tracked down by her husband, Ruth surrenders to the police and confesses to the murders, claiming self-defense. The episode recounts Ruth's trial, where the prosecution argues that jealousy and fear of losing Jack motivated her to kill her friends. The episode explores the role of Happy Jack and the conflicting accounts of his involvement. The podcast discusses Ruth Judd's trial for the murder of her two friends. Despite multiple confessions and overwhelming evidence, Ruth attempted to escape the courthouse during a recess, shouting accusations against the sheriff. Ruth's attorney, Paul Shank, invoked the irresistible impulse doctrine, arguing that Ruth's mental state at the time of the crime rendered her unaware of the consequences of her actions. However, expert testimony from psychiatrists refuted this claim, highlighting Ruth's calculated actions in concealing the crime and her affair. The podcast delves into the closing arguments presented by both sides. The prosecution emphasized the overwhelming evidence against Ruth, while the defense attempted to undermine the psychiatrist's testimony, arguing that Ruth's alleged lies were a symptom of mental illness. The jury ultimately found Ruth guilty of first-degree murder, despite the seemingly impulsive nature of the crime. The podcast details Ruth's sentencing to death and her subsequent appeals. Despite being deemed mentally ill, Ruth escaped from the hospital six times over 12 years. She was eventually granted parole and lived out the rest of her life in Phoenix, Arizona. The podcast discusses the lasting impact of the case and the public's perception of Ruth Judd. Some believe that the sensationalized media coverage biased the jury, while others argue that the dismemberment of the bodies was a key factor in the case's notoriety.

Outlines

00:00:00

Ruth Judd: The Trunk Murderess

This episode introduces the story of Winnie Ruth Judd, also known as the "Trunk Murderess," and sets the stage for a chilling tale of murder, deceit, and a complex web of relationships. It explores her early life, tumultuous marriage, and move to Phoenix, Arizona.

00:11:34

Ruth's Friendships and the Affair

The episode details Ruth's friendships with Agnes and Leroy in Phoenix, and the growing tension between them as they share a cramped apartment and face financial difficulties. It introduces Happy Jack Collaron and reveals Ruth's secret affair with him, adding another layer of complexity to the already strained relationships.

00:19:53

The Murders and Ruth's Escape

The episode recounts the events of October 16, 1931, when a heated argument erupts between Ruth and her friends, leading to the tragic deaths of Agnes and Leroy. It details Ruth's escape from Phoenix to Los Angeles, where she dismembers the bodies and checks their remains in luggage at the train station. The bodies are discovered, leading to a massive manhunt for Ruth.

00:43:21

Ruth's Capture, Confession, and Trial

The episode describes Ruth's surrender to the police after being tracked down by her husband. She confesses to the murders but claims self-defense. The episode recounts Ruth's trial, where the prosecution argues that jealousy and fear of losing Jack motivated her to kill her friends. The episode explores the role of Happy Jack and the conflicting accounts of his involvement.

00:58:30

Ruth's Defense, Verdict, and Sentencing

The podcast discusses Ruth Judd's trial for the murder of her two friends. Despite multiple confessions and overwhelming evidence, Ruth attempted to escape the courthouse during a recess, shouting accusations against the sheriff. Ruth's attorney, Paul Shank, invoked the irresistible impulse doctrine, arguing that Ruth's mental state at the time of the crime rendered her unaware of the consequences of her actions. However, expert testimony from psychiatrists refuted this claim, highlighting Ruth's calculated actions in concealing the crime and her affair. The jury ultimately found Ruth guilty of first-degree murder, despite the seemingly impulsive nature of the crime. The podcast details Ruth's sentencing to death and her subsequent appeals.

01:06:11

Ruth's Escape Attempts and Legacy

The podcast details Ruth's sentencing to death and her subsequent appeals. Despite being deemed mentally ill, Ruth escaped from the hospital six times over 12 years. She was eventually granted parole and lived out the rest of her life in Phoenix, Arizona. The podcast discusses the lasting impact of the case and the public's perception of Ruth Judd. Some believe that the sensationalized media coverage biased the jury, while others argue that the dismemberment of the bodies was a key factor in the case's notoriety.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the circumstances surrounding Winnie Ruth Judd's move to Phoenix?

  Ruth moved to Phoenix seeking a drier climate to improve her tuberculosis. She was also seeking a fresh start after a difficult marriage to William Judd, who struggled with morphine addiction.

• How did Ruth's affair with Happy Jack Collaron impact her relationships with her friends?

  Ruth's affair with Jack created tension and suspicion among her friends, Agnes and Leroy, who were also attracted to him. This jealousy and competition ultimately contributed to the tragic events that unfolded.

• What were the different versions of events surrounding the murders of Agnes and Leroy?

  Ruth provided several accounts of the murders, claiming self-defense in some versions and blaming her friends for provoking her. The prosecution presented a different version, alleging that Ruth acted out of jealousy and premeditated the killings.

• What role did Happy Jack Collaron play in the murders?

  The episode explores the conflicting accounts of Happy Jack's involvement. While Ruth initially claimed he had abandoned her, she later changed her story, suggesting he was still in love with her and would come to her rescue. The prosecution never called him to testify, leaving his role in the events unclear.

• What was the main argument presented by Ruth Judd's defense attorney?

  Ruth's attorney argued that she was not sane at the time of the crime and therefore unaware of the consequences of her actions, invoking the irresistible impulse doctrine.

• How did the prosecution refute the insanity defense?

  The prosecution presented expert testimony from psychiatrists who concluded that Ruth was sane and had deliberately concealed her crimes and affair, demonstrating a clear understanding of her actions.

• Why was Ruth Judd found guilty of first-degree murder despite the seemingly impulsive nature of the crime?

  The jury likely considered the extensive cover-up efforts, including dismemberment and concealing the affair, as evidence of premeditation, which is a key element of first-degree murder.

• What was the outcome of Ruth Judd's appeals and subsequent life?

  Despite appeals and being deemed mentally ill, Ruth escaped from the hospital six times over 12 years. She was eventually granted parole and lived out the rest of her life in Phoenix, Arizona, even suing the family she had worked for after her final escape.

Show Notes