On Christmas Day in 1929 37 year old Fannie Manring and six of her seven children – Marie, Carrie, Maybell, James, Raymond and Mary-Lou were killed by husband and father Charles Lawson in North Carolina. Her eldest child Arthur was spared.

In a seemingly premeditated familicide Charles took his family to have a family portrait taken the day before he killed them all – apart from his son Arthur. He then took his own life.

With speculation about motives ranging from a head injury to incest and child abuse, this familicide remains one of the most infamous murders in American history.

This is the story of the Lawson Family.

Information and support

·      Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans

·      Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·      Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·      National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·      Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·      Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline

References

Haunting last family photo hid evil dad's incest secret before all 7 killed in massacre

Madison Dry Goods Store Murders: How and Why Did Charles Lawson Kill His Wife and Kids?

Watch 28 Days Haunted | Netflix Official Site

The Story of the Lawson Family | NC DNCR

Murder of the Lawson family | Murder Ballads

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