Over the years while listening to and watching these stories I noticed a running theme. When cases in small towns were covered people would say “things like this don’t happen around here” or “this doesn’t happen here” as if being in a small town kept the evil at bay. I knew the false sense of security we feel in small towns is just that, false. 

I know this because my grandfather was that evil……. 

I have only met my grandfather in person one time and I do not even remember it. I was very young. However, his evil was very well known in our family. My grandfather had shot and killed a woman in cold blood at THE POLICE STATION!! 

Oh yea you heard that right I said at the police station….right in front of his victims mother and his own daughter!

Resources:

(n.d.). Houghtaling V Commonwealth. Justia. https://law.justia.com/cases/virginia/supreme-court/1968/6836-1.html

"Obituary." The Daily Newsleader, 2 Aug. 1986, p. 2.

"Obituary." The Daily Newsleader, 22 Aug. 1966, p. 2.

"FamilyTells Details Leading to Murder." The News-Virginian, 22 Aug. 1966, pp. 1, 8.

"Slaying Case Figure Said Improved." The Roanoke Times, 23 Aug. 1966, p. 32.

"Houghtaling Satisfactory in Hospital." The News-Virginian, 23 Aug. 1966, p. 8.

"Houghtaling Due Out of Hospital Soon." The Daily Newsleader, 4 Sept. 1966, p. 2.

"Judge Orders Mental Tests for Suspect." The Daily News Leader, 8 Sept. 1966, p. 2.

"Mental Tests Ordered in Slaying Case." The Roanoke Times, 8 Sept. 1966, p. 28.

"Houghtaling Committed to Mental Institution." The News-Virginian, 8 Sept. 1966, p. 1.

"Houghtaling Sane, Slated for Trial." The News-Virginian, 22 Nov. 1966, p. 7.

"Preliminary Houghtaling Hearing Set." The News-Virginian, 14 Dec. 1966, p. 1.