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[The Butcher and the Wren: Book Launch and the Case of the Butterfly Man]-[Episode 308: The Case of the Butterfly Man]

Morbid · B2 · 2022-03-22

True crime
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📋 Summary

The Butcher and the Wren: A New Chapter and a Dark Historical Case

A Creative Milestone

In this episode of Morbid, host Elena shares a monumental announcement: the upcoming publication of her debut novel, The Butcher and the Wren, set for release on September 13th, 2022. Describing the process as a "labor of love" spanning five years, Elena details the psychological thriller’s setting in New Orleans and its protagonist, a female medical examiner named Ren. The book, published by Zando Publishing, blends horror and thriller elements with a touch of the dark humor characteristic of the podcast. The hosts emphasize the collaborative and supportive nature of their network, noting that Ash provided invaluable feedback throughout the writing process by reading drafts aloud.

The Butterfly Man: A Brutal 1934 Shreveport Mystery

Transitioning to true crime, the hosts delve into a haunting case from April 1934 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Two men, Will Marion and Albert Green, discovered the body of 15-year-old May Griffin in a dense forest near Cross Lake. The crime scene was particularly disturbing, as the victim was found with her belongings, including face cream and a hat, staged in a circle of leaves and wood around her body.

The Investigation and the "Butterfly Man"

Coroner Dr. W.P. Butler’s autopsy revealed a horrific act of violence. May had been sexually assaulted and suffered multiple stab wounds and a slit throat. Witnesses reported seeing May in the company of an older man who was peddling handmade "butterfly bows"—small hair accessories made of paper and fabric. This individual, dubbed the "Butterfly Man," was eventually identified as Frank Lockhart, a 38-year-old man living in a makeshift homeless community under a railroad overpass.

Vigilante Justice and Historical Parallels

Following the arrest of initial suspect J.A. Conroy, the public outcry in Shreveport reached a fever pitch. An angry mob of thousands surrounded the courthouse, demanding vigilante justice. The hosts discuss the dangers of such mobs, noting that they often target the innocent or marginalized. Lockhart eventually confessed to the murder, claiming he had approached May under the guise of hiring her to care for his "ailing wife."

Lockhart’s criminal history was equally chilling. He admitted to escaping prison in 1931 while serving time for a previous sexual assault. Furthermore, he claimed involvement in the 1915 lynching of Leo Frank in Georgia, a case characterized by systemic anti-Semitism. The hosts reflect on the tragic nature of these historical injustices, noting that "wrong place, wrong time" scenarios disproportionately affected vulnerable groups.

Final Reflections

Frank Lockhart was sentenced to death and hanged on May 18, 1934. While the case reached a swift legal conclusion, the hosts critique the era's societal reactions, specifically referencing a sermon by a local pastor who blamed the murder on "immoral sex" and "dance halls" rather than the actions of the perpetrator. The episode concludes with a reflection on the nature of evil and the importance of looking for "the helpers," while maintaining the podcast's signature blend of empathy for victims and a deep, scholarly interest in the grim details of history.

🎯Key Sentences

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it's like having a cozy seat in our haunted mansion
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It's exactly why I stocked up during the Thrive Markets back to school sale.
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It's all happening.
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Wait, We love a Louisiana setting.
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It's right up my alley.
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📝Key Phrases

1
kick back and relax
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make my way downtown
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right up your alley
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labor of love
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shoving this down everyone's throat
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📖 Transcript

Hey weirdos, Elena here. If you're looking to kick back and relax with Morbid, Wondery Plus is the way to go. it's like having a cozy seat in our haunted mansion no ads just you and early access to new episodes You can join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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