Has Jess got a TALL TALE for you all today…literally!

When one thinks of the Cherokee Strip, one doesn’t normally conjure up an image of Goliath or Tom Thumb or a full-blown circus for that matter, unless maybe you’re from the area and grew up listening to the tales.

Lewis Wilkins, born in 1869 or 1870, was known as "The Oklahoma Giant" due to his extraordinary height of 8 feet 2 inches and weight of 365 pounds. He grew up in a large family in Butler County, Kansas, and moved to a farm near Waukomis after the Cherokee Strip opened in 1893. By the age of 12, he was already over six feet tall and gained fame through his travels as a giant, touring worldwide. Despite being well-formed, Lewis faced health issues later in life, ultimately discovering a bone tumor pressing on his optic nerve. After a trip to Chicago for potential surgery, he died on July 10, 1902, at age 33. His funeral drew a crowd of about 2,000 people, and he was buried near his family home, with his body temporarily placed in a specially designed casket to prevent theft for carnival displays. Although his family received a significant insurance payout, Lewis was reinterred in Waukomis Cemetery without a marker indicating his status as the tallest man in the world at the time of his death.

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This week, Tiff brings us one of the kookiest cases your favorite cousins have eve dived into…the unsolved case of Roberta “Bobby” Lynn Daniel. Born in 1952, in Kansas, but living virtually all of her life here in Oklahoma, Bobby is remembered as a happy and talented child, who not only thrived in the dance studio, but also on the back of a horse.  Bobby spent most of her childhood in Buffalo, moved to Woodward, where she graduated, and ended up in Watonga. And though her first marriage didn’t work out, she seemed to have found her love match in her second marriage in 1985.  

On January 2, 1988, a seemingly ordinary day took a horrific turn when Bobby was found brutally attacked in her home, leading to a complex investigation. Initial evidence suggested a robbery gone wrong, but inconsistencies raised suspicions about none other than Bobby’s own husband’s involvement…Terry Daniel. Despite the discovery of life insurance policies taken out shortly before Bobby's death, Terry was acquitted of murder charges in 2000 after a lengthy trial marked by missing evidence and investigative errors. As of now, the case remains unsolved, with no one held accountable for Bobby's brutal death. 

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Blaine County Sheriff’s Department continue to seek information from the public regarding this cold case. 

Tips can be left at:

OSBI- 1-800-522-8017 or  [email protected].

Blaine County- (580) 623-5111 or tip form:  (https://blainecosheriff-ok.gov/submit-tip#:~:text=Send%20us%20your%20Tip&text=If%20your%20tip%20concerns%20a,(580)%20623%2D5111) 

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Ready for a spin-tingling, spooky and kooky story? Jess has found the perfect place, right off of I-35 in southern Oklahoma…

Brown Springs is a natural spring located near the Red River, just north of Thackerville, Oklahoma. Though easily accessible, the site has an eerie reputation, surrounded by thick woods and brush, creating an uninviting atmosphere. The spring's clear water is juxtaposed with the nearby cemetery, which adds to its unsettling allure. Brown Springs has been known for its misfortunes, with historical accounts suggesting it was once a hub for travelers, including native tribes and settlers. The area was also marked by tragic stories, including a history of outlaws and criminal activities that supposedly took place there, contributing to its haunted reputation.

The cemetery near Brown Springs holds the remains of both Chickasaw citizens and non-Chickasaws, reflecting a mix of burial practices. Its neglect has led to legends of hauntings, with locals recounting tales of restless spirits and strange occurrences in the area. Many visitors have reported unsettling experiences. The location has become a point of interest for those intrigued by the supernatural, with some suggesting connections to crimes committed in the past. Despite its eerie atmosphere, Brown Springs remains a site of curiosity, warning visitors to be cautious, especially about drinking the spring water…

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With the wild weather this month, Tiff decided to take a look at another story day way back when…

The weather in Oklahoma, particularly tornadoes, has long been a significant concern since the Land Run of 1889. Tornadoes are most prevalent in "tornado alley," which stretches from Texas through Oklahoma and into the Midwest. The unique geography of Oklahoma increases the likelihood of tornadoes, especially during the typical tornado season. Early settlers faced severe risks as tornadoes often struck without warning, leading to tragic incidents, such as the 1942 tornado in Pryor that resulted in numerous casualties.

Touted as one of the most devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma's history, April 27, 1942, completely changed the future of Pryor. This EF4 tornado destroyed a third of the town, leading to significant loss of life and injuries, with over 400 people hurt and 52 fatalities reported. The lack of early warning systems meant that many residents were caught off guard. The aftermath saw makeshift hospitals set up, and martial law declared. Personal stories from survivors highlight the human impact of this disaster, illustrating bravery and resilience amidst tragedy. Despite the destruction, Pryor has since rebuilt and continues to thrive, embodying the Oklahoma spirit.

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Ep 104 is hot off the press! This week Jess tells us the harrowing tale of William Lewis Reece, born on July 1, 1959, in Oklahoma. Reece faced a troubled upbringing as one of thirteen children. After dropping out of school in the 9th grade due to financial constraints, he married,and had two children. However, his marriage was marred by Reece's heavy drinking and abusive behavior, leading to multiple divorces. Reece’s abusive behavior would culminate with a 1986 arrest for sexual assault, which resulted in a 25-year prison sentence. After serving almost ten years (NOT EVEN HALF), he was released in 1996, only to be linked to the disappearances and murders of several young women shortly thereafter, including Laura Smither, Kelli Cox, Tiffany Johnston, and Jessica Cain.

Following his release, Reece became a suspect in a series of abductions and murders, utilizing his past as a registered sex offender to draw police attention. Investigators eventually connected Reece to multiple crimes through DNA evidence and witness testimonies. In 2016, he confessed to the murders of Kelli Cox and Jessica Cain, leading law enforcement to their remains. After a lengthy trial process, he was found guilty of the murders and sentenced to death in Oklahoma while receiving three life sentences in Texas. Currently, Reece, now 65, is incarcerated, in Texas, and attempting to appeal his death sentence here, leaving the families of his victims grappling with their grief and seeking to honor their memory.

Listener discretion is advised.

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Tucked away in northwestern Oklahoma, The Cherokee Strip Museum, located in Alva, Oklahoma, is recognized as one of the state's most haunted locations. Established in 1961, the museum originated as a civic and social club and has since evolved into an educational space showcasing the history of Oklahoma's Cherokee Strip. Alva, a city with a rich history dating back to its establishment during the 1893 land run, played a significant role in the development of the region, particularly due to its strategic position on the railway. The museum houses numerous exhibits, including Native American artifacts, a World War II display, and several historical vehicles. Notably, it occupies the former Alva General Hospital, which operated from 1932 until 1972 and is believed to be a focal point of paranormal activity.

Visitors and paranormal investigators report numerous ghostly encounters within the museum, particularly on the upper floors where the hospital's surgical suites remain intact. Accounts include unexplained voices, cold spots, moving objects, and sightings of apparitions, including a little girl and a figure with red hair. The presence of spirits is thought to stem from both former patients and items related to World War II prisoners of war, further enriching the museum's haunted reputation. The Cherokee Strip Museum embraces this ghostly lore, welcoming paranormal investigations and providing a unique blend of history and mystery for its guests.

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Are you ready for one of our kookiest (and honestly, spookiest) stories ever? Eugenics is the study aimed at improving human populations by controlling reproduction to enhance desirable heritable traits. Defined by Merriam-Webster as the practice of selective breeding, it gained prominence through Sir Francis Galton's efforts but faced significant criticism, particularly after its adoption by the Nazis to justify their inhumane treatment of marginalized groups. In the United States, legislative attempts at human sterilization began in the late 19th century, with Indiana passing the first successful statute in 1907. The Supreme Court of Oklahoma later upheld sterilization laws, allowing compulsory sterilization for habitual criminals, which sparked considerable controversy and unrest among inmates.

A notable case involved Jack T. Skinner, who was classified as a habitual criminal after a series of offenses, including theft and armed robbery. Under the 1935 Oklahoma Habitual Criminal Sterilization Act, Skinner's case highlighted the inequalities of the law, which exempted certain white-collar crimes while targeting less affluent individuals. Despite facing significant legal challenges and societal pushback against eugenics, Skinner's legal representation argued for equal protection under the law. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled in Skinner's favor in 1942, emphasizing the need for strict scrutiny regarding sterilization laws, which effectively curbed punitive sterilizations. While the ruling did not directly overturn previous cases, it set a precedent for protecting individual rights in the face of state power, influencing future legal standards.

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Today's episode presents a complex and sensitive case involving former police officer Daniel Ken Holtzclaw, who was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault against African American women while on duty. This case, suggested by listener Nicole Smith, highlights the troubling dynamics of power, race, and gender within the justice system. Holtzclaw, who had a promising athletic career and graduated with a criminal justice degree, was accused of targeting vulnerable women, often those with addiction issues, by running background checks to exploit their situations. The case escalated after a traffic stop in June 2014 led to a formal report by one victim, Jannie Ligons, who bravely came forward, prompting an extensive investigation revealing multiple allegations against Holtzclaw.

As the trial unfolded, it raised critical discussions around police brutality and sexual violence. Holtzclaw was ultimately found guilty of 18 out of 36 charges, sentenced to 263 years in prison. However, the story doesn’t stop there…

This case remains controversial, with arguments about the credibility of the victims and evidence presented during the trial. Supporters of Holtzclaw claim various inconsistencies in the prosecution's case, suggesting that the investigation may have coerced women into testifying against him. The case exemplifies the challenges of navigating allegations against a figure of authority, and it continues to evoke strong opinions about justice, accountability, and the treatment of marginalized communities within the legal system.

Do to the nature of this case, listener discretion is advised. 

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EPISODE 100!!!!! 🎉

FIRST AND FOREMOST, THANK YOU! Thank you to all our listeners and fans! You all are simply the best! We wouldn’t be here without you! You have truly allowed us to grow and share what we love…the kooky and spooky of our home state! 

With that being said, join you favorite cousins as Jess gets into this week’s spooky tales…one in OKC and one in Tulsa; The Hatchet and Hex Houses. 

Within the historic Gatewood neighborhood of Oklahoma City lies Carey Place, a street lined with 1930s Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes. The street is known for the urban legends and ghost stories surrounding its homes, particularly the "Hatchet House" where a young girl named Carey was allegedly brutally murdered years ago. The house's distinctive hatchet-carved shutters and the red-painted porch and driveway said to conceal bloodstains from the crime add to the eerie lore. While the details of the legend vary, the neighborhood embraces its haunted reputation, with residents going all-out for Halloween celebrations that draw hundreds of trick-or-treaters each year. Other homes on the street, like one with an irreparable bullet hole in the window, also have their own mysterious stories that contribute to Carey Place's reputation as Oklahoma City's "most haunted neighborhood."

The Tulsa Hex House was a real-life haunted house in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a dark history. In the 1940s, Carolann Smith, a woman with a history of suspicious deaths and insurance fraud, held two women captive in the house's basement for 8 years. Smith had convinced the women, Willetta Horner and Virginia Evans, that she was a healer who could save them from damnation, and subjected them to cruelty, torture, and mind control. Police eventually discovered the women and charged Smith, but she received little punishment. The house was later demolished, but the property remains haunted, with reports of strange occurrences like cars moving on their own in the parking lot that now stands on the site. The Hex House has become a notorious part of Tulsa's history, a chilling tale of religious enslavement, fraud, and the paranormal.

Thanks again for all your love and support! We truly are so appreciative of you! 

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James Brown Miller, also known as Deacon Jim or Killin' Jim or Killer Miller, was born in 1861 in Arkansas. As a child, he was accused of murdering his grandparents but was never convicted. He later killed his brother-in-law and was charged but the conviction was overturned. Over the years, Miller gained a reputation as a violent outlaw, working as a deputy sheriff, city marshal, and hired assassin. He was involved in numerous killings, often using a shotgun as his weapon of choice, and managed to evade conviction multiple times due to his charming demeanor and skillful defense lawyers.

 In 1909, Miller was arrested and charged with the murder of a cattle rancher in Oklahoma. Fearing he would be acquitted again, a mob of 30-40 people broke into the jail, dragged Miller and three other men to an abandoned livery stable, and lynched them. Miller's reign of terror, which spanned around 40 years, finally came to an end. Not a single person was ever questioned, tried, or convicted for these murders. A photograph of the lynching was later sold in tourist shops in Ada, Oklahoma for years afterwards.