October 02, 2023

Episode 133 The Shocking Smith Family Massacre

27 minutes

Demopolis, a small town in West Central Alabama, is the home to many a tale of ghosts and the unexplained, including at Bluff Hall. There is a dark history associated with the grand old home, including a funeral service for four members of the Smith family. The Demopolis Times called the discovery of their bodies in November 1934 “the most shocking tragedy that has happened in the city of Demopolis.

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Episode Sources

“Tales of Ghosts Haunt Demopolis Landmarks River”, The Demopolis Times, Nov 1, 2019. (Viewed September 3, 2023)

“They Just Weren’t The Kind of People for That”, Crime Reads, February 3, 2023. (Viewed September 4, 2023).

“Shocking Tragedy Here Sunday Stirs Community”, The Demopolis Times, November 29, 1934. (Viewed September 3,2023).

“Alkire-Smith”, The Demopolis Times, October 11, 1933. (Viewed September 4, 2023).

“Verdict Found at Demopolis”, Our Southern Home, December 5, 1934. (Viewed September 5, 2023).

“Bluff Hall”, Encyclopedia of Alabama. (Viewed September 2, 2023).

“Murder and Suicide Seen in Demopolis Tragedy”, The Selma Times Journal, November 26, 1934. (Viewed September 2, 2023).

Episode Music

Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Pantherburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use. Peace of Mind and Long Note Two by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons.

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By Shannon Ballard

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