January 24, 2024

Strangled by the Telephpone: The Murder of Ruby Lewis Stevens - El Paso's Oldest Cold Case

27 minutes

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A pregnant woman is strangled to death by her own telephone cord on a warm summer night in 1966.

In this episode of "Box in the Basement," hosts Arlene and Leah delve into the haunting cold case of Ruby Lewis Stevens, whose life was tragically cut short in El Paso, Texas, and remains El Paso's oldest cold case.

Ruby, a young, pregnant wife living in the heart of El Paso, was found strangled in her home in 1966, a crime that remains unsolved to this day. The hosts, driven by personal experiences with unsolved crimes, aim to shed light on these forgotten cases, hoping to find justice for the victims and their families.

The episode paints a vivid picture of El Paso in the 1960s, a bustling city with a population of around 300,000 at the time, known for its cross-border trade, military presence, and vibrant cultural blend. The year 1966, a pivotal period in history marked by political upheaval and cultural shifts, sets the stage for this tragic story. Listeners are taken on a journey through time, exploring the local and global events that shaped the era, from the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson and the Vietnam War to the space race and the cultural revolution in China.

The podcast also dives into the details of Ruby's life, her marriage to James Stevens, a U.S. Army soldier, and their humble beginnings in El Paso. Ruby's gentle nature and low-risk lifestyle make her murder even more baffling and highlight the randomness of such violent acts.

Walk through her last day, the evidence, victimology, and learn how many more boxes are sitting in basements of cases just like Ruby's.

Is there any evidence to help solve the case today?

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