In the final part of our three-part series on Ruth Sumlin, The Coroner’s Report follows the case from the discovery of J.Y. “Shorty” Cooper’s mutilated body along a logging road, through Ruth’s shocking confessions, and into the courtroom battles that sealed her fate.

We trace how investigators, including retired Arkansas State Police investigator David Hendershott, pieced together evidence linking Ruth to the jailbreak, the shooting, and the gruesome aftermath. Courtroom testimony reveals contradictions, shifting stories, and Ruth’s willingness to sacrifice herself for Warren Sumlin — the man she claimed both controlled her and convinced her to “take the rap.”

The jury sentenced Ruth to life without parole, while Warren initially received the death penalty, later commuted to life. Both would spend the rest of their days behind bars. Yet even in prison, Ruth clung to Warren and her faith, singing gospel with the “Prodigal Daughters” prison quintet, writing a memoir that never saw publication, and repeatedly seeking clemency — all denied.

Today, at 70 years old, Ruth remains confined at the McPherson Unit in Newport, Arkansas. She has served nearly five decades, still insisting she will not die in prison. But the question lingers: was she a cold-blooded killer, or a young woman manipulated into a life sentence by a man she couldn’t let go? What do you think?

In Part Two of Ruth Sumlin-For the Love of a Good Woman, The Coroner’s Report presents a story that turns darker and more violent. What began as whispered plans between husband and wife explodes on Thanksgiving night, 1977. Before Ruth can even step inside the Columbia County jail, she lures Shorty Cooper into the woods—where liquor, sex, and violence end in his brutal murder and mutilation.

With Shorty’s car, 22 year old  Ruth then storms the jail armed with a pistol and knife, forcing jailer Tim Rainwater to release five inmates, including her husband, Warren Sumlin. The chaos that follows is almost cinematic: desperate escapes, botched getaways, gunfire in the Arkansas woods, and terrified civilians caught in the crossfire.

Told through original police testimony, investigator David Hendershott’s vivid recollections, and Ruth’s own shocking letters, Part Two captures the frantic hours of a jailbreak that left the state reeling.

In this first installment of Ruth Sumlin-For the Love of a Good Woman, The Coroner’s Report uncovers the beginnings of one of Arkansas’s strangest true crimes. Before the gunfire and the castration, there was Ruth Brewer—a bright college student from small southern town with a promising future. That future began to unravel the night she met Warren Sumlin, a 44-year-old career criminal with a violent past and a plan to never see the inside of a prison again.

Part One traces Ruth’s journey from “good girl” to accomplice, as Warren pulls her deeper into his world of manipulation, drugs, and violence. Listeners will hear from retired State Police investigator David Hendershott, original inmate witnesses, and even Ruth herself as the seeds of a Thanksgiving night jailbreak are planted.

It’s a story of love, control, and betrayal in small-town Arkansas—setting the stage for the chaos and bloodshed that would follow.

Join former coroner and Arkansas State Crime Lab Director Steve Nawojczyk and his partner, Tracey Carrington as they wrap up their dive into serial killing, black widow, Nannie Doss. With original records and an interview with one of Nannie's living descendants, we learn the true story of what happened. In Episode 6 Part 4 of The Coroner's Report Podcast, we learn the fate of Nannie and how she lived out the rest of her life. Luckily, there were no more dead bodies found, but Nannie never stopped putting on a show. Afterall, she was one of America's most prolific serial killers. 

Join former coroner and Arkansas State Crime Lab Director Steve Nawojczyk and his partner, Tracey Carrington as they dive back into the story of Nannie Doss who killed four of her five husbands and countless family members. Yet, her story was almost lost to time. With original records and an interview with one of Nannie's living descendants, we learn the true story of what happened. But, that body count? Well, sometimes secrets like that just go to the grave.  In Episode 6 Part 3 of The Coroner's Report Podcast, we continue to count up the bodies that Nannie Doss stacked up. Following her case through a sanity hearing. No one could decide if Nannie was crazy like a fox, or crazy like a bedbug. Throughout it all, front and center, was Nannie Doss...one of America's most prolific serial killers. 

Join former coroner and state crime lab director Steve Nawojczyk and his partner, Tracey Carrington as they dive back into the story of Nannie Doss who killed four of her five husbands and countless family members. Yet, her story was almost lost to time. With original records and an interview with one of Nannie's living descendants, we learn the true story of what happened. But, that body count? Well, sometimes secrets like that just go to the grave. 

In Episode 6 Part 2 of The Coroner's Report Podcast, we explore another female serial killer, the infamous "Giggling Grannie" Nannie Doss. As one of the most prolific and successful female serial killers, this black widow falls into her own brand of murderer.

Join us as we unravel the secrets she held, and uncover the reasons she killed so many.

In Episode 6 Part 1 of The Coroner's Report Podcast, we explore another female serial killer, the infamous "Giggling Grannie" Nannie Doss. As one of the most prolific and successful female serial killers, this black widow falls into her own brand of murderer.

Join us for the conclusion of Darla Harper and Pam Page, When the Cousins Went Missing. 

Join the Coroner’s Report Podcast with Steve Nawojczyk and Tracey Carrington as they continue the search for two missing cousins in two different states. Episode 5-Part 3 moves this double case from Arkansas to Peoria, Arizona, where Pam Frisby Page went missing just three years after her cousin, Darla. The circumstances were the same. Was this just a coincidence? Did lightning strike this family twice? Where did these women go and why have they not been seen or heard from in almost 40 years? Listen as Pam’s sister and former sister-in-law remember those dark days and how the disappearance had long-lasting effects. 

Now, streaming on all podcast platforms. If you have a question, don’t forget to stop by our website at the Coroner’s Report or find us on any social media platform.

Special thanks to  Investigators Vince Mayer and Carol Kimble, former investigative journalist for Unsolved Mysteries Don Deveraux, and family members Jimmie Frisby Rice and Bettina Page Frisby for their insight and memories. Thank also to Heather Graupman with Lostnfound blog and Lostnfound podcast

Thank you to voice actors Alan Prather and  Savi Valentine

Join the Coroner’s Report Podcast with Steve Nawojczyk and Tracey Carrington as they dive into the case of two missing cousins. Part 2 focuses on the Darla Harper case. Listen as the investigators and family members discuss what they remember about the case.  Of course, Darla wasn't the only missing family member. What happened?  Did the husbands do it, or was something more sinister at play? Now streaming on all podcast platforms, and stop by our website at The Coroner's Report or any social media platform.