parsons family murdersparsons family murders

James Hamilton took his son's remains and buried him in the Allen Cemetery, next to his dead mother.[2]. Realizing that Hamilton wasn't going to stop, Carney pulled out a knife. Webnancy spies haberman kushner.

Joseph (Jodie) Hamilton. Here is a photo of Louise with her sister Jesse Nixdorf and parents Carroll and Josie (Burks) Nixdorf (photo 13): I found two very interesting Miller County Autogram Sentinel clippings from our files featuring Josie Nixdorf; one on the occasion of her 93rd birthday and the second on the occasion of her 95th birthday (photos 14 and 15). The Parsons had a sale of their household goods and were killed for the proceeds of this sale - $150.00. None of his family wanted him to go but Jodie returned to Texas County in August, 1906, and went to work as a hand for Carney Parsons, a share-cropper. Sucks to think a brain injury was to blame. The sheriff had 20 armed deputies guard the jail in order to deter the mob. He chatted amiably with the family for a while before they left for a revival with Jodie, Mae and Mae's deaf and dumb brother all together. Mae was riding Carney Parsons' mule, and Jodie leading it. When John Platter came by to sing with them one night and shuffled his feet, Jim caught him up right smart, "No, John, don't have no dancin' here.". Casey Parsons claimed to be experiencing a high level of pain, which could invalidate a polygraph, and never completed it. "Ah, can you not bow and pray with me now? Betty told me the photo was one of those originally sold by local vendors during the time of the trial of Jodie Hamilton. Raymond has some of the photos sold after the hanging of Jodie Hamilton. Miller says she believed Casey was still pregnant as Casey refused to turn over medical records, changed her phone number, and sent her "nasty emails". must die, All young men should treat their parents with respect and listen to their parents. Hamilton was arrested after local sheriffs discovered Carney's belongings in his pockets. On Tuesday afternoon, August 25, 1931, three men held up the Bank of Gainesville (MO). Fractures were found in her nose, jaw, upper right arm, nine ribs and several vertebrae. Afterward, Hamilton went to church with Mae. He confessed, and on November 12, pleaded guilty to first degree murder. A church elder said a prayer for him. Tony Parsons was last seen on 29 September 2017 Police have discovered human remains during a search for a man who went missing more than three years ago during a charity cycle ride. And here are photos of the stuffed animal toy display now on exhibit in the upper level of our new addition to the museum (photos 06, 07 and 08): Another photo is of Louise when she was a young girl (photo 09). She was badly injured but did not die. The sheriff slipped a black cap over the young man's head. Dr. Cynthia Brown of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, characterized the treatment of Erica as "child torture.". successfully hanged, in front of a crowd Louise passed away on January 31, 2004. It was taken from him in time, and no one ever knew where it came from in the first place. The crowd started singing "Jesus, Lover of My Soul". Photo from the HOUSTON HERALD, December 27, 1906. Jodie continued, saying, "I don't want to make much of a talk. by Michael Duff and Barry Forman. I would like to say while there are so many young men here standing before me today--they ought to take warning before it is too late. WebTHE 1964 RAPE AND MURDER OF KITTY GENOVESE, as her neighbors looked on. Casey Parsons's sister, Robin Ashley, testified that Casey beat Erica, often making her stand in the corner. It had been sent to Sheriff Wood from Aurora three days earlier, and was the same one that had been used to hang a Negro named Ed Bateman the previous August. Jodie knew Mae Thompson before his family left for Kansas. She suffered blunt force trauma to her head and body. Jodie Hamilton worked as a share cropper and lived Joseph "Jody" Hamilton (December 7, 1885 December 21, 1906)[1] was an American mass murderer who was executed in Missouri. I cannot think hard of the officers. Ex-sheriff James W. Cantrell and a Deputy Sheriff came to the livery barn, where they heard Hamilton had been seen. Then he killed Minnie with a pole axe. "Daddy looked sick, like he was about to throw up", James Parsons testified. He will help you if you will listen. She was also reportedly forced to eat canned dog food. Jamie testified that Erica's adoptive father, Sandy, would often get mad and punch Erica on her head. He was again placed on the trap, which had been re-set. Just before daybreak he went to borrow another mule. One man stayed outside in the getaway car while two o We hear a lot about the high rate of crime nowadays. Folks admired Jodie's nerve those last few days. Daddy, it was a blank stare." They came to a fork in the road, and Jodie suggested they take the old road through the woods instead of the shorter main road. He then loaded the bodies into the wagon and hid them in a river, before fleeing with one of the Parson family's mules. Most of the crowd was in shock, and Mae fainted. He later retracted those statements, although he later testified at his parents' trial that there had been ongoing abuse. But as per the show, the authorities examined her phone records and found that the two still exchanged messages professing their love for each other. On May 12, 2007, Alec Kreider, a 16-year-old high school student at the time, murdered his classmate and friend Kevin Haines, his father Thomas Haines, and mother Lisa Haines in their home in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania. Further investigation revealed Erica had not been seen alive since her disappearance in 2011, and police could not find evidence to support the existence of the grandmother, who relatives claimed was already deceased. Mae's brother greeted Jodie as he rode up to the house. Aaron Wood reached for the lever, saying, "Jodie, God have mercy on your soul!". Tuesday 30 March 2021 23:12, UK Michelle Pearson died 20 months after her children Under the cover of a dark early morning, the police transported Hamilton to Carthage, Missouri to protect him from the mob. Miller was able to take custody of her child at birth after getting law enforcement involved. The jury found him guilty of first degree murder in less than an hour. We know that the one standing before us has disobeyed the law of civil power, and kind Heavenly Father, we find according to the law of civil power for this disobedience, that natural death must soon come. The judge then sentenced him to death, with an execution date set for December 21, 1906, exactly two weeks after Hamilton's 21st birthday. [14] Casey Parsons was later sent to Federal Correctional Center Tallahassee. Minnie B. By the time Hamilton finished, the crowd had gone silent and a few women started crying. He was strict with his children, refusing to let them drink or square dance. Rebeccas other son, Michael, stated that his mother wanted Kay dead. For the fictional character, see, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, List of people who disappeared mysteriously, "Remains found of N.C. girl who went missing in 2011, officials say", "Missing nearly five years, Erica Parsons found buried in rural S.C.", "Sheriff: Sandy Parsons led investigators to Erica's remains", "Body of Erica Parsons discovered five years after she disappeared", "Casey Parsons gets 10 years, Sandy, 8; judge says Erica Parsons no longer exists", "NC girl who lived in a house of horror died any of several torturous ways, autopsy finds", "Rowan Grand Jury indicts Sandy and Casey Parsons on murder charges", "Erica Parsons' adoptive dad to serve minimum of 33 years for murder, abuse, obstruction", "Casey Parsons moved to Texas prison, Erica Parsons candlelight vigil planned for August", "Casey and Sandy Parsons sentenced to combined 18 years in prison", "Sandy and Casey Parsons arrested on fraud charges", "Adoptive parents launch website for missing Erica Lynn Parsons", "Trial delayed for Erica Parsons' parents", "Casey Parsons pleads guilty to fraud charges", "Jurors find Sandy Parsons guilty of fraud", "Federal prosecutor believes missing teen Erica Parsons may be dead", "Judge rips Parsonses for Erica's life, death", "Judge blames couple for Erica Parsons' death", "Casey Parsons, adoptive mother of missing girl, moved to Florida prison", "U.S. Supreme Court rejects Sandy Parsons' appeal for reduced sentence", "Custody hearing for adoptive siblings of Erica Parsons", "Reward for information in Parsons case now $50,000", "Concerned residents bring in man with trained dogs to search for Erica Parsons", "Sheriff: Missing NC girl Erica Parsons' adoptive father led investigators to her body", "Erica Parsons' remains found in South Carolina", "Autopsy: Erica Parsons had many broken bones", "Sheriff's Office reviewing Erica Parsons' case to determine charges", "Sandy Parsons makes his first appearance in court on charges of murdering his adoptive daughter", "Prosecutors will seek death penalty for both of Erica Parsons' adoptive parents", "Parents charged in Erica Parsons' death to be tried separately", "Trial date set for April for adoptive father of Erica Parsons", "Erica Parsons' adoptive father released from federal custody, transferred to state prison", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Erica_Parsons&oldid=1147843687, December 2011 crimes in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox person with multiple parents, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Missing child who was reported missing on July 30, 2013, Carolyn Parsons and Billy Goodman (biological), This page was last edited on 2 April 2023, at 14:57. But times were different then. Then, Kays neighbor, Rebecca Sears, also reported a burglary at her home on the same day. In a few minutes Sheriff Aaron Wood came out, looking like a ghost of himself. Carney Parsons and his wife, Minnie (Strange) Parsons and their three children were murdered in 1906 by Jody Hamilton. So, are you curious to know what happened? ", After a new noose was made, Hamilton was carried up the gallows. The judge also said there was no evidence Erica was living. Mr. Parsons was shot in the leg with a shot gun then beat to death. Aaron Wood adjusted the noose about his neck, tight. As part of the show, Sandy Parsons took a polygraph, and was considered "strongly deceptive" by the former FBI agent who administered the test. Satisfied of Hamilton's absence, they returned to Houston. Parsons took her back fearing she would get in trouble for receiving money for a child who was not in her home. When Goodman picked her up, a woman who goes by the nickname "Strawberry" was also there and showed them a stash of clothing with tags in the back of their van. Try to be faithful and meet God in peace, and hope to meet in the better world." The event involved a man by the name of Joseph "Jodie" Hamilton and Carney Parsons.

[9], Erica Lynn Parsons was born on February 24, 1998, to Carolyn Parsons. Jodie replied that he did, saying, "Well, the circumstance is that I am up here before you and I have committed a crime. stolen church suit. But he first started courting her when he came back. Then with Parsons' own knife, he cut their throats. [28], Both parents have appealed their sentences. The second time he was Information and comments about historical people and events of Missouri, the Ozarks region, and surrounding area. Afterward, Hamilton said "Now, dear friends, as my sentence has come, I hope to meet all you friends standing around here today in a better world. Leading in triumph thro' death and the grave. He was sent to the Houston County Jail. Sandy Parsons said that the body was discarded on December 19, 2011, and that it could be found off Taylor Chapel Road in Pageland, South Carolina, near the home of his mother. Mae Thompson fainted in her father's arms. When the bodies were discovered and the news spread to the congregation, he made an excuse to leave and fled to Houston, Missouri. She fell to the ground. Minnie tried to wrest the barrel from Hamilton, who struck her with it. Carney Parsons was a strong man, thirty-five years old and well-liked by his neighbors. Hamilton fell down, injured and stunned, but still conscious. This gave Rebecca a possible motive to kill Kay. Quiet, polite, dignified, Jodie always dressed neatly and, like the rest of his brothers and sisters, very much feared his father and respected the God his father preached. That Sunday morning, after Hamilton had been arrested, a mob, disorganized and without a leader, collected in front of the Houston jail. the grave. the head with a gun barrel and then cut their throats. The story of the familys murder was so infamous that it made the headlines of major newspapers across the country. Sucks to think a brain injury was to blame. The North Carolina Office of the Medical Examiner reported that Erica died of "homicidal violence of undetermined means". When he awoke the next morning, his parents had left early, which was unusual, and Erica was gone. Parsons hitched a ride with Ernest in California and stabbed him to death at a remote rest area in Utah.After assuming Ernest's identity, Parsons continued to insist that he was Ernest when he was

The United States Supreme Court rejected Sandy Parsons's appeal in June 2016. He hoped she would still give him some recognition, though he did not expect it. When he was 12, a tree fell on him and almost broke his neck. And so the judge, reluctant to pass sentence himself and accept responsibility, impaneled a jury of twelve men. The time of execution was set for Friday, December 21st, 1906, fourteen days after his twenty-first birthday. WebCasey Parsons pleaded guilty to first degree murder on August 2, 2019, in Rowan County Superior Court. WebNear Licking, Missouri 20-year-old Jodie Hamilton kills five members of the Parsons family following an argument Hamilton had argued with Carney Parsons (alt. At seven, a kick in the head by an old gray mule left a scar over his left eye for the rest of his life. Making the excuse he had to go to Licking on business, Jodie hastily departed from their home and went about three-quarters of a mile toward Licking. Rebecca picked him up from his place and drove him home.

WebOn Friday, October 12, 1906, a murder occurred just outside Houston, MO. [2], On October 12, 1906, Carney asked Hamilton if he was willing to trade the saddle he stole for $25 and a single-barreled shotgun. In the year since her daughter Stephanie was killed by an abusive boyfriend, Sharlene Parze has been haunted by the close bond they shared. I have another framed photo of the deceased Parsons family which is in the possession of Bill and Betty Roark of Olean (photo 03). He seemed in control of himself for the first time. The way is so dark and yet I must go, Jim Hamilton traveled to Jefferson City, petitioning the governor for more time for his son, who, he claimed was insane. Jody Hamilton worked as a share cropper with the Parsons and lived with them. Then he put Minnie Parsons on the wagon. After his arrest, Hamilton pleaded guilty and was sentenced to death. Hamilton lay on the ground, repeating over and over again, "Lord, Lord, have mercy on my soul." Erica Lynn Parsons (February 24, 1998 c. December 17, 2011) was a 13-year-old girl from Salisbury, North Carolina, who disappeared mysteriously in 2011. No specific time for the hanging had been set, and the crowd stood about in the cold talking and drinking, while various preparations were made. Now, kind Heavenly Father, we ask Thee to be with him and those present, that they may lead quiet, peaceable and obedient lives. The Weeks later, she called the biological mother, Amy Miller, to say that she had miscarried. I have commented in previous Progress Notes that I as a child going to the Tuscumbia picnic in the 1940s remember tent shows where people with severe deformities were paraded before us, deformed fetuses were displayed in formaldehyde filled jars, and brutal fist fights were staged between carnival employees and locals hoping to win a cash prize. Jodie rifled Parsons' pockets, taking a razor, spectacles, twenty-five dollars and a gold watch.

Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Andrew Parsons, 38, attacked Janee Parsons, 31, in their Bicester home in front of their young son. "Ah, can you not bow and pray with Carney Parsons and his wife Minnie Then he went to Houston about eight o'clock that evening and stabled his mule at the livery barn, where he said that he had been working in Raymondville and wanted to hire a horse to go to Cabool. They were buried in a small grave near the home of Sandy's mother on Blair Hendrick Road, between the towns of Pageland and Mount Croghan, South Carolina. Terrified of mob violence, Jodie raved in his cell like a madman. [10] Their two youngest biological children were removed from the home by the Department of Social Services shortly after the criminal case against them began. In the meantime, the authorities discovered a potential connection between Kays attack and Rebecca. The Thompsons said they'd follow shortly. But it just so happens that Smith and Hickock were near Osprey, Fla., on Dec. 19, 1959, when the Walker family was murdered in their home. Then he asked a deputy if a man could kill himself by butting his brains out and began beating his head against the cell wall. Erica was taken in by Sandy and Casey Parsons, the brother and sister-in-law, respectively, of Carolyn Parsons' husband. In May 2012, Rebecca pleaded guilty to murder, armed robbery, and burglary.

While she went to drop her other children at school, Christopher broke into Kays house, beat her with a hammer and a baseball bat, and then staged a burglary. Investigation Discoverys Unusual Suspects: Deadly Intent: Tangled Up in Red chronicles how the police were able to peel away the layers to reveal a plot far more sinister than a robbery gone wrong. In my heart of hearts, I knew, I knew-- I know my boys. [2], When Hamilton was 20, he fell in love with a 16-year-old girl named Mae Thompson, who he'd met shortly before he left for Kansas. The young man indicated he did, and stepped up on a box, so those outside the stockade could see him. [39] Prosecutors announced in April 2018 that they were seeking the death penalty for both Casey and Sandy Parsons. | A True Crime Blog | Main: Kruidvat.tumblr.com |. Brook disputed the claim in her own interviews with police, saying she never rode to Asheville to take Erica to live there. Investigators have found no evidence of her existence. A few had even come from out of state to witness the first, and the last, legal hanging ever to take place in Texas County. Ultimately, the doctor concluded that Hamilton was sane. Many of these people had camped Thursday night about the town. I just got my mind started and I couldn't stop it. Jodie's last hope was shattered. Of course there is one thing-let all the young people here today standing around seeing this going on, they ought to take warning now to help each other to trust in the Lord, to help each other to talk to their friends and trust in the Lord. WebJodie Hamilton and the Parsons Family Murders Part 2: We introduced you to the end (almost) of this dark tale, with Jodie Hamilton telling his cautionary tale on the gallows. Sad the regret, we have never He then asked God for mercy. I would like to say: People, be obedient to the laws of the civil authorities; be obedient to the laws of nature; be obedient to the Divine Laws of God. Jim Hamilton had remarried and the family left the Ozarks for Plains, Kansas, in 1902 taking Jodie and the other children with them. Sandy Parsons, whose release date is March 14, 2022, was sent to Butner Federal Prison in North Carolina. The children were only allowed to sing hymns. Hamilton planned to use the money he earned from Carney to settle down and have a family. WebParsons' battered body was found in her garage on the morning of March 25. Jodie told authorities where he had thrown his victims into the river, and Sunday, just after lunch, searchers found the other three bodies. However, on December 15, Folk declined to grant a stay. Pair found guilty of murdering Michelle Pearson in Salford house fire after being jailed for killing her four children The men are already serving life sentences for the murders of children Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia following the fire in 2017. The house where she was reportedly staying had a stable with horses. Hamilton realized that Minnie was still alive when she grabbed his leg, so he murdered her with an axe. He calmed ascended the scaffold and stood between two preachers. Then he took back the borrowed mule. [16] Investigators found red stains in the house but have not said what tests showed about them. The crowd began singing "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and Jodie joined in, which caused a wave of sympathy for him in the people. They searched his pockets and found Parsons' spectacles, razor and twenty-two dollars. In a deep, guttural tone, Jodie cried out through the black mask, "Lord, have mercy on me, on my soul." [10][11] Erica's biological father, Billy Dean Goodman, died of natural causes in 2016.

Mae Thompson was the only girl he had ever loved. Raymond Hader, who was born and raised in north Miller County, now living in Jefferson City, came by the museum recently to share with me some information he had regarding the story of one of our states most infamous mass murders, that of the Miller County Carnie Parsons family, to whom Raymond is related (photo 01). convicted for the Meeks Family Murders in 1894. At 11:04, the trap was sprung a second time. Many came to visit him in his cell, people who did not know him and simply wanted to see for themselves whether the boy appeared sane or insane, and others who did, acquaintances, neighbors and schoolmates. Cantrell telephoned ahead to a general store along the route to Cabool and asked if Hamilton could be detained until he could arrive. Alec Kreider, who brutally murdered three members of a Manheim Township family in 2007, killed himself in prison Friday. The prosecution believed that Rebecca was the mastermind behind this gruesome murder plot. People knew he had been drinking heavily--the only way he could bring himself to hang a boy he felt was insane. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. The ruse worked perfectly and just in time. The thing did happen, but I did not really go to kill him, Joseph told Parsons niece. [2] The adoption was finalized in 2000. Two days later, according to the police affidavit, Sears told police that Bowers broke into Parsons' Jodie climbed the scaffold without a tremor and took his station between two preachers. To come before Him, who only can save, With those words, the trap was sprung. Carney pressured Hamilton, saying he knew it was stolen and would report the theft to the local sheriff. His mother died when he was 5 years old. A day later, Hamilton went to church while wearing the WebThe Parsons family had moved to Texas County in the early 1900s but after a few years decided to move back to Miller County at which time the murder occurred. Hamilton left, riding a mule taken from the Parsons family. Those present on the scaffold took Jodie by the hand, bound as it was, and bade him goodbye. They were planning to attend church together. [26], On March 27, 2015, U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder sentenced Casey Parsons to 10 years and her husband to 8 years for fraud.

On October 12, 1906, he murdered five members of the same family, including three young children, during an argument over a horse saddle. He nodded calm and pleasant like he was going on a journey somewhere far away. [24], Prosecutors also presented evidence of a series of scams allegedly perpetuated by Casey Parsons. But the story didnt end there. Hamilton was hustled unseen onto a day coach to Carthage in Jasper County, Missouri. Some called him Jodie and some called him Jodia. All told, he was arrested within thirty-six hours of having committed the murders. Kay died at the hospital a day later. WebHead of the Parsons family, murdered along with his wife Minnie and his 3 young children. 41-year-old Kay worked at a local physical therapy clinic. The shotgun broke into three pieces afterward, and Hamilton fatally struck Carney in the head with the barrel. [2], The Parsons' children were the next victims, crying in confusion and fear.

On Friday, October 12, 1906, Parsons asked Jodie if he would trade the stolen saddle for Parsons' single barreled breach loading shotgun and twenty-five dollars. Billy Goodman's mother, Cloie Goodman, died in 2005. Spouse. O, that such sorrow you never may know. [2], During his trial, the prosecutor asked Hamilton if he was guilty. He had told such lies about me and got me to go ahead and make a trade after I had decided I didn't want to. But Kays life met an unfortunate end on March 25, 2009. Mae Thompson had come with her family. He seemed cheerful upon awaking, shaved, dressed in his best clothes and ate a hearty breakfast. [8], The trial date for Sandy Parsons was set for April 6, 2020, and his attorney requested a change of venue. Monday morning a closed wagon with guards drew up to the train depot at twenty minutes after noon. But on the 15th day of December, the governor declined to stay the execution. His parents returned to the home without Erica and he felt something wasn't right; "Mama looked normal", he said. Men carried guns in plain sight and tension was high. "I guess you all know what I am here for. on the move to Minnies home town. To avoid the death penalty, the mother and son struck plea deals with the prosecution. A jury found Sandy Parsons guilty on most of the charges in October 2014. [6] The Rowan County Sheriff received the report January 9, 2018, and began the process of determining criminal charges. At 11:17, the attending physicians pronounced him dead. They travelled by a mule. He began to talk freely to by-standers to attract attention. Saturday evening Jodie met the Thompson family about five o'clock. Joe Pryor - News Tribune Article Monday, June 04, 2007. Sandy Parsons and his wife Casey Parsons are charged with first-degree murder, felony concealment of death and obstruction of justice for lying to North Carolina investigators. [31] Six months later, the total reward increased to $50,000. them. There it was announced that they had found the bodies of Jim Cantrell, to whom Hamilton had confessed the murder, recounted the confession and other matters relating to the crime which had come under his observation. The three children, The loving mother was close to her family and very involved with her sons upbringing. Jodie later explained, "It seemed like I was all tore up in my mind. The Parsons family multi murder tragedy is one of several recorded involving Miller County citizens. [2] When questioned by police, the Parsons claimed that Erica went to live with her biological paternal grandmother. Faces of the Forgotten 110K views 6 months ago THE LADY IN RED - Her Body The knot in the end of the rope came out. [2][25] Judge Schroeder called Casey a "serial swindler". His story is still told around these parts as a legend--the murder, the church-going, the capture, and the hanging that December morning in 1906, four days before Christmas. He used to take candy and chewing gum over to the neighbor kids and give them horseback rides. Saddle, gun and money changed hands. High 52F. [1][13][11] Jamie testified that the last time he saw Erica was November 19, 2011. Now my life is taken away, but I hope and pray to meet God in peace and hope to meet father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends, I say friends, because I hope everybody here is my friend. Cloudy with rain ending in the afternoon. The sheriff quickly went to work tying another knot. Jim Cantrell asked to see the mule Jodie left behind and identified it as having belonged to Carney Parsons. I stuck to the truth all the way through. Try to be faithful and meet God in peace, and hope to meet in the better world. Cantrell said, "Jodie, don't move now, it's all over." He was allowed to inspect every component of the gallows at the Houston County Courthouse, and test the trap door. together with the Parsons family. Some years later, he was out feeding and currying mules again when one let fly, kicking Jodie in the breast and knocking him unconscious. He would play with Parsons' three young boys as well. [10], On August 27, 2013, Sandy and Casey Parsons moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was a [7] Casey Parsons was brought to Rowan County for a court appearance on March 14, 2018, while Sandy Parsons was brought back for a court hearing on March 15. Parsons, KS (67357) Today. It was cold and cloudy Friday morning the 21st of December, and by daybreak young men had already climbed the trees behind the court house to wait, so they could have a good view of the hanging. Christopher helped her stage the attack to mislead the police and take attention away from her. It seemed like when I got into it with the man, I was plumb wild and I am up here today with the crime of murdering the whole family." His toes just barely touched the ground, since the second knot had taken less rope than the first, but the fall broke the boy's neck. He was a tall, lean Christian preacher who carried a Bible with him even while feeding cattle.