163. Vintage Case: The Rattlesnake Killer, Robert James
This month's vintage episode focuses on yet ANOTHER rattlesnake - themed killer, Robert James. Using his smooth southern charm, James left a trail of destruction from the heart of Alabama across the United States, conning and killing many of the women who had the misfortune of crossing his path. Insurance cons, murder, incest and rattlesnakes all play a role in the story of this cold and vicious killer.
Resources
Becker, Bill. “Rattlesnake James Insured His Victims.” Daily Press, 16 Aug. 1953, www.newspapers.com/image/238245307/?terms=rattlesnake%20james&match=1. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.
“Mary Emma Busch James (1907-1935) - Find a Grave...” Www.findagrave.com, www.findagrave.com/memorial/55090630/mary-emma-james. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.
Meares, Hadley. “In One of L.A.'S Most Outrageous Murder Cases, a Rattlesnake Was the Weapon.” LAmag - Culture, Food, Fashion, News & Los Angeles, 29 Dec. 2017, lamag.com/lahistory/rattlesnake-killer-los-angeles-robert-s-james. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
Rasmussen, Cecilia. “A Lady-Killer Ensnared by a Rattlesnake.” Los Angeles Times, 18 Sept. 1995, www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-18-me-47332-story.html. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
Zimmerman, Thalen. “Murder of Minnesota Woman Leads to the Execution of “Rattlesnake James” by Hanging in California.” Alexandria Echo Press, 18 Jan. 2022, www.echopress.com/news/the-vault/murder-of-minnesota-woman-leads-to-the-execution-of-rattlesnake-james-by-hanging-in-california. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.