The Coroner’s Report

Decades later, survivors, historians, and advocates still fight to keep Wrightsville’s story alive. In this closing episode, Dr. Brian Mitchell and Judge Steve Teske join Tracey Carrington and Steve Nawojczyk to examine the lasting legacy of the fire—how segregation, neglect, and silence shaped generations. Marlon Weems reflects on how these boys’ deaths mirror modern inequities, while fire experts Jim Hawley and Keith Hulse revisit the evidence through today’s lens. Together they confront what justice looks like after decades of denial and why remembering those twenty-one boys is an act of restoration, not just remembrance.

When the flames died, the spin began. Governor Orval Faubus tried to shift blame while reporters and investigators searched for answers. Deputy State Fire Marshal Bill Struebing examined the ashes, Dr. Howard A. Dishongh, Pulaski County coroner, signed the death certificates, and survivor Roy Davis kept telling the truth about what really happened. With commentary from Marlon Weems and historical insight from Dr. Brian Mitchell, Tracey Carrington and Steve Nawojczyk expose how the tragedy was buried under politics, payroll scandals, and racism. Jim Hawley and Keith Hulse, former New York City firefights, discuss the blaze. Letters from William Piggee, sermons by Rev. Roland Smith, and the collective defiance of the school’s staff reveal a community demanding justice for twenty-one lost boys and a state that refused to listen.

March 5, 1959—sixty-nine boys were locked inside a wooden dormitory as flames tore through the building. Twenty-one never made it out. Survivors Roy Davis, Archie Ray Poole, and Otis Sidney describe the terror of waking to smoke and locked exits, while fire investigators Jim Hawley and Keith Hulse, both retired New York City firefighters, explain how panic and bad design turned the dorm into a furnace. Superintendent Buddy Gaines, Governor Orval Faubus, and Captain W.A. Seaton of the Little Rock Fire Department appear through archival accounts as the episode reconstructs every minute of the blaze—from the first flicker in the caretaker’s office to the failed rescue attempts in the storm-soaked Arkansas night.

It began as a promise and it ended in betrayal. In 1936, Arkansas built the Negro Boys’ Industrial School in Wrightsville, calling it a place for “wayward youth.” What they created was a prison farm for children. In this first episode, Tracey Carrington and Steve Nawojczyk uncover how decades of racism, neglect, and forced labor turned a so-called reform school into a deathtrap. With historian Dr. Brian Mitchell exposing the state’s pattern of segregation, juvenile-justice expert Judge Steve Teske explaining how the system failed these kids, and journalist Marlon Weems recalling life in Little Rock’s shadow of Jim Crow, the picture becomes chillingly clear. Lawmakers warned of fire hazards. Inspectors documented locked doors. Editorials begged the state to act. But no one did — until twenty-one boys burned to death inside.

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

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.

Join the Coroner’s Report Podcast with Steve Nawojczyk and Tracey Carrington as they dive into the case of two missing cousins. The first case takes place in Arkansas in 1986 when Darla Harper, a young single mother, vanishes from her apartment in the middle of the night, leaving almost no clues. Then, three years later, in Arizona, Darla’s first cousin, Pam Page, also disappears. Were the cases somehow connected? Did the husbands do it, or was something more sinister at play? Episode 1 starts where it all began when Darla went missing. Join us as we talk to the actual investigators that were at the scene. Now streaming on all podcast platforms, and stop by our website at The Coroner's Report or any social media platform.

Imagine living a long life struggling with a handicap, only to die and lose your name. Even more…imagine becoming more famous in death than you were in life…yet still have no name. Join the Coroner’s Report Podcast as we dive into the mystery over 110 years in the making. Just who was Old Mike, and how did his body end up mummified and on display at an Arkansas funeral home for over 60 years? Unravel the details of his story as we explore the social and historical context of the times that shaped Old Mike's legacy. Discover how this enigmatic figure captured the curiosity of locals and historians alike, sparking questions about identity, memory, and the meaning of fame. Don’t miss out on this captivating journey into the past! Streaming on all platforms. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coroners-report/id1705746048 https://open.spotify.com/show/7qcTPs4cbb54zJrD7wLgtV https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-coroners-report-122439251/ https://music.amazon.com/search/the+coroners+report?filter=IsLibrary%7Cfalse&sc=none #Arkansas #UnsolvedMysteries #TrueCrimePodcast #Prescott #OldMike

We have reached the conclusion of the sixth and final installment of the Miss Maybelline, the Pied Piper, and a Clown Named Hobby series. Experts have proven that the fire at the Maybelline manor was intentionally set. We have also discussed the three likely persons of interest. We will follow the aftermath of the tragic death of the Maybelline Queen and the impact that her demise had on those who loved her. Join us as we uncover the final pieces of this puzzling case, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Evelyn Williams and the unresolved questions that still linger. Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-coroners.../id1705746048 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7qcTPs4cbb54zJrD7wLgtV iHeart https://www.iheart.com/.../269-the-coroners-report.../ Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/.../the-coroner%E2%80%99s-report

Miss Maybelline, Evelyn Williams, heiress to the Maybelline cosmetic fortune, is dead. Her body was discovered in the hallway of her charred lakefront home. No, the doorknob wasn’t in her hand, and she didn’t struggle to get out of the house. There were no signs of any struggle at all. Our fire experts have determined that the fire was not accidental, with evidence of multiple ignition sources. These experts find it highly unlikely that Evelyn would have ended up lying flat on her back as the smoke overtook her. Part 5 of this saga delves into the potential suspects— the Dixie Mafia, her ex-husband, or her close friend Danny King. Who is responsible? You decide! Places to listen to The Coroner’s Report Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast IHeart Podcast Amazon Music Podcast Addict Podchaser PlayerFM ListenNotes

In Episode 3, Part 3 of this 6-part series, Our story continues after Evelyn Williams divorces her grifting husband, Hobby Derrick. She settles into her new life in Hot Springs, Arkansas, but Hobby's Skating Rink is a financial drain. Miss Maybelline decided to flip the skating rink into a dinner theatre with the help of trusty wigmaker, Danny King. Sadly, Evelyn died in a house fire the day after her dinner theatre opened. So what really happened? Was the fire an accident or intentional? How did Evelyn lose half her fortune in 10 years? And how did that damn fire start? All the questions we will answer during this 6-part series of the Coroner's Report. All the questions we will answer during this 6-part series of the Coroner's Report. Join us as we unravel the mystery surrounding Evelyn's tragic end, exploring the secrets buried in her past and the motives of those closest to her. Prepare for shocking revelations and unexpected twists that expose the dark side of ambition and greed in a small Southern town. Links: https://coronersreport.net/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coroners-report/id1705746048 https://open.spotify.com/show/7qcTPs4cbb54zJrD7wLgtV https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-coroners-report-122439251/ https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e4d962-3c5f-493b-abc7-bca6a035b27a/the-coroner%E2%80%99s-report https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/the-coroners-report/5112718#google_vignette https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-coroners-report-5465054 https://player.fm/series/the-coroners-report https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-coroners-report-aussie-grove-media-DRg3mZVdtzO/ https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-coroners-report-5465054 #TruthUncovered #Arson #unsolvedcrime #lidosile #huntingtonbeach #maybellinequeen #Orangecounty #truecrime #conwaytwitty #HotSprings #Arkansas #lakehamilton #unsolvedmysteries #unsolvedmystery #unsolvedhistory #maybellineprince #maybelline #coronersreport #hotsprings #hotSpringsArkansas #Arkansas #hotspringsnationalpark #lgbtqcommunity #Arkansastruecime #truecrimepodcast #arkansaspodcast #northlittlerock #northlittlerockarkansas #lasvegaslocals #LasVegasCrime #newportbeach

In Episode 2 of this 6-part series, our story continues featuring Evelyn Williams who married into the family who founded the cosmetic company, Maybelline. Episode 2 picks up in the 1960s in California as Evelyn inherits her fortune and starts looking for love in all the wrong places, unveiling a tangled web of jealousy, deception, and intrigue that ultimately leads to her tragic demise in Arkansas. Join us as we explore the hidden aspects of her life and the shadows that linger around her death. All the questions we will answer during this 6-part series of the Coroner's Report. Join us as we unravel the mystery surrounding Evelyn's tragic end, exploring the secrets buried in her past and the motives of those closest to her. Prepare for shocking revelations and unexpected twists that expose the dark side of ambition and greed in a small Southern town. Links: https://coronersreport.net/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coroners-report/id1705746048 https://open.spotify.com/show/7qcTPs4cbb54zJrD7wLgtV https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-coroners-report-122439251/ https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e4d962-3c5f-493b-abc7-bca6a035b27a/the-coroner%E2%80%99s-report https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/the-coroners-report/5112718#google_vignette https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-coroners-report-5465054 https://player.fm/series/the-coroners-report https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-coroners-report-aussie-grove-media-DRg3mZVdtzO/ https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-coroners-report-5465054 #TruthUncovered #Arson #unsolvedcrime #lidosile #huntingtonbeach #maybellinequeen #Orangecounty #truecrime #conwaytwitty #HotSprings #Arkansas #lakehamilton #unsolvedmysteries #unsolvedmystery #unsolvedhistory #maybellineprince #maybelline #coronersreport #hotsprings #hotSpringsArkansas #Arkansas #hotspringsnationalpark #lgbtqcommunity #Arkansastruecime #truecrimepodcast #arkansaspodcast #northlittlerock #northlittlerockarkansas #lasvegaslocals #LasVegasCrime #newportbeach