Murder of Miss Billie O'Shannon 1938

In Death Scenes, a black-and-white photograph titled "Billie O'Shannon killed by Marie Woods over a marijuana cigarette" captures a chilling moment of tragedy. The victim, Miss Lillian May Akers, a 22-year-old waitress from Modesto, California, was known by her alias, Billie Maureen O'Shannon. She was killed by Miss Frances Marie Woods, a 25-year-old nurse from Bakersfield, residing at 1660 D Street. The seemingly minor dispute over a marijuana cigarette escalated into fatal violence. The story behind this photograph, the result of extensive research into 1938 newspaper archives, reveals the grim and tragic outcome of a brief but intense conflict between the two women. The facts, meticulously gathered from period news reports, highlight the darkness that could erupt from seemingly mundane situations.

Murder of Dora Hope 1939

 In the book, Death Scenes, a black and white photo is titled "John R. Hope paid $1 for a gun. He confessed to slaying his wife."

Eugene Underwood 1943

"Eugene Underwood, age 14, accidental homicide, he was learning ju-jitsu and strangled his self while practicing, he had callous marks on his throat.  March 20, 1943 Los Angeles."