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.

Maude Adams 1945

From the book: "MRS. MAUD ADAMS AGE 54 STABBED TO DEATH 21 TIMES BY HER 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER BARBARA ADAMS A CITY COLLEGE CO-ED. PURCHASSING THE KNIFE MORE THAN 12 HOURS BEFORE THE DEED & PRACTICING ITS EFFICIENCY BY CUTTING OFF TWO LIVE CANARIES HEADS IN THE KITCHEN OF THEIR HOME. SHE THEN CREPT INTO HER MOTHERS BEDROOM TO MAKE HER SAVAGE ATTACK AT 917 WEST 9TH STREET L.A.A CALIF. 5/12/45. MOTIVE---? ADJUDGED INSANE."

 

The tragic case of Barbara May Adams, a 17-year-old junior college student, unfolds with chilling details that raise questions about her mental state and the circumstances leading to the brutal murder of her mother, Mrs. Maud Elizabeth Adams, aged 54. During a coroner’s inquest, witnesses recounted

 Barbara's admission of stabbing her mother with a 10-inch butcher knife while she lay asleep in bed.

 The jury ultimately ruled the incident a homicide, recommending that Barbara be held accountable for her actions. As the proceedings progressed, three psychiatrists were appointed by the juvenile court to evaluate Barbara's mental health, with their findings due by May 28th.

Throughout the inquest, Barbara displayed a stolid demeanor, only exhibiting a flicker of emotion when she signed documents directing her mother’s burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. 

Her muttered remark, “That’s that,” suggested a chilling indifference to the gravity of the situation.

 Landlady Mrs. Anthony Dunne testified that Barbara, in a voice “as cold as ice,” confessed to killing her mother without elaborating, simply stating, 

“I had my reasons.” 

This stark admission set the stage for the exploration of the tumultuous relationship between mother and daughter, with witnesses indicating a history of abuse and psychological control exerted by Mrs. Adams over Barbara.

The pre-detention hearing unearthed troubling testimonies regarding the alleged sadistic nature of Mrs. Adams. Former employers Albert E. Rogers and his family shared their observations of Mrs. Adams’s cruel treatment of Barbara during her four years of employment in their home. Mrs. Rogers described how Maud would take pleasure in pinching and belittling Barbara, asserting her dominance through physical and emotional abuse. These claims painted a picture of a mother who, harboring resentment from being abandoned by Barbara’s father, redirected her frustrations onto her daughter, leading to a cycle of torment. In stark contrast, other witnesses, including Mrs. Dunne and medical staff at General Hospital, characterized Mrs. Adams as a devoted mother who provided for her daughter’s needs and aspirations, claiming that they were often seen laughing and enjoying each other’s company. This contradiction in testimonies left many questioning the reality of their relationship.

As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Barbara had been struggling with her mental health for some time. Neighbors described her as a “bookworm” focused on her studies, particularly geology, while secretly aspiring to become an opera singer. Yet, they noted that her 

mother imposed restrictions that isolated Barbara from her peers, 

denying her opportunities for social interactions and romantic relationships. This environment likely contributed to her feelings of entrapment and resentment toward her mother. Barbara’s disturbing admission of premeditated violence, claiming to have planned the murder for two years, and her chilling statement that she hoped to be executed for her actions further highlighted her fractured state of mind.

Barbara's narrative of the events leading up to the murder revealed a sinister premeditation, as she recounted purchasing the knife and prior to confronting her mother. She said she cut the heads off two canaries to test the sharpness of the knife. Her calm demeanor during the confession, where she stated

 she felt “no remorse,” 

unnerved authorities and painted a grim picture of her psychological state. The incident escalated after a heated argument with her mother, culminating in Barbara plunging the knife into Mrs. Adams’s chest and covering her face with a pillow to muffle her scream. The aftermath of the murder saw Barbara wash the knife, change her clothes, and attempt to return to normalcy by cleaning the apartment before confessing to the landlady, a delay that suggests a disassociation from her violent act.

Following her arrest, Barbara exhibited behavior that warranted close observation, prompting authorities to place her on suicide watch due to her expressed desire to end her life. Despite the lack of concrete evidence suggesting an immediate risk of self-harm, precautions were taken to ensure her safety. 

The autopsy revealed that Mrs. Adams had suffered 21 stab wounds, a shocking detail that underscored the brutality of the crime. 

As the judicial process unfolded, Barbara’s case was marked by conflicting testimonies, psychological evaluations, and an exploration of the complex dynamics of their relationship.

In September 1945, after 90 days of observation at Camarillo State Hospital, 

Barbara was declared “medically and legally insane” by a panel of psychiatrists. 

Her public defender noted signs of improvement following shock treatments, but the implications of her crime loomed large. If the court accepted the psychiatrists' findings, Barbara could be committed to a state institution rather than facing a traditional trial for murder. As a minor at the time of the slaying, the possibility of capital punishment was off the table, but the specter of her actions would remain a heavy burden as the legal system determined her fate. The case of Barbara May Adams serves as a harrowing exploration of the intersection of mental illness, familial relationships, and the dark outcomes that can emerge from deeply troubled lives.

Marie Castaneda 1944

From the book -  "MARIE CASTANEDA AGE 29 KILLED BY HER BOY FRIEND VERNON ARENSON. HE BROKE A WINE BOTTLE AND CUT HER. 6/19/44. L.A. Cal. 612½ No SPRING ST."

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."

William Westhause 1943

A black and white photo from the book, Death Scenes, is titled "JL Westhouse. Police Brutality case. Westhause  was arrested for drunk, died in city jail. Relation claim he was beat up in jail. The above photo and autopsy shows he died from filth, he had wine sores, scales and lice in his hair. "

William Westhause, aged 57 and residing at 639 South Main Street in Los Angeles, died in the General Hospital prison ward two days after his transfer from the City Jail in Lincoln Heights. Records indicate that Westhause was arrested for intoxication and initially booked at Central Jail at 9:05 a.m. He was subsequently transferred to the Lincoln Heights facility, where his condition rapidly deteriorated. He lost consciousness and was moved to General Hospital for treatment, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The police homicide unit was called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, and an autopsy was performed.

Doctors at General Hospital initially attributed Westhause’s condition to starvation and dehydration, both of which they believed were exacerbated by alcoholism. However, the autopsy revealed a fractured skull, which was ultimately determined to be the cause of death. This raised further questions regarding the events leading up to his passing, as Westhause had reportedly been unconscious since the morning he was due to appear in municipal court. He had been arrested on a Wednesday and never regained consciousness thereafter.

Born on September 7, 1885, in Missouri, William Emil Westhause had lived in California for eight years prior to his death. His last recorded residence was on East 5th Street in Los Angeles, and he was employed by the Gospel Mission. He had married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Reiser in 1907, who passed away in 1928. He is survived by his daughter, Viola Anna Westhause Clark of Van Nuys, his son, Reverend E.C. Westhause of Clintonville, Wisconsin, and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Pierce Brothers Valley Mortuary, with Reverend Thomas Nalback officiating, and he was laid to rest in Valhalla Memorial Park. William Westhause’s life, marked by hardship and a tragic end, concluded on February 14, 1943, in Los Angeles.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/689240180/?match=1&terms=%22westhouse%22%20jail

https://www.newspapers.com/image/380754053/?match=1&terms=%22westhouse%22%20jail

Mrs Vivian Riley 1945

Miss [sic] Vivian Riley, age 28, killed by Vernon Spangler, age 28, in his room at 705 West 6th Street. LA, Cal. 3/17/45. He took her body to the rear of a laundry at 703 West 6th Street. He was charged with 2nd degree murder and sentenced to 5 years to life at San Quentin Prison.