Published: October 28, 2009 06:26 pm      

Ghostly testimony helps close case

EDMOND — How about a true Halloween ghost story? The facts in this story are a matter of public record in the court files of Greenbrier County, W.Va.

On Jan. 23, 1897, Zona Heaster Shue, a bride of barely two months, was found dead at the foot of her stairs. Dr. George W. Knapp made a brief examination of the body and determined the cause of death to be “everlasting faint.” Later, he changed the cause to “childbirth.” Zona was buried the next day, leaving her husband, Erasmus Stribbling Trout Shue, in a bizarre mental state that appeared to swing from crushing depression to dizzying energy.

Zona’s mother, Mary Jane Heaster, could not bring herself to accept Dr. Knapp’s conclusion on the cause of death. She was convinced there had to be another explanation and, in her grief, prayed night after night for some relief from the agony of her young daughter’s death.

Four weeks after Zona’s burial, Mary Jane’s prayers were answered. A bright light appeared in the darkness of her room and the grieving mother trembled and wept as the light took the form of her dear daughter.

A bitter cold filled the room as the ghost of Zona Shue spoke from the grave. She told her mother that her husband, Erasmus Shue, was her murderer. Zona’s ghost explained how Erasmus, a powerful blacksmith, flew into a rage and, using his bare hands, savagely broke her neck and crushed her wind-pipe. Mary Jane watched in horror as Zona turned her head completely around to demonstrated to awful effect of her broken neck.

Mary Jane tried desperately to throw her arms around her dead child — to comfort her. But Zona’s spirit drifted away and disappeared into the night.

As soon as the sun came up, Mary Jane hurried to the home of John A. Preston, the local prosecutor. She told him the story as she received it from Zona. Naturally, Mr. Preston was skeptical. But, in the hope of offering some comfort to the grieving mother, he sent some deputies to interview Dr. Knapp and several other witnesses.

To the surprise of everyone but Mary Jane, close questioning began to reveal disturbing evidence. Dr. Knapp admitted he had not been permitted to make a thorough examination of Zona’s body. Erasmus violently prevented anyone from coming near her. Further, Erasmus himself had washed and dressed Zona’s body for burial. These courtesies were customarily performed by the ladies of the community. Then, strangely, Erasmus tied a large scarf around Zona’s neck, claiming it was her favorite.

Preston determined there was enough evidence to justify an autopsy, which Erasmus aggressively opposed. Zona was exhumed and examined on Feb. 22, 1897. Her neck was broken. Her wind-pipe smashed. The ligaments of her neck were grossly damaged. Erasmus was promptly arrested on suspicion of murder. Background investigation disclosed that Zona was his third wife. His first wife divorced him charging extreme cruelty. His second wife died under mysterious circumstances not long after they were married.

While awaiting trial, Erasmus spoke freely to reporters who printed accounts of his statements in the local papers. He insisted he would be acquitted as there was little evidence against him. He joked about his intention to have seven brides before he died.

At the murder trial, Preston called Mary Jane to the stand. He did not question her concerning the testimony of Zona’s ghost. Instead, he confined himself to known facts.

The defense lawyer, however, attacked Mary Jane aggressively about her daughter’s ghostly appearance and statements. Finding Mary Jane’s testimony unshakable, the defense asked the court to instruct the jury that it would be improper to consider the testimony of a ghost in deciding a murder trial. But, since it was the defense that “opened the door,” the judge decided the jury was free to give the ghost such weight as it merited.

Erasmus was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. He died three years later at the West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville. To my knowledge this is the only recorded case of a murder trial being decided on evidence presented by a ghost.

The court records don’t say whether Zona was standing somewhere near when Erasmus breathed his last.

Oh by the way, Nov. 1 is the 405th anniversary of the premier of Shakespeare’s “Othello, the Moor of Venice.” You remember the story. Othello murdered his wife in a fit of rage and paid for his crime with his life. Happy Halloween. I’m Hink and I’ll see ya.



MIKE HINKLE is an Edmond resident and retired attorney. He may be reached via e-mail at hink@edmondsun.com.