In the winter of 1926, the quiet town of Farwell, Texas was shaken by the discovery of nine bodies buried beneath a home. The man responsible, George Hassell, had already taken lives in another state and wasn’t finished confessing. What followed was a case so disturbing it blurred the lines between serial killer, mass murderer, and family annihilator. In this episode of Southern Mysteries, we explore the chilling crimes of George Jefferson Hassell, one of the South’s most unsettling killers.

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Episode Sources

• Roth, Mitchell P. Man with the Killer Smile: The Life and Crimes of a Serial Mass Murderer. University of North Texas Press, 2023. Available on Amazon
• Roth, Mitchell P. Interview. PBS: The Bookmark, November 9, 2023. Watch the Interview
• “Texas Farmer Dying After 9 Bodies Found.” The Decatur Daily, December 24, 1926. View Article
• “Hassell, Leaving Death Cell, Advises Women Read Writings of Paul.” The Austin American, April 7, 1927. View Article
• Hassell v. State, 107 Tex. Crim. 541, 298 S.W. 293 (Tex. Crim. App. 1927). Read Case Summary
• “Hasell Electrocuted Early Friday at Huntsville.” The Huntsville Times, February 10, 1928. View Article
• “George J. Hassell’s Murderous Ways.” Texas Genealogy Trails. Read Article
• “Death House Slayings Gain Attention.” Whittier Daily News, August 30, 2017. Read Article

Find a Grave Memorials:

• George Jefferson Hassell
• Susan Frances “Susie” Ferguson Hassell
• Thomas Virgil Hassell

Episode Music

Out of the Mines, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina.

In the final episode of Mystery on Montford Avenue, we explore the fallout from the case and how this mystery faded into the shadows of Asheville’s past.

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◼️ Music: Out of the Mines and Devouring the Whole, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina

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🎤 Southern Mysteries Podcast returns to our regular, bimonthly release of new episodes on Monday, June 9. Make sure you follow the show where you're listening so you never miss a new episode.

In the summer of 1927, Anna Montague stood trial for the death of Mary Cooper. As testimony unfolds, shocking evidence and conflicting accounts raise new questions. Was the case against Anna Montague as solid as it seemed?

🎧 All four episodes are now available. You can binge the entire series today.

🔍 Full source list available at southernmysteries.com

◼️ Music: Out of the Mines and Devouring the Whole, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina

💛 Join Southern Mysteries on Patreon for access to Ad-free Episodes, the show archive and bonus content. “Much Obliged" tier members access more including the patron exclusive podcast Audacious: patreon.com/southernmysteries

🕯️ Follow Southern Mysteries

• Facebook: Southern Mysteries Podcast
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