Shadow of the Past Case Files | What happened to the Izards?

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1958 incident report

The 1958 lead investigator wrote a report on the bloody scene at the Izard residence.

Is MI woman long-missing child?

In 1998, the Oxford Eagle covered Doris Hammack's quest for her true identity.

Richard Izard bio

Richard grew up in nearby Toccopola, MS, and later moved to Oxford as an adult.

Lisa Izard bio

A Yoknapatawpha County native, Lisa worked as a nurse until her first child was born.

Ricky & LeAnne Izard bio

Ricky and LeAnne were known as happy, energetic children until the day they disappeared.

Thomas Joe Hinkley bio

Tommy Joe grew up in Abbeville and went to work for the USPS after WWII.

Thomas Joe Hinkley interview

Detective McPhail talked to Thomas Joe Hinkley about his discovery of the Izards' bodies.

Lydia Catlett interview

Detective McPhail interviewed neighbor Lydia Catlett about what she witnessed the day of the Izard murders.

Roland Bland interview

Detective McPhail interviewed neighbor Roland Bland about what he witnessed the day of the Izard murders.

Titus & Yvonne Hawkins interview

Detective McPhail interviewed the Hawkinses about what they witnessed the day of the Izard murders.

Hannah Waithers interview

Detective McPhail interviewed neighbor Hannah Waithers about what she witnessed the day of the Izard murders.

Elroy Murphy bio

Elroy held several jobs in Oxford before going to work for the county school system.

Elroy Murphy interview

Detective McPhail interviewed county school bus driver Elroy Murphy about his conflict with the Izards.

1958 evidence photos

In 1958, investigators photographed evidence collected in the Izard murders from the crime scene.

1958 CR106 canvass

1958 investigators spoke to County Road 106 residents about the Izards and the day of the murders.

Investigators' notes – April 11, 1958

1958 investigators documented their efforts to locate potential witnesses and suspects on the day of the murders.

News on the March newsreel

"News on the March" covers the Izard murders and the children's disappearance in 1958.

Elliot Perch bio

Elliot Perch is a lifelong union supporter and promoter

Elliot Perch interview

Detective McPhail interviewed union organizer Elliot Perch about his relationships with Bowlan Glove employees.

Harold Bowlan bio

A self-made man, Harold Bowlan clawed his way up from poverty to wealth and respect.

Harold Bowlan interview

Detective McPhail interviewed Bowlan Glove Factory owner Harold Bowlan after he returned to Oxford.

Jimmy Warren bio

Jimmy was known for his hot temper and quick fists.

1958 background interview summaries

1958 investigators spoke to many Yoknapatawphans to gather background information on the Izards.

Elbert Warren bio

Elbert was liked and respected by his co-workers but not a favorite with management.

1958 suspect interview summaries

1958 investigators spoke to the people considered the most‑likely suspects in the Izard murders.

Harvey Booker bio

Harvey liked drag racing, fistfighting, and carousing.

Pete Corey bio

Pete was an odd child and a volatile adult.

Laid-off Bowlan Glove employees

Bowlan Glove supplied a list of the employees who were laid off on April 11, 1958.

Walter Hinkley bio

Walter was a hard-working and hard-playing man

Jack Peach bio

Jack always struggled to achieve the acceptance and recognition he wanted in life.

Jeff Skinner bio

Jeff ran with a rough crowd but wasn't very tough himself.

Children snatched, parents murdered

The local newspaper reported on the community's reaction to the murders and other developments.

Frank Valenti bio

After going to work at Bowlan Glove, Frank became a bit of a troublemaker.

1958 cleared suspect interview summaries

1958 investigators were able to clear some potential suspects of involvement.

Travis Gilley interview summary

In 1958, Detective McPhail spoke with the bartender at Sid's Tavern about the comings and goings of multiple suspects and witnesses on the day of the murders.

Elliot Perch alibi check

In 1958, YCSD investigators attempted to verify union organizer Elliot Perch's alibi.

Jessie Danahy personnel file

1958 investigators obtained a copy of Jessie Danahy's personnel file from the Bowlan Glove Factory.

Howard Hadley personnel file

1958 investigators obtained a copy of Howard Hadley's personnel file from the Bowlan Glove Factory.

Walter Hinkley personnel file

1958 investigators obtained a copy of Walter Hinkley's personnel file from the Bowlan Glove Factory.

1958 suspect list

In 1958, investigators narrowed the originally lengthy suspect list to a shortlist of only a handful.

Elbert Warren personnel file

1958 investigators obtained a copy of Elbert Warren's personnel file from the Bowlan Glove Factory.

1960: Izard murders remain a mystery

Two years after the Izard tragedy, the Oxford Eagle reported on the status of the investigation.

Doris Hammack interview

In 1998, Doris Hammack approached the YCSD, saying she had possible new information in the Izard case.

Det. Terry Nelson bio

Detective Nelson led the 1998 re-investigation of the Izard case.

Letter to Immaculata Girls Home

Doris Hammack had a brief letter with her when she was left with the nuns.

Social Services intake report

The Immaculata Girls Home contacted Social Services after Doris was left in their care.

Social Services placement record

Doris Hammack was placed with multiple families in the Detroit foster care system.

Jack McPhail bio

Jack McPhail was born and raised in Yoknapatawpha County

Jack McPhail interview

In 1998, Detective Nelson reached out to retired Detective McPhail about the Izard investigation.

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