Carole Townsend - Blood in the Soil: A True Tale of Racism, Sex, and Murder in the South

Copyright 2016 by Carole Townsend

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Rain Saukas

Cover photo credit Thinkstock

Print ISBN: 978-1-63450-751-6

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63450-752-3

Printed in the United States of America

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

MY MOST SINCERE thanks to:

Detective Michael Cowart , who so graciously spent hours with me recounting his meetings and experiences with Joseph Franklin. With skill, finesse and eloquence, he brought the stories to life.

The late Mr. Gene Reeves , attorney and magistrate Judge. His openness and honesty, and his passion for the law, inspired me.

Gwinnett County DA Danny Porter and his staff , who opened their offices and the case files to me, giving me clarity and accuracy in piecing together this true tale. Without Mr. Porters introduction to Mr. Cowart, I would not have had access to the wealth of knowledge and experience of the lead investigator.

Mr. Paul Cambria , long-time attorney for Mr. Larry Flynt, for spending time with me, helping me understand the nuances of the obscenity trial, for sharing his eyewitness account of the shooting, and for giving me insight into the complex character and brilliant mind of Mr. Flynt.

Captain Jeff Smith , Lawrenceville PD, for taking the time to provide photographs and back stories about Gwinnett County, then and now. What a gentleman.

Dr. Taher Bagheri , for sharing with me the grueling hours of surgery immediately following the shooting that nearly killed Flynt and seriously injured Reeves. Another gracious gentleman.

Judge Dennis Still , Attorney and Chief Municipal Court Judge, Lawrenceville, for his early remembrances and introductions.

Gwinnett Historical Society , for preserving the colorful and fascinating fabric of Gwinnett County.

Mr. John Vaughn, and the Vaughn family , for two things: the use of their beautiful beach home (the perfect place to write), and for their remembrances. They are some of the finest people I am privileged to know and amazingly, they are also distant relatives of the same Vaughns about which I write in this book.

And of course my wonderful husband Marc , whose patience and support never fail me.

The most beautiful works of art, in my opinion, are tapestries, for they are woven together from the threads and fabrics of many sources. A tapestry always tells a story.CT

CONTENTS

AUTHORS NOTE

WHILE RESEARCHING THE history and events contained in this book, I had the benefit of many interviewsconversations with some of the actual men and women who were there as the story unfolded. One of those men was Detective Michael Cowart, retired, Gwinnett County Police Department. Mr. Cowart spent hours with me, pulling out and dusting off memories that I know were difficult for him to revisit. Because of his uncanny memory and riveting eloquence, I have told much of this story from his perspective, with his permission. Whether paraphrased, quoted directly, or summarized in my own words based on his accounts, Cowarts stories are just that: his stories, based on his recollections and memories. He brought those stories to life in the manner of a true and gifted storyteller.

In writing about Joseph Franklin, I based my accounts on both written and recorded interviews, including taped interviews between Cowart and Franklin. His mannerisms and quirks I gleaned from articles, old news clips, and recollected accounts from Cowart and other law enforcement officers. The insights into his thoughts and character are based on Franklins own words, as well as others observations and opinions of him. Any filling in that I have done as the author of this book is based on facts, descriptions, and accounts shared by those who knew Franklin, or on Franklins own words. Any opinions offered in this book, whether they pertain to the political and social climate of the turbulent 1960s and 1970s in the South, or the character and quality of Larry Flynts publications, or the opinions and influence of the famous religious right, are asserted based on the points of view of the characters brought to life within these pages. After all, the crimes and punishments, the shames and victories, that characterized the South during those years were largely fueled by just thatopinions.

In the chapter that sees Joseph Franklin meet his end, I alone have written his thoughts. Of course, no one knew what they were, but I have woven together bits of factual information with the thread of my own imagination and words. I intend no disrespect or dishonesty in doing so. I merely believe that every mans end deserves, at the very least, a look, an observation, and a conclusion. I gave him mine.

A book draws breath and comes to life when the details and nuances of a story are shared just as accurately as the main narrative is written. To that end, I researched the popular music of the time period (late 1970s). I researched the commercials one could expect to hear in between songs on the radio. I researched popular clothing trends, vehicles of the day, and the sights, smells, and sounds of the cities through which we travel in this book.

BLOOD IN THE SOIL is not written about one character in particular; rather, it is the true tale of several characters with very real flaws and strengths, steeped in the rich history (and the flaws and strengths) of the glory and shame of the South. The characters are remarkable, and the volatile South in the throes of change was remarkable. The weaving of the stories within these pages creates a fabric both fascinating and terrifying; it is my sincere belief that it is in the stark and honest retelling of these tales that we can prevent a return of the shame and wickedness that draped like a shroud over the South just fifty years ago.

PROLOGUE

THE WORDS IN this book stir much of the painful history of the South, history that was often colored with ignorance, hate, and shame. The story of serial killer Joseph Paul Franklins childhood, young adulthood, and eventual crusade against blacks and other minorities includes some of the worst of the worst of that history.

Degradation, cowardice, and murder did not characterize all Southerners in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, but they were intricately woven into the fabric of Franklins life. The story contained in these pages would not be accurate and truthful without giving life to the dreadful, skewed reality that was his.