UWA professor pens true crime thriller about 1950s shooting on Sand Mountain
In “Midnight Cry: A Shooting on Sand Mountain,” Lesa Carnes Shaul delves into a tragic 1951 incident that left a lasting mark on Marshall County, Alabama. Drawing from her roots on Sand Mountain, where she first heard tales of the Kilpatrick shooting, Shaul presents a narrative shaped by local lore and personal history. The event involved Sheriff Zeke Boyles and bootlegger Aubrey Kilpatrick, whose lives ended in a violent confrontation. The fallout resonated deeply in the community, particularly through the trial of Kilpatrick’s 16-year-old son, James.
Initially motivated by her family’s connection to the Kilpatricks, Shaul aimed to craft a compelling narrative rather than a dry academic account. Her journey in writing the book began in February 2021, leading to her release in October 2024. Shaul’s promotional tour featured emotional encounters with those connected to the event, including descendants of law enforcement victims who emotionally recounted their family legacies.
Shaul emphasizes the educational value of storytelling in both her writing and teaching as a college professor. She aims to incorporate “Midnight Cry” into local high school curricula and is already eyeing her next project—a deeper exploration of the forensic investigation tied to the shooting. As the anniversary approaches, the echoes of this tragedy remain in the fabric of community memory, illustrating that the past continues to influence present lives.
Read the complete article here: https://www.uwa.edu/news/uwa-professor-pens-true-crime-thriller-about-1950s-shooting-on-sand-mountain/
