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The Tragic Story of Betty Williams
Jan 20, 2025
A Kiss Before Dying: Lecture Notes
Introduction
Source:
Texas Monthly
Date:
February 1, 2006
Main Topic:
A true crime story from Odessa, Texas, involving a murder known as the "Kiss and Kill Murder."
The Legend of Betty
Local Legend:
Betty, a ghost said to haunt Odessa High School's auditorium.
Origin Story:
Various apocryphal tales about her death, including falling off a ladder, hanging, or being shot by a boyfriend.
High School Response:
Windows painted over to prevent ghost sightings; Betty's presence is linked to unexplained events.
Betty Williams
Background:
Lived in a modest house near oil fields.
Parents struggled financially; her father was a strict Baptist.
Seen as a nonconformist, intellectual, and attention-seeker.
Wrote candid letters expressing her opinions on various topics.
Felt like an outsider at school but desired acceptance.
Dreamed of becoming an actress.
Social Context
Odessa High Social Hierarchy:
"Cashmere girls" were popular and represented the top social tier.
Betty, being nonconformist, was at the bottom of this hierarchy.
Despite her disdain for conformity, she was hurt by her outsider status.
Mack Herring
Profile:
A football player at Odessa High, considered average.
Lived in a middle-class neighborhood.
Described as quiet, self-contained, and a responsible hunter.
The Relationship
Betty and Mack:
Began dating in the summer of 1960.
Mack did not publicly acknowledge the relationship.
Betty's attempts to make Mack jealous led to their breakup.
Betty was deeply affected and expressed a desire to die.
Betty's Mental State
Expressions of Distress:
Talked about death openly and asked peers to kill her.
Erratic behavior during play rehearsals.
Affected by family issues, especially with her father's disapproval.
The Murder
Circumstances:
Betty convinced Mack to kill her.
Mack shot Betty with a shotgun by a stock tank, weighted her body, and submerged it.
Mack showed no emotion during the retrieval of Betty's body.
Legal Proceedings
Trial:
Mack confessed and was charged with first-degree murder.
Defense attorney Warren Burnett argued Mack was temporarily insane.
Macks was acquitted of murder by reason of temporary insanity in two trials.
Aftermath
Mack's Life:
Lived a quiet life post-trial, worked as an electrician.
Community support prevented him from being ostracized.
Continuing Legacy
Impact on Community:
Betty's murder remains a sensitive topic in Odessa.
Odessa High School students continue to share ghost stories about Betty.
Conclusion
Reflection:
The case remains a poignant part of Odessa's history.
Highlights themes of societal norms, mental health, and justice.
Additional Information
Contact:
Texas Monthly
Digital Access:
Subscribers can listen to the article online.
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View note source
https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/a-kiss-before-dying/