On December 28, 1906, in Pierce City, Missouri, Lee Monroe Betterton fatally stabbed his common-law wife, Rose Hudson, during a drunken argument, after previously having been involved in the death of his first wife, Laura Elizabeth McCoy, in 1904. Betterton was apprehended at the scene and subsequently sentenced to 99 years in prison for Hudson's murder. He was paroled after serving a portion of his sentence, remarried, and relocated to Oklahoma, where he killed his third wife. In 1920, Betterton was convicted of this final murder and executed by electrocution on July 9, 1920, at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Key evidence included witness testimonies and Betterton's own admissions during police interrogations, which solidified his culpability in both murders.
Monroe Betterton is believed to have killed his first wife, Laura, after a violent argument, but he was never charged with her death, leading to speculation that he may have escaped justice due to a lack of evidence or community support. After moving to Oklahoma, he is suspected of killing his second wife and later his third, raising theories about a pattern of domestic violence and potential psychological issues that drove him to murder multiple spouses. Some believe that Betterton's ability to evade serious punishment for years reflects systemic failures in the legal system and societal attitudes towards domestic violence at the time.
The Tragic Tale of Monroe Betterton
A Grim Journey Begins
Lee Monroe Betterton’s life seemed unremarkable at first glance, yet beneath its surface lay a chilling story. Born on March 24, 1872, in the rural expanse of Kings Prairie Township, Missouri, Betterton was one among fifteen children in a farming family headed by Lee Land and Mary Catherine Betterton. Little is documented about his early years, but as an adult, he married Laura Elizabeth McCoy, and together they raised several children on their farm. Their life, from the outside, appeared uneventful, marked only by minor brushes with the law for unpaid fines.
However, the veneer of domestic tranquility shattered in 1904. The couple’s frequent arguments climaxed when a furious Betterton beat Laura into unconsciousness. Neighbors rushed her to a hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries. Strangely, Betterton never faced charges for her death. Instead, he soon took a new partner, Rose Hudson, a Choctaw woman who began working in his home as a housekeeper. Their relationship, albeit tumultuous, saw them living together in a de facto common-law marriage.
The First Murder
On December 28, 1906, after yet another argument, Hudson left Betterton, only to accompany him to Verona to visit his children living with their grandfather. On their return, a fateful decision led them to walk from Pierce City to Monett after disembarking from a train. Betterton, intoxicated, argued with Hudson once more. In a drunken rage, he stabbed her three times. As she lay dying, he doused her face with whiskey until a nearby train crew intervened. He was promptly detained and confessed to the murder, blaming his actions on his inebriation. At his trial in Mount Vernon, Betterton pleaded guilty and received a 99-year prison sentence.
A New Beginning and Another Tragedy
Despite his lengthy sentence, Betterton found himself paroled on September 25, 1917. Returning to Monett, he married Elzadah Lockwood on June 11, 1918. Their life together, though seemingly stable, was marred by a house fire on March 26, 1919, and soon, a divorce. Strangely, they remarried on July 1, the same day Lockwood's daughter, Mayme, married Betterton’s son, Ernest. Both couples visited Vinita, Oklahoma, to celebrate, but the elder couple’s return on July 9 ended in tragedy.
Amidst an argument, Betterton shot Elzadah three times. As she fell, he turned his gun on his daughter-in-law, only to be stopped by Ernest, who wrestled the weapon away. Betterton attempted to blame his son for the murder, but the neighbors saw through his deceit. Arrested and jailed, he ominously threatened to kill himself and his family if freed.
Judgment and Execution
Betterton’s trial was set for July 29, 1919, with Emery Smith prosecuting. After nearly three months, the verdict came: guilty of murder, with a death sentence scheduled for January 23, 1920. The presiding judge lamented the betrayal Betterton’s actions represented, especially since his children stood against him in court.
Despite his claims of innocence, the evidence was irrefutable. A mental evaluation confirmed his sanity, resetting his execution for July 9, 1920—exactly one year after Elzadah’s murder. On execution day, Betterton professed his innocence once more, yet expressed readiness to meet his maker. At noon, the electric chair in Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester brought his life to its grim conclusion. His final words, "Goodbye, and God bless you all," echoed as a haunting farewell.
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First Murder Committed
Monroe Betterton stabs Rose Hudson during an argument, leading to her death.
Guilty Plea
Betterton pleads guilty to the murder of Rose Hudson and is sentenced to 99 years imprisonment.
Paroled
Betterton is paroled after serving time for the murder of Rose Hudson.
Third Marriage
Betterton marries Elzadah Lockwood in Mount Vernon, Missouri.
Final Murder
Betterton shoots his wife Elzadah Lockwood during an argument in Vinita, Oklahoma.
Preliminary Trial
Betterton's preliminary trial is held, leading to murder charges.
Death Sentence
Betterton is found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of Elzadah Lockwood.
Execution
Monroe Betterton is executed by electrocution at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
On December 28, 1906, in Pierce City, Missouri, Lee Monroe Betterton fatally stabbed his common-law wife, Rose Hudson, during a drunken argument, after previously having been involved in the death of his first wife, Laura Elizabeth McCoy, in 1904. Betterton was apprehended at the scene and subsequently sentenced to 99 years in prison for Hudson's murder. He was paroled after serving a portion of his sentence, remarried, and relocated to Oklahoma, where he killed his third wife. In 1920, Betterton was convicted of this final murder and executed by electrocution on July 9, 1920, at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Key evidence included witness testimonies and Betterton's own admissions during police interrogations, which solidified his culpability in both murders.
Monroe Betterton is believed to have killed his first wife, Laura, after a violent argument, but he was never charged with her death, leading to speculation that he may have escaped justice due to a lack of evidence or community support. After moving to Oklahoma, he is suspected of killing his second wife and later his third, raising theories about a pattern of domestic violence and potential psychological issues that drove him to murder multiple spouses. Some believe that Betterton's ability to evade serious punishment for years reflects systemic failures in the legal system and societal attitudes towards domestic violence at the time.
The Tragic Tale of Monroe Betterton
A Grim Journey Begins
Lee Monroe Betterton’s life seemed unremarkable at first glance, yet beneath its surface lay a chilling story. Born on March 24, 1872, in the rural expanse of Kings Prairie Township, Missouri, Betterton was one among fifteen children in a farming family headed by Lee Land and Mary Catherine Betterton. Little is documented about his early years, but as an adult, he married Laura Elizabeth McCoy, and together they raised several children on their farm. Their life, from the outside, appeared uneventful, marked only by minor brushes with the law for unpaid fines.
However, the veneer of domestic tranquility shattered in 1904. The couple’s frequent arguments climaxed when a furious Betterton beat Laura into unconsciousness. Neighbors rushed her to a hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries. Strangely, Betterton never faced charges for her death. Instead, he soon took a new partner, Rose Hudson, a Choctaw woman who began working in his home as a housekeeper. Their relationship, albeit tumultuous, saw them living together in a de facto common-law marriage.
The First Murder
On December 28, 1906, after yet another argument, Hudson left Betterton, only to accompany him to Verona to visit his children living with their grandfather. On their return, a fateful decision led them to walk from Pierce City to Monett after disembarking from a train. Betterton, intoxicated, argued with Hudson once more. In a drunken rage, he stabbed her three times. As she lay dying, he doused her face with whiskey until a nearby train crew intervened. He was promptly detained and confessed to the murder, blaming his actions on his inebriation. At his trial in Mount Vernon, Betterton pleaded guilty and received a 99-year prison sentence.
A New Beginning and Another Tragedy
Despite his lengthy sentence, Betterton found himself paroled on September 25, 1917. Returning to Monett, he married Elzadah Lockwood on June 11, 1918. Their life together, though seemingly stable, was marred by a house fire on March 26, 1919, and soon, a divorce. Strangely, they remarried on July 1, the same day Lockwood's daughter, Mayme, married Betterton’s son, Ernest. Both couples visited Vinita, Oklahoma, to celebrate, but the elder couple’s return on July 9 ended in tragedy.
Amidst an argument, Betterton shot Elzadah three times. As she fell, he turned his gun on his daughter-in-law, only to be stopped by Ernest, who wrestled the weapon away. Betterton attempted to blame his son for the murder, but the neighbors saw through his deceit. Arrested and jailed, he ominously threatened to kill himself and his family if freed.
Judgment and Execution
Betterton’s trial was set for July 29, 1919, with Emery Smith prosecuting. After nearly three months, the verdict came: guilty of murder, with a death sentence scheduled for January 23, 1920. The presiding judge lamented the betrayal Betterton’s actions represented, especially since his children stood against him in court.
Despite his claims of innocence, the evidence was irrefutable. A mental evaluation confirmed his sanity, resetting his execution for July 9, 1920—exactly one year after Elzadah’s murder. On execution day, Betterton professed his innocence once more, yet expressed readiness to meet his maker. At noon, the electric chair in Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester brought his life to its grim conclusion. His final words, "Goodbye, and God bless you all," echoed as a haunting farewell.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Murder Committed
Monroe Betterton stabs Rose Hudson during an argument, leading to her death.
Guilty Plea
Betterton pleads guilty to the murder of Rose Hudson and is sentenced to 99 years imprisonment.
Paroled
Betterton is paroled after serving time for the murder of Rose Hudson.
Third Marriage
Betterton marries Elzadah Lockwood in Mount Vernon, Missouri.
Final Murder
Betterton shoots his wife Elzadah Lockwood during an argument in Vinita, Oklahoma.
Preliminary Trial
Betterton's preliminary trial is held, leading to murder charges.
Death Sentence
Betterton is found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of Elzadah Lockwood.
Execution
Monroe Betterton is executed by electrocution at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.