Lives Intertwined, The Legacy of Murder on Staunton Road

by Charlie Ryan, Mitch Evans

Lives Intertwined is the story of prominent Charlestonians who beguiled one another before and following the murder of Juliet Staunton Clark in August of 1953. The narrative delves deep into the persona of Mayor John Copenhaver and that of Charleston Daily Mail owner Lyell Clay, son of the murdered socialite who dies violently, her body mutilated by a savage assault. The Copenhaver-Clay bond is the cornerstone of Charleston's decade of progress and pain in the fifties. Copenhaver's axe squad breaks down doors of iniquity, Lyell Clay's entrepreneurialism builds a fortune, his beneficence eventually changing the face of Charleston. Copenhaver is hailed and hated - Clay is toasted and suspected. A man in uniform is irresistible to Julie Clark, the daughter of the murdered Juliet Clark. Julie's dalliance creates gossip and rumor - what role does the man play in the investigation of Mrs. Clark's murder? Julie flees Charleston, only to wither in France, eating food meant for her horses, leading a dreadful life. Julie's daughter, Shelley Alexander, grows up in France and weds a dashing French pilot. They move to the United States and Charleston. They build a magnificent home overlooking the city, while creating a European cafe' in the heart of the town's business district. Shelley's life turns to terror. A beauty from the coal fields emerges, playing a compelling role in a river city saga. She is said to be a gold-digger, appearing from "out of nowhere" - and lifts her hand for Charleston to kiss. Fast breaking events create a vortex of suspicion and accusation as charges are made, reputations are damaged, and lives are threatened in a river city in the shadow of a gleaming Capitol dome. The events that begin in 1950 spin wildly through the decade, gleefully chronicled by Hearst-like reporters and editors of The Charleston Gazette and The Charleston Daily Mail. Baghdad on the Kanawha! Read all about it!

422 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Julie Jividen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great read for anyone with a West Virginia connection. It also discusses corrupt police.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second volume by Ryan and Evans continues their exploration of what actually happened the night of August 21, 1953 when Juliet Stanton Clark was brutally murdered in her home in an exclusive section of Charleston, West Virginia. Following the publication of their first book, "Murder on Staunton Road", the authors were contacted by many people who were members of the family or close friends or associates who filled in many gaps in background information to the case. In a sense, this volume is an addendum to the original volume but it introduces some new characters to be considered for their involvement in the murder. About a third of the book is devoted to colorful Charleston Mayor John Copenhaver ("Jumpin' John") and his absolute control of the investigation; another healthy section delves into the life of Juliet's son, Lyell Clay, highlighting his deep involvement with the Charleston Daily Mail and his extraordinary charitable giving, as well as his love life following the death of his wife. A chapter towards the end of the book discusses questions remaining in this unsolved murder mystery and the authors offer their best guess as to who committed the crime. Will it ever be solved? Recommended for fans of true crime and West Virginia history.