Killing Henrietta: The unsolved murder of a young widow in a small Southern Maryland town

by Leslie LeDonne

December 5, 1959, the beginning of the Christmas season. Residents of Leonardtown, Maryland, awoke that morning to shocking news. Henrietta Ragan, one of their own and a recent widow had been brutally beaten, raped, and murdered overnight. The crime scene had been cleaned up and staged to look like a suicide. The local population knew her as a sensual paramour who was "very attractive" and intimately known to most men in this sleepy little Southern Maryland village, much to the dismay of their wives.

This homicide remains unsolved sixty-five years later. New evidence has been uncovered that will provide information
about the heinous taking of her life. This savage murder had been veiled within deep and deadly secrets, lies, lust, and dishonesty by the most powerful men in the community.

Who were the architects and the masterminds behind this successful and massive cover-up?

A fresh new look might answer some of the questions
that people still ask today about… "Killing Henrietta"

Genres: Book Club, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2025

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killing Henrietta was a compelling read for me. As a true crime junkie, I can honestly say this book held my attention in a way few do. I found it even more engaging than many works by well-known true crime authors. As a local resident, born here but still considered an "inplant." The book stirred a lot of nostalgia while also offering some juicy insight into familiar “County” names. I found myself walking away with questions for people I know who have strong ties to “The County.”

What stood out most is how the book truly did Henrietta justice. Her story didn’t end with her death; it was given new life through Leslie's investigation that refuses to let her be forgotten.

Leslie brilliantly unfolds her own experience along the way, weaving in fascinating stories as evidence is uncovered and connections are revealed.

I felt a growing mix of injustice and deep sympathy for Henrietta, a woman I never knew, yet came to care about. At the same time, I felt like I came to know Leslie and her passion for making sure Henrietta’s story didn’t disappear. This book keeps it alive. Well Done Leslie!!!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonardtown Maryland, a "most convenient place" was once the location of a most convenient murder. Leslie LeDonne does a fantastic job chronicling facts and evidence related to this cold case. She also provides historical context of the area and socio-political dynamics that influenced the investigation back in 1959. It is a short read and hard to put down. A great beach book, perfect for a vacation to Ocean City ;)

[Amy Werking · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this book hadn’t taken place about 20 minutes from the town I grew up in, I wouldn’t have started it. If it didn’t mention so many places and family names I’m familiar with, I wouldn’t have finished it. The content could have been reduced to a newspaper article. It was a rambling, drawn out, unsolved murder mystery with mediocre writing. It’s a quick read. That’s the best thing it has going for it.

[Tyler Vallandingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book!!! My money is on smitty bell.

[Lauren Tivnan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still can’t believe this midst is unsolved. Truly tragic. So many thoughts about this book:
1) The misogyny was unbelievable
2) Was everyone an alcoholic back then??
3) I cannot believe the sheriff couldn’t read or write and took his wife on every call to take notes!
4) Who was this random guy the author met on vacation in Ocean City who had the entire police file, newspaper clippings, etc etc? That needed to be explained more. She never reached back out to him to ask why he had the files?
5) Why was the flashlight fingerprinted? It was obviously from a policeman.
6) How did her descendants not really know anything about her? Like her real last name?
7) The police had no cold case file on Henrietta? So
it was like she never died?

Note: One should really take notes when reading this book. It does get repetitive, but I’m glad her story was told.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a self-published book, written by a Leonardtown hairdresser named Leslie LeDonne. When she was in hairdressing school she overheard customers discussing the murder of Henrietta Elisabeth Wilmer Ragan. Years later she heard another discussion of this now cold case which was never solved. Leslie because interested and started to research. She wrote this book as she interviewed people and presents to us, the reader what she learned. It was very accurate and very repetitious. She makes some interesting incites but runs up against a large coverup.

[Darlene Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of this case, and as someone who not only is a true crime buff, but someone born and raised in Maryland, that surprised me. I didn't know what to expect, but Ms LeDonne definitely did her homework. So much research was done on this case, and it shows. It's a shame that Henrietta Ragan has been largely forgotten, but this book paints a very vivid picture of her, and of the horrible crime that took her life.

[Ed Harless · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a really young local to the town this was something I’ve never heard about. It’s enlightening to hear about this many generations ago scandalous murder with the folks within your community. It’s incredibly well written and thorough investigative reporting that has sparked many family dinner conversations now.

[Patricia D. Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

I was very impressed with the writing in this book as well as the telling in order of a tragedy that actually happened in 1959 in Leonardtown. I have never heard of this murder living in Hollywood at the time and being 6years old. I would have asked my parents if they knew anything but they are now deceased. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Denise Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

This story has many stirring facts. Neglect within our police forces. Everything put under the rug. Thank you Mr. Ocean City for helping Leslie with her research. Still no closure, but she is not forgotten.

[Dana Stearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting! I can picture all the places as the story is told!

[dayna downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad

Very sad. But looks like the good old boys kept the secret till the grave . no matter if you like someone, she deserves the truth to come out.

[Rebecca Snipes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to follow.

It was very hard to follow. I felt like I was reading the first couple of chapters over and over again.

[Lisireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot of thoughts about this book as both an exposé of corruption, memorial to Henrietta, and historical account.

First and foremost, I thought the explicit speculation about law enforcement's incompetence/corruption were refreshing and a much needed aspect of Henrietta's story. The exploration of Leonardtown's culture, rumors, and influential figures/families was fascinating to me as someone who had family that lived there.

I did take issue with certain theories being heavily written and presented as fact. The "reason for her death" is entirely unknown to us, as the murder remains unsolved; however, it is said multiple times that the assailant(s) murdered her for "one reason and one reason only." All of the details as to why she was murdered are speculatory.

I am glad that LeDonne mentions the modern-day St. Mary's County Sheriff's office looking into Henrietta's murder and possibly continuing to cover up her murder. Overall, I think this book does Henrietta Ragan justice by focusing on her personhood, both good and bad.