The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern "Red" Hall

by Janie Jones

The Deadly History of a Little Known Killer in Arkansas Faulkner County native Red Hall was a serial killer who confessed to murdering at least twenty-four people. Most of his victims were motorists who picked him up as he hitchhiked around the United States. In the closing months of World War II, he beat his wife to death and went on a killing spree across the state. His signature smile lured his victims to their doom, and even after his capture, he maintained a friendly manner, being described by one lawman as "a pleasant conversationalist.'? Author Janie Nesbitt Jones chronicles his life for the first time and explores reasons why he became Arkansas' Hitchhike Killer.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2021

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting account of James Waybern "Red" Hall, a native Arkansas man who went on a killing spree in the late 1930's and early 1940's. Most of his victims were people who he hitchhiked with. He was a very friendly, amiable person that had a clean-cut appearance. He grew up the son of a preacher who physically and mentally abused him. He also had a head injury as a youth and both of these things might have played into his vulnerability to be a killer. He confessed to killing at least twenty-four people although not all of the victims have been confirmed. Because the majority of his crimes were committed during World War II, they didn't get the press coverage that they might have garnered any other time.

This was a well researched and documented study of this serial killer.

[Amy Monroe]

Was a great read!! I just love true crime!