Murder on Staunton Road

by Charlie Ryan, Mitch Evans

MURDER ON STAUNTON ROAD is a fast paced narrative of a sensational unsolved homicide that captured the attention of the nation in 1953. On the night of August 21, in the haute monde neighborhood of South Hills, in Charleston, WV, Juliet Staunton Clark was savagely beaten to death. She was the owner of THE CHARLESTON DAILY MAIL, the capital city's prosperous afternoon newspaper. Her murder set off a flurry of investigation under the direct supervision of Charleston’s flamboyant Mayor “Jumpin” John Copenhaver. Accusations flew as the investigation swept through the city. Many charged then, and some repeat the charge today, that there was manipulation to protect prominent Charlestonians who were being questioned as possible persons of interest in the Clark murder. THE CHARLESTON DAILY MAIL, THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE, and newspapers throughout the country reported every detail of the fascinating story of the brutal beating of the esteemed socialite. Nationally prominent investigators traveled to the “Rose City” to apply the newest forensic physiological test to probe criminal suspects -- the polygraph machine, known as the “Lie Detector”. The tale of sadistic murder follows the pioneer Staunton family roots from Nottingham, England to the banks of the Kanawha River in southern West Virginia. There, family members recall that fateful night of August 21, 1953, when a wave of blood flowed freely across a green carpet rug in a living room on Staunton Road.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Mystery

378 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 2020

Reviews

[Kevin Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting look into 1950s Charleston, West Virginia, and a murder mystery that remains unsolved. The book is lengthy, but reads fast, and contains a lot of interesting information about the case and potential suspects. It could have benefited from a strong editor, but I understand an updated edition could be in the works because of additional information obtained since publication of the book.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I was born and grew up in Charleston, WV, I was only a year and a half old when this murder occurred and I don't remember hearing anything about it as a child. The names are all familiar - we subscribed to both papers (the Gazette and the Daily Mail), bought our cameras and film at Merrill Photo, and later attended events at the Clay Center. However, I did not hear about this brutal murder until a neighbor heard about it and bought copies of the book for several of us in our neighborhood to read so we could talk about it! The story reads like a novel from the pen of Dashiell Hammett but is sadly true and affected the lives of many prominent citizens of Charleston. The mystery lives on today with missing files and unfulfilled Freedom of Information requests from the authors to current city officials. After reading the book, I have my own thoughts about who the murderer was, but no one will know for sure unless the evidence file shows up in some forgotten corner of the Courthouse or someone's home. The authors have meticulously laid out not only the sequence of events leading up to the murder, but they provide extensive, well-researched background for all the families involved and an Afterword that details what happened to specific individuals following the initial investigations. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in true crime or in West Virginia history.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The true account of the unsolved, 1953 killing of Julia Staunton Clay, owner of the Charleston Daily Mail. Well-liked and hardworking, Ms. Clay was a prominent socialite as well as astute businesswoman in West Virginia. She was found bludgeoned to death by her housekeeper and her chauffer-handyman. There was no sign of forced entry or robbery. Her neighbors heard nothing. Her 3-year-old grandson, whom she was keeping because her daughter was in the hospital, was asleep in his bedroom.

The Charleston PD, under the direction of the colorful mayor Copenhaver, could never find any evidence to convict anyone. The investigation finally stopped.

While an easy read because the authors used both primary and secondary sources in addition to their interviews with the family and others involved in the investigation, it still never gave any clue as to what happened that night. Her family still has no closure nearly 70 years later.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information but difficult to follow. If you decide to read the book (which I would encourage if you are interested in the subject), I suggest making a family tree to help you remember the details and relationship of each person.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the book for me. It seems to be more rumor, gossip, and innuendo with a touch of "Who's Who" thrown into the mix than actual true crime and investigation. I finished the book just as confused as when I started.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about an unsolved murder of the owner of the Charleston Daily Mail in the 1950’s. Probably more interesting to me bc it takes place back home in WV.

[Keegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this story is interesting, the book itself could have benefited from some cuts. The entire columns and articles referenced did not need to be included, just the relevant quotes. And the large focus on Mrs. Clark's two husbands was not needed. After all, she was twice a widow by the time of her murder.

Quotes
"It is said that journalism is instant history that is ruled by deadlines."

"However, when she began researching the Clark murder, Reader said Kay [a reporter with the Charleston Gazette] was told to stop her research-there would be no story."

"It is plausible, some say, that there may well have been, during the decades following the Clark case, an ongoing cover-up by authorities and prominent citizens of Charleston that was meant to protect people and reputations-something the Gazette seemed to have believed. Certainly there seemed to be, at various times, manipulation of the investigation. If the Clark file could be found, Detective Westfall says, police documentation of the case would undoubtedly add additional information to the unsolved murder, perhaps pointing to the individual who killed Juliet Clark."