111: The Real Garden of Good and Evil

In 1994, a New York writer released a very southern gothic, non-fiction, crime novel. “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” became a national sensation. John Berendt’s seductive prose and his cast of eccentric characters drew readers into the lush culture of Savannah, Georgia. But the central plot was a scandal from 1981. Semi-closeted socialite, Jim Williams, had shot his lover dead in the study of his home. He went through four trials for the murder of Danny Hanson, a record in Georgia at the time. Berendt’s book became a movie in 1997, directed by Clint Eastwood. Many people don’t know the real story of the Mercer House murder. This is a look at the case, as well as the book and movie that captivated the nation. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyWritten by Hannah Newcomb and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray Multimedia Sponsors: EveryPlate.com: promo code: southernfried199 MagicSpoon.com/southernfried SimpliSafe.com/southernfired BetterHelp.com/southern Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/111-the-real-garden-of-good-and-evilMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)If you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for help: US Crisis Text Line: 741741 US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247Australia Rape & Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-737-732Canada: http://thelifelinecanada.ca./help/call/If you are having suicidal thoughts during this unprecedented time, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Please call the US National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255For resources in other countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html