Summary of "Candyman: The True Story Behind The Bathroom Mirror Murder"
Episode: Ruthie Mae's Reflection (Episode 6)

Hosted by Dometi Pongo | Produced by CBS News and 48 Hours

Introduction to Ruthie Mae McCoy's Tragic Death

On April 22, 1987, Ruthie Mae McCoy, a 52-year-old resident of a Chicago housing project, made a desperate 911 call reporting an intruder attempting to enter her apartment through the bathroom medicine cabinet. Initially dismissed by authorities, Ruthie Mae was found dead two days later, suffering four gunshot wounds. This tragic event not only inspired the iconic horror film "Candyman" but also highlighted systemic issues such as racial injustice, housing inequality, and the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The National Public Housing Museum and Preservation of History

Timestamp [02:07] – Lisa Yun Lee: "We tell the good, the bad, and the ugly."

Lisa Yun Lee, Executive Director of the National Public Housing Museum, discusses the preservation of artifacts from Chicago's public housing history. Among these is the infamous medicine cabinet associated with Ruthie Mae's case, symbolizing both the provision of essential services and the underlying tragedies. Lee emphasizes the relevance of Ruthie Mae's story in contemporary discussions about housing precarity:

Timestamp [03:20] – Dometi Pongo: "The tragedy of Ruthie May's death holds lessons for how the country approaches public housing today."

Media Representation and Legacy in the "Candyman" Franchise

The murder of Ruthie Mae McCoy served as a pivotal inspiration for the "Candyman" horror film series. The original 1992 film perpetuated racialized stereotypes, while the 2021 remake, directed by Nia DaCosta and led by people of color, sought to challenge these narratives.

Timestamp [06:10] – Dometi Pongo: Discusses how the remake recontextualizes Candyman to address deeper societal issues.

Timestamp [06:27] – Robin Means Coleman: "It'll take a minute, and then people will be studying over and talking about her film for years to come."

The latest installment shifts focus to black communities, portraying Candyman as an "unwilling martyr" symbolizing black pain and trauma.

Timestamp [10:26] – Robin Means Coleman: "Candyman, at the intersection of white violence and black pain is about unwilling martyrs."

The 1990 Murder Trial of John Hondress and Edward Turner

In the spring of 1990, John Hondress and Edward Turner faced trial for Ruthie Mae's murder. Despite significant suspicion and initial evidence, both men were acquitted.

Timestamp [05:11] – Edward Turner: "You never know what a jury's gonna do."

Trial Proceedings:

• Edward Turner's Trial:

  • Defense Argument: Contextualized Turner's actions within his challenging life circumstances, suggesting he might have refrained from calling the police to avoid being labeled a suspect.
  • Verdict: Not guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and burglary. Turner stated, "I didn't know who killed McCoy. And I didn't regret any of my actions on the night she was killed." [Timestamp [16:48]]

• John Hondress's Trial:

  • Despite the prosecution's reliance on key witnesses, inconsistencies led to his acquittal. Judge Michael Getty criticized the Chicago Police Department's handling of the case, stating, "This case was lost by the patrol division of the Chicago police department..." [Timestamp [19:31]]

Perspectives on Systemic Failures and Justice

Timestamp [04:43] – Dometi Pongo: Steve Bagheera credits the "Candyman" franchise and his investigative work for reviving attention to Ruthie Mae's case.

Ruthie Mae's Brother, Willie McCoy:

• Timestamp [24:12] – Steve Bagheera: "Ruthie Mae McCoy is a real life person. Her family are alive and out there."
• Willie struggled with the justice system's failure to convict Ruthie Mae's murderer(s). He voiced frustration with the systemic issues that allowed the case to remain unresolved.

Timestamp [26:30] – Steve Bagheera: "The concentration of deep poverty in my mind was the more important factor." He elaborates on how concentrated poverty in public housing contributed to increased violence and deteriorating conditions for residents.

Repercussions for Public Housing and Community Well-being

The aftermath of Ruthie Mae's murder saw significant changes in Chicago's public housing landscape. High-rise projects like Cabrini Green were demolished around 2000, replacing them with developments aimed at attracting wealthier residents. This transition reflects ongoing struggles with housing inequality and the displacement of low-income communities.

Timestamp [25:48] – Edward Turner: "I do think that things are much better because Abbott Holmes no longer exists."

Ruthie Mae's Enduring Legacy

Ruthie Mae McCoy's story remains a poignant reminder of the intersection between individual tragedy and broader societal failures. Her legacy is preserved through the National Public Housing Museum and the "Candyman" series, which continues to evolve in its portrayal of her story.

Timestamp [27:02] – Deborah Lasley: "The projects and the people who used to run them... could be lurking behind our own reflection."

Ruthie Mae symbolizes not only her personal suffering but also the collective pain experienced by those living in marginalized communities. Her reflection serves as a metaphor for the unresolved injustices that persist today.

Conclusion: A Story of Unresolved Horror

"Candyman: The True Story Behind The Bathroom Mirror Murder" intertwines Ruthie Mae McCoy's real-life tragedy with its cinematic portrayal, offering a deep exploration of systemic issues that continue to resonate. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the podcast sheds light on a case that remains emblematic of broader societal challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Dometi Pongo [00:16]: "48 Hours plus and Wondery plus subscribers can listen to new episodes... Join 48 Hours plus on Apple Podcast or Wondery plus in the Wondery app."
  (Note: Introductory advertisement skipped as per instructions.)

• Lisa Yun Lee [03:35]: "Housing precarity being what it is today, it's like one of the biggest issues facing all of us. This history is incredibly relevant."

• Steve Bagheera [24:40]: "That would have been a white woman that called police like my sister did, you know, they would have gone in her apartment... this whole system we're living in is corrupt."

• Edward Turner [22:50]: "A cold case is a case that occurred where the offender was not caught and the case is still pending, but cold. In this circumstance, we believed we had the right guy."

This episode delves into the complex layers of Ruthie Mae McCoy's murder, examining the failures of the justice system, the impact of concentrated poverty, and the enduring legacy of her story in both historical and cultural contexts. Through personal testimonies and expert insights, it provides a comprehensive understanding of a case that continues to haunt Chicago's public housing narrative.