Gone South: S4|E28 - Finding Felix Vale | Part 1

Introduction

In the twenty-eighth episode of Season 4 of Gone South, host Jed Lipinski delves into the chilling case of Felix Vale, a man with a dark and mysterious past suspected of being a serial killer. This episode, released on April 30, 2025, intricately weaves together personal testimonies, investigative journalism, and historical context to uncover the unsettling truth behind Vale's actions and the impact on those around him.

Meet the Investigator: Jerry Mitchell

Jed Lipinski introduces Jerry Mitchell, an esteemed investigative reporter from Mississippi Today. With a career spanning over three decades at the Clarion Ledger, Mitchell has gained national recognition for reopening cold cases from the civil rights era, including the murder of NAACP leader Medgar Evers in 1963 and the Birmingham church bombing that killed four young girls. His relentless pursuit of justice earned him respect and numerous cases from across the country, although his primary focus remained within Mississippi.

The Call That Started It All (03:45)

In the spring of 2012, Jerry Mitchell receives a call that would redirect his career into the realm of serial crime stories. Mary Rose, a desperate mother, contacts him with information about Felix Vale, a man with a sinister history and a suspected serial killer living on his family's property in Mississippi.

Background on Felix Vale (04:08 - 04:57)

Felix Vale's troubling history dates back to 1962 when his first wife mysteriously drowned in the Calcasieu River, Louisiana. The initial investigation ruled it an accidental drowning, despite evidence of bruises on her head and a scarf lodged four inches down her throat—a detail that piqued Jerry’s suspicion (04:23). Eleven years later, Felix's girlfriend disappears, followed by the mysterious vanishing of his daughter Annette during a road trip in 1984. Unlike his first wife, both Annette and his second girlfriend were never found, raising further red flags about Vale's possible involvement in multiple disappearances.

Mary Rose's Personal Tragedy (09:12 - 17:24)

Mary Rose recounts her relationship with her daughter Annette and how Felix Vale entered their lives. Annette, a mature and independent 17-year-old, married Felix despite their significant age difference. Their relationship quickly deteriorated, with Felix exhibiting controlling and abusive behavior. Annette's subsequent disappearance during a cross-country trip leaves Mary Rose devastated. Despite filing a missing person report, the Tulsa Police Department dismisses her concerns, siding with Felix's calm and persuasive demeanor (17:14).

A Desperate Search (19:42 - 21:26)

Undeterred by the lack of support from law enforcement, Mary Rose embarks on her own investigation. She discovers inconsistencies in Felix’s stories and uncovers troubling evidence, such as Annette’s passport and clothing left in their old house (19:52). Her relentless pursuit leads her to confront Felix directly, only to face more evasive and manipulative tactics from him, including baseless accusations against her as a mother (19:27).

Uncovering a Pattern (24:13 - 29:17)

Mary Rose’s investigation takes a significant turn when she connects with Felix’s sister in Sulphur, Louisiana. Through this connection, she learns about Sharon Hensley, another woman who disappeared under similar mysterious circumstances linked to Felix Vale in the mid-1970s. Felix’s first wife’s suspicious death and the life insurance policies he took out raise further suspicions about his involvement in multiple disappearances (25:15).

Recognition of a Serial Killer (29:17 - 31:24)

After years of searching and grappling with personal grief and guilt, Mary Rose discovers Jerry Mitchell's work on the Mississippi burning case. Realizing the potential of collaborating with Mitchell, she reaches out to him with a compelling case that spans decades and multiple states. Jerry Mitchell, recognizing the pattern, agrees to assist Mary Rose in her quest to bring Felix Vale to justice (29:17).

Conclusion and Tease for Part 2 (32:13 - 32:32)

The episode concludes with Mary Rose successfully connecting with Jerry Mitchell, setting the stage for a collaborative investigation. Mitchell acknowledges the challenges in proving Felix Vale's guilt without physical evidence but is determined to pursue the truth. The episode ends on a suspenseful note, promising deeper exploration into Vale’s crimes and the relentless pursuit of justice in the upcoming installment.

Notable Quotes

• Mary Rose (09:12): “She was extremely wise for her age. She had so much integrity. She was very well liked. My friends all adored her. She was so mature, you know, my friends became her friends.”

• Jerry Mitchell (03:45): “I got a telephone call from this woman who said, would you be interested in writing about a serial killer living in Mississippi? And I said, yes, absolutely.”

• Mary Rose (15:51): “They gave me two grand and they said, take it or leave it. It was always words out of her mouth, but I could tell it came from him. So when they moved in, they moved all my stuff out. They got rid of my cat and she wouldn't even let me come back into the cottage. And she said to me, mom, if I leave Felix again, I'm either going to give him this house or a big chunk of my money. I was under so much duress, I was almost suicidal. And I said, honey, it's yours now to do whatever you want to with. And I and I left. It was just so painful.”

• Jerry Mitchell (32:25): “Very difficult to prove because it's very easy for defense lawyer to get up and say, well, they weren't really killed. We don't have a body. We can't prove this.”

Conclusion

This first part of "Finding Felix Vale" masterfully sets up a complex narrative of disappearance, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through Mary Rose's personal tragedy and Jerry Mitchell's investigative prowess, listeners are drawn into a gripping true crime story that highlights the profound impact of unresolved cases on families and communities. As the investigation unfolds, the episode promises deeper insights and revelations in the next installment.

Stay Tuned

Gone South continues to unravel the dark tapestry surrounding Felix Vale, promising further revelations and the quest for truth in the next part of this compelling series.