Gone South: S4|E29 - "Catching Felix Vail | Part 2"

Released: May 7, 2025 | Host: Jed Lipinski

Introduction

In the gripping second part of the "Catching Felix Vail" series, Gone South delves deeper into the enigmatic and sinister life of Felix Vail, a man suspected of multiple disappearances and murders in the Southern United States. Host Jed Lipinski, alongside key figures like Mary Rose and Bill Vail, unravels the complex web surrounding Felix’s actions, the relentless pursuit of justice by his family, and the investigative efforts spearheaded by journalist Jerry Mitchell.

Felix Vail: A Charismatic Enigma

Felix Vail emerged in the early 1980s as a charismatic figure, charming many women with his "preacher-like" demeanor and apparent wisdom. According to Bill Vail (Felix’s son), Felix believed himself "really above other people," showcasing traits of narcissism and emotional detachment. This facade of charm masked a darker reality, as Felix's interactions often led to tragic outcomes for those close to him.

“He always considered himself, I think, just really above other people. Very kind of narcissistic, I think, really for sure.”
— Bill Vail [05:43]

Mary Rose Vail's Quest for Truth

Mary Rose, the mother of Annette Craver Vail—Felix’s second wife—and the mother-in-law of Bill Vail, became the cornerstone of the investigation against Felix. After Annette’s mysterious disappearance in 1984, Felix claimed she had left him for Mexico. Unconvinced by this explanation, Mary Rose filed a missing persons report and spent years seeking answers about her daughter’s fate.

Mary Rose's determination was unwavering, even as years passed without significant progress. Her commitment caught the attention of Jerry Mitchell, a renowned investigative reporter, leading to a pivotal collaboration that would reignite the investigation into Felix Vail's past.

“I didn't believe him, so I filed a missing persons report.”
— Bill Vail [02:34]

The Mysterious Disappearances

Felix Vail's history is marred by a series of suspicious disappearances and deaths:

1. Mary Horton Vail (Felix’s First Wife):
   Mary Horton, a former homecoming queen, drowned under circumstances initially deemed accidental. However, Jerry Mitchell uncovered an autopsy report indicating bruises on her head and a scarf lodged in her throat, suggesting foul play.
   “It sounded more like a homicide.”
   — Jerry Mitchell [03:55]

2. Sharon Hensley:
   Sharon, Felix's girlfriend, allegedly died after Felix strangled her during a drunken argument. Her brother corroborated the incident, adding credibility to Bill’s claims.
   “Felix Vale came in and started strangling her. And she screamed.”
   — Sharon’s Ex-Wife [31:04]

3. Annette Craver Vail:
   Annette’s disappearance remains unresolved, with suspicions that Felix orchestrated her vanishing to conceal his escalating pattern of violence.

Bill Vail’s Turbulent Childhood

Bill Vail’s upbringing was fraught with instability and trauma. At just eight years old, he overheard Felix confess to murdering his mother, Mary Horton Vail. This revelation not only shattered his perception of his father but also planted seeds of fear and mistrust that would linger throughout his life.

“No, you don't understand, I really did kill her. And from that point on, I don't remember what else they said.”
— Mary Rose [16:37]

Bill's childhood was further complicated by Felix's erratic behavior, substance abuse, and manipulative tendencies, which included exposing Bill to drugs like marijuana and LSD. Despite these challenges, Bill eventually built a stable life, excelling academically and professionally as a mechanical engineer, and raising his own family.

Jerry Mitchell: The Relentless Investigator

Jerry Mitchell's involvement was a turning point in the investigation. After hearing Mary Rose’s heartfelt plea on the radio, Jerry was compelled to delve into Felix Vail’s past. Despite numerous obstacles, including missing records and Felix’s evasive behavior, Jerry meticulously pieced together the puzzle of Felix’s life.

“I really believed that if he was acquitted and I was returned to my father that he would kill me.”
— Mary Rose [19:43]

Mitchell's dedication culminated in a comprehensive article titled "gone," published in The Clarion Ledger in November 2012. This exposé not only shed light on Felix’s questionable activities but also ignited public interest, leading to a flood of tips and new information about Felix’s whereabouts and possible additional crimes.

The Legal Hurdles and the Quest for Justice

Despite mounting evidence and public sentiment, prosecuting Felix Vail posed significant challenges:

• Lack of Physical Evidence:
  With the bodies of several victims never found, proving homicide beyond reasonable doubt was difficult. Jerry highlighted, “Prosecutors typically call those no body cases, but they're very difficult to prove.” [28:31]

• Cold Case Complications:
  Felix's crimes spanned decades, with the original investigations lacking thoroughness. Missing records and outdated forensic methods further hampered efforts to secure a conviction.

• Felix’s Evasive Tactics:
  Felix's ability to disappear and avoid contact with law enforcement made it nearly impossible to gather actionable evidence.

Public Response and Ongoing Investigations

The publication of Jerry Mitchell’s article sparked a wave of public engagement. Tips poured in from individuals who had encountered Felix, including a startling account from a woman who had been assaulted by him in Texas. This influx of information reinforced suspicions of Felix’s involvement in multiple unsolved cases.

“Where did he go? I don't know.”
— Bill Vail [32:43]

Despite these developments, Felix Vail remained elusive. Efforts to locate him intensified, but his ability to vanish without a trace continued to frustrate investigators and those seeking closure for the victims’ families.

Current Status and Reflections

As of the episode’s release, Felix Vail remains at large, his true whereabouts unknown. Mary Rose continues her pursuit of justice, maintaining a delicate balance between her hope for Felix’s redemption and the necessity of protecting her family from further harm.

“I guess I'm in a prayer relationship for him, hoping that God will open his eyes and help him to see the truth.”
— Mary Rose [25:51]

Bill Vail reflects on the enduring impact of his father’s actions, emphasizing the emotional scars and the ongoing struggle to reconcile his past with his present.

Conclusion

In "Catching Felix Vail | Part 2," Gone South masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative journalism, painting a comprehensive picture of a man whose charm hid a potentially lethal nature. Through the unwavering determination of Mary Rose and the incisive reporting of Jerry Mitchell, the podcast not only seeks to uncover the truth behind the disappearances but also explores the profound effects of crime on familial bonds and human nature.

Notable Quotes:

• “He was raised as a Christian, and he has elements of the truth in him, but at the same time, he's got this other stuff, and I can't reconcile those two things.”
  — Mary Rose [25:51]

• “The problem with Bill's podcast from an evidentiary standpoint is the fact that none of what he's saying is admissible in court.”
  — Bill Vail [27:42]

• “We had nothing when nothing. So what do you do with a case that's 50 years old and you have no investigation, nothing in the sheriff's files?”
  — Jerry Mitchell [29:19]

For More Information:

If you have information, story tips, or feedback regarding Felix Vail or other cases discussed in Gone South, please contact the team at gonesouthpodcastmail.com. Follow Gone South on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram at @gonesouthpodcast, and subscribe to the newsletter on Substack for bonus content.

Gone South with Jed Lipinski is an Audacy original podcast, exploring Southern crimes with depth and nuance.