Murder on the Towpath with Soledad O’Brien: Episode Summary – "Two Women"

Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host/Author: MyCultura and iHeartPodcasts
Hosted by: Soledad O'Brien

Introduction to an Unsolved Mystery

Murder on the Towpath delves into one of America’s most enigmatic unsolved cases: the 1964 murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer. This episode, titled "Two Women," explores the intersecting lives of Mary Meyer and Dovey Johnson Roundtree, highlighting themes of race, class, and justice that echo into today’s socio-political climate.

Mary Pinchot Meyer’s Tragic End

The episode opens with the somber recounting of Mary Meyer’s death:

Soledad O’Brien [02:21]: "Two days after her death, Mary was buried in Washington D.C. it would have been her 44th birthday. A bishop led the service and remembered his friend Mary with fondness... Did the bishop believe this was the act of one man?"

Mary Meyer, a wealthy socialite and art patron, was murdered during her daily walk on the towpath in broad daylight. Her murder shocked the nation, partly due to her connections with influential figures, including President John F. Kennedy. The bishop’s prayer for Mary's killer added layers of complexity and sorrow to the event.

Dovey Johnson Roundtree: A Barrier-Breaking Defender

Enter Dovey Johnson Roundtree, a pioneering African American civil rights lawyer who took on the defense of Ray Crump, the man accused of Mary’s murder. Her involvement was not just a legal battle but a significant stand against racial prejudices of the time.

Soledad O’Brien [07:03]: "Dovey was Velma's minister."

Roundtree's character is vividly portrayed through testimonials from those who knew her:

Patricia Bradford [09:13]: "She never bragged about what she did or who she was... And she really was."

Velma Speight [11:05]: "She was very soft spoken and not one of the kind of people who is always has to be seen or always has a lot to say about something."

The Intersection of Legal and Spiritual Leadership

Dovey Roundtree was not only a formidable attorney but also a respected minister at Allen Chapel Church, part of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first national black church founded by former slave Richard Allen.

Soledad O’Brien [08:22]: "Look, it was classic Dovey. Just because something hadn't been done before didn't mean she wouldn't do it."

Her dual roles allowed her to influence both the legal sphere and her religious community, providing a sanctuary for those facing injustice.

Building Connections: Dovey and Charlene Stevenson

A pivotal moment in the episode is the formation of a deep familial bond between Dovey and Charlene Pritchett Stevenson, Dovey’s daughter. Their relationship highlights Roundtree’s nurturing nature and her desire for family.

Charlene Pritchett Stevenson [13:32]: "It was just something that the Lord ordained... It was a perfect match, and I thank God for that."

Their interactions underscore the personal sacrifices and emotional strength Roundtree exhibited throughout her life.

Legacy and Recognition of Dovey Roundtree

Despite her significant contributions, Dovey Roundtree remained relatively unknown compared to other historical figures like Rosa Parks or Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The episode critically examines why her legacy hasn’t received the widespread recognition it deserves.

Patricia Bradford [21:47]: "For most of history, women have been left out in that history, and especially black women."

Soledad O’Brien [22:10]: "The gatekeepers of history have traditionally been white men... It's almost as if this is the final hurdle for Dovey."

Roundtree’s obituary in The New York Times is highlighted as a posthumous acknowledgment of her impactful life:

Soledad O’Brien [20:35]: "But reading it, I also felt a bit sad. I kept asking myself, how did I not know about this woman?"

Mary Meyer’s Artistic Legacy: A Veiled Chapter

Parallel to Roundtree’s story is the quest to preserve Mary Meyer’s artistic legacy. Despite Mary’s active career as an artist, most of her works remain inaccessible, shrouded in mystery.

Helene Posner [33:03]: "There are certain artists who are anointed or a part of this canon... Mary Meyer is one of those artists."

Curators Helene Posner and Sue Scott discuss their efforts to locate and exhibit Mary’s paintings, facing challenges as many pieces reside in private collections or are unaccounted for.

Helene Posner [34:08]: "It's like, it's this sort of search for truth, like, who does have it, who doesn't have them, if they have it and they don't want to share it, why?"

The Unsolved Puzzle and Continuing Impact

The intertwining narratives of Dovey Roundtree and Mary Meyer present a compelling study of two strong, independent women whose lives and legacies continue to inspire and provoke questions.

Soledad O’Brien [42:32]: "What would you make of what you just read on the plaque?"

The episode posits that while Roundtree successfully defended Ray Crump, Mary Meyer’s murder remains unresolved, leaving a lingering cloud of doubt and conspiracy around her death.

Closing Reflections: Preserving Memories and Legacies

Soledad O’Brien emphasizes the importance of remembering both women beyond their tragic ends:

Soledad O’Brien [36:55]: "I felt a sense of urgency in telling their stories. They're too important to forget."

The episode concludes with a call to honor their memories by sharing their stories, ensuring their contributions to justice, art, and civil rights are not forgotten.

Soledad O’Brien [43:30]: "If we don't tell their stories, their deaths are final."

Conclusion

"Two Women" serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined lives of Mary Pinchot Meyer and Dovey Johnson Roundtree. Through detailed narratives, personal testimonials, and historical context, the episode underscores the enduring significance of their stories in understanding America's complex history of race, justice, and memory.

Notable Quotes:

• Soledad O’Brien [02:21]: "Did the bishop believe this was the act of one man?"
• Patricia Bradford [09:13]: "She never bragged about what she did or who she was... And she really was."
• Charlene Pritchett Stevenson [13:32]: "It was just something that the Lord ordained... It was a perfect match, and I thank God for that."
• Patricia Bradford [21:47]: "For most of history, women have been left out in that history, and especially black women."
• Helene Posner [34:08]: "It's like, it's this sort of search for truth, like, who does have it, who doesn't have them, if they have it and they don't want to share it, why?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the core discussions, insights, and narratives presented in the "Two Women" episode of Murder on the Towpath. It provides an engaging overview for listeners and those unfamiliar with the case, highlighting the profound impact of both Mary Meyer and Dovey Johnson Roundtree.