Murder: True Crime Stories - UNSOLVED: The Murder of JFK's Lover (Part 1)

Episode Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Carter Roy
Podcast: Murder: True Crime Stories by Crime House

Introduction to Mary Pinchot Meyer

Carter Roy opens the episode by painting a vivid picture of Mary Pinchot Meyer's life, emphasizing her resilience in the face of personal trauma. He states, "Sometimes you have to go through some serious trauma to find yourself. And no one knew that better than Mary Pinchot Meyer" (00:06). Mary’s journey from heartbreak to reinvention sets the stage for the intricate narrative that intertwines with one of America's most infamous political figures.

Early Life and Family Heritage

Mary Pinchot Meyer was born into the affluent Pinchot family, whose patriarch, James Pinchot, built a wallpaper empire in the late 1800s. By the time of Mary’s birth in 1920, the family had amassed considerable wealth through their ventures in the logging industry. Mary grew up surrounded by luxury, with winters spent in a Park Avenue apartment and summers at Gray Towers, the family's expansive Pennsylvania estate.

Mary's parents, Amos and Ruth Pinchot, were notable figures in their own right. Amos, a lawyer, played a pivotal role in founding the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), demonstrating the family's commitment to civic responsibility. Ruth, a trailblazing journalist for publications like The Nation and The New Republic, broke societal norms by maintaining a career during an era when few women did so. Carter Roy highlights, "Amos and Ruth encouraged their children to follow suit and become independent free thinkers, which meant getting them the best education money could buy" ([Timestamp Needed]).

Education and Personal Struggles

Mary attended the progressive Brearley School, which emphasized preparing young women for meaningful careers rather than traditional societal roles. Excelling academically and socially, Mary seemed poised for a bright future. However, tragedy struck in 1938 when her older sister, Rosamund, died by suicide. This event deeply affected Mary and her family, plunging her father into a depression. In 1942, Amos attempted suicide, further straining the family's emotional well-being. Mary, grappling with these losses, kept her pain hidden, a testament to her inner strength and resilience.

Career as a Journalist

Graduating from Vassar Women's College in the spring of 1942, Mary pursued journalism, following in her mother's footsteps. She became known for her defiant and fearless writing, tackling controversial subjects like sexually transmitted infections and sex education long before these became mainstream topics. Colleagues described Mary as "a serious thinker," reflecting her deep concern for geopolitics and societal issues ([Timestamp Needed]).

Marriage to Cord Meyer

In 1944, Mary met Cord Meyer, a Marine lieutenant recovering from war injuries. Their shared ideals and passion for peace led to a swift courtship, culminating in Cord proposing over the phone shortly before attending the first United Nations conference in San Francisco. Carter Roy recounts, "Cord proposed to Mary then and there over the phone, and she said yes" ([Timestamp Needed]). Their marriage in April 1945 marked the beginning of a partnership that would navigate both personal and political upheavals.

Involvement with the CIA

Cord's career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1951, thanks to his connections and dedication to combating communism. His role within the CIA, particularly in the clandestine "Dirty Tricks" department, placed immense strain on their marriage. Cord's increasing paranoia and aggressive behavior alienated Mary, leading her to seek solace in art and distance herself from her husband's tumultuous career.

Mary supported Cord through accusations of being a double agent in 1953, believing it to be a misunderstanding. However, the ordeal left Cord deeply traumatized and more paranoid than ever. Carter Roy notes, "After everything he'd worked for, being accused of something like this was humiliating" ([Timestamp Needed]). This period marked the beginning of the end for their marriage, especially after the tragic death of their son Michael in 1956.

Divorce and New Beginnings

The untimely death of Michael, their nine-year-old son, in December 1956 proved to be the breaking point for Mary and Cord. Grieving and no longer willing to endure Cord's neglect and obsession with his work, Mary secured a divorce in 1958. This newfound freedom allowed her to move into her own townhouse in Georgetown, Washington D.C., and immerse herself in her passion for art. She studied under renowned abstract painter Ken Noland and began to rebuild her life, forging new friendships and expanding her social circle within Washington's elite art community.

Connections with John F. Kennedy

Through mutual friends like Ben Bradley, a Washington Post reporter, Mary reconnected with John F. Kennedy, a young and rising political star. Their interactions were characterized by a unique chemistry and mutual respect. Carter Roy emphasizes, "Mary and John didn't have much time to catch up... their friendship extended all the way to the White House" ([Timestamp Needed]). By January 20, 1961, with JFK's inauguration as President, Mary's proximity to power deepened, setting the stage for a relationship that would intertwine personal desires with national politics.

Embracing the Counterculture

Following JFK's assassination in November 1963, Mary continued to evolve personally, embracing the counterculture movement of the 1960s. She explored psychedelics, befriended prominent figures like Timothy Leary, and adopted a more carefree and adventurous lifestyle. This period of transformation highlighted her relentless pursuit of self-discovery and reinvention, despite the shadows of her past.

Conclusion and Tease for Part 2

As the episode concludes, Carter Roy hints at the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mary Pinchot Meyer's death in October 1964. He leaves listeners on the edge of their seats, promising a deeper dive into the complexities and unanswered questions surrounding her murder in the forthcoming second part of the series.

Notable Quotes:

• "Sometimes you have to go through some serious trauma to find yourself. And no one knew that better than Mary Pinchot Meyer." — Carter Roy (00:06)

• "Mary was one of those ladies. But after a toxic marriage and the death of her son left Mary heartbroken, she picked up the pieces and moved on." — Carter Roy (00:06)

• "Mary saw John at least 30 times during this period." — James Truitt ([Timestamp Needed])

Timestamp References:

• 00:06: Introduction by Carter Roy.
• Timestamp Needed: Specific timestamps for certain quotes were not provided in the transcript excerpt.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where Carter Roy delves into the mysterious investigation surrounding Mary Pinchot Meyer's untimely death, exploring theories that link her murder to high-level government conspiracies.