Small Town Murder Podcast Summary: Episode #565 - "The Fugitive Temptress - Princeton, West Virginia"

Introduction

In Episode #565 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the intricate and darkly comedic tale of Mary Naomi Cloud, a woman whose actions transformed her from a respected community member into a notorious fugitive. Set against the backdrop of rural Princeton, West Virginia, this episode unravels a story of betrayal, conspiracy, and evasion that left an indelible mark on the small town.

Background

Princeton, West Virginia, once a thriving coal mining and transportation hub, faced economic decline as coal reserves dwindled and railroads became obsolete. By 2006, significant landmarks like the Virginia Railroad's Princeton passenger station were demolished, sparking discontent among residents. The town grappled with social issues, including an opioid epidemic and high unemployment, painting a grim picture of a community in decline.

The Key Players

• Mary Naomi Cloud: Born in 1943, Naomi was a prominent businesswoman in Princeton, owning a beauty parlor and operating the Merle Norman cosmetics franchise. She was deeply involved in social events and held a position of local influence as a civic leader.

• David B. (DB) Cloud: Naomi's wealthy and elderly husband, born in 1926. Their marriage appeared stable and prosperous, making Naomi's secret affair all the more shocking.

• John Elmer Corporue Jr.: Born in 1932, Corporue was Naomi's secretary at a frozen food business. Described as balding, middle-aged, and diabetic, Corporue maintained an ongoing sexual relationship with Naomi despite his limitations.

• George Ballard Guthrie II: Born in 1951, Guthrie was characterized as a chronic misfit and drug addict from Roanoke, Virginia. Hired by Corporue to execute the murder plot.

The Affair and Conspiracy

Naomi met Corporue in 1972, igniting a clandestine affair that lasted for years. Despite Naomi's subsequent marriage to DB Cloud, she continued her relationship with Corporue, providing him with financial support ranging from driveway paving to purchasing a boat. This dual life culminated in a dark plot to eliminate her husband for financial gain.

Planning the Murder

In late 1979, Naomi and Corporue conspired to murder DB Cloud. The initial plan involved:

1. Disabling Security: Guthrie was tasked with unscrewing floodlights to create darkness, ensuring the murder would not be witnessed.

2. Executing the Hit: On the night of January 26, 1980, DB Cloud returned home late, unaware of the plot unfolding in his backyard. As he approached the house, a masked Guthrie demanded money but, under the influence of alcohol, shot DB Cloud at point-blank range, resulting in fatal injuries.

The Murder and Immediate Aftermath

At approximately [39:21], the confrontation unfolded:

• Incident Details: DB Cloud was shot in his backyard by Guthrie, who then fled the scene. Notably, Guthrie did not seize any money, adding to the mystery surrounding the motive.

• Naomi's Response: Traumatized yet composed, Naomi called 911 despite witnessing the gruesome aftermath, including scattered brain matter from the shotgun blast.

Investigation and Suspicion

The investigation revealed:

• Unusual Circumstances: The lack of theft and the survival of Naomi raised suspicions. Witnesses reported seeing unfamiliar men cruising the neighborhood multiple times, suggesting premeditation.

• Financial Motive: Naomi stood to gain significantly from DB's death, including insurance money exceeding $90,000 and control over shared properties.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

• George Guthrie's Arrest: Initially arrested in Virginia, Guthrie confessed to his role in the murder. However, his confession was later suppressed due to procedural violations, specifically the delay in presenting him to a magistrate.

• John Elmer Corporue Jr.'s Involvement: Corporue was implicated as the mastermind, utilizing his authority to hire Guthrie for the crime. Facing mounting evidence, Corporue took a plea deal, admitting culpability in exchange for a reduced sentence of one to five years, from which he was released after eight months.

Naomi's Flight and Fugitive Status

Following the arrests, Naomi swiftly liquidated her assets:

• Property Seizure Attempt: Using her business properties as collateral for bail, Naomi managed to sell the associated buildings, evading immediate capture.

• Evasion: Naomi relocated to Huntington, West Virginia, and continued her business endeavors, effectively disappearing from the radar until 1988.

Attempted Capture in 1988

Years later, authorities received a tip leading them to Kennewick, Washington:

• Arrest Attempt: In April 1988, Naomi was located and apprehended without resistance, surprisingly calm and unharassed during the ordeal. Accompanied by her boyfriend, Bernie Stanley, she was brought back to West Virginia to face trial.

• Plea Agreement: Facing strong evidence, Naomi accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to second-degree murder and receiving a sentence of five to eighteen years—a stark contrast to the severe charges she initially faced.

Ongoing Mystery and Legacy

Despite legal actions, Naomi Cloud remains a figure shrouded in mystery:

• Missing Status: As of 1989, Naomi had not served her sentence, leading to widespread speculation about her whereabouts and true fate.

• Impact on Princeton: The case left lingering distrust and highlighted the vulnerabilities within small-town dynamics, illustrating how personal relationships and greed can culminate in tragic outcomes.

Notable Quotes

• James Pietragallo at [44:03]:
  "They think she's Billy the Kid now. That's fucking wild."

• Jimmy Whisman at [81:49]:
  "She's a figment of our imagination. There she goes. Just a damn hero in this town."

• James Pietragallo at [109:56]:
  "She wasn't even hiding. She was selling things to people."

Conclusion

"The Fugitive Temptress" episode of Small Town Murder masterfully blends meticulous research with the hosts' comedic flair to shed light on a convoluted murder case in Princeton, West Virginia. Through engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, James and Jimmie unravel the layers of deceit, love, and desperation that defined Mary Naomi Cloud's journey from respected businesswoman to elusive fugitive. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities lurking beneath small-town façades and the far-reaching consequences of personal choices.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast's transcript provided and are approximate.