The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told: "The Real Scarlet Letter"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told
• Host: Mary Kay McBrayer
• Episode: The Real Scarlet Letter
• Release Date: July 22, 2025
• Description: An anthology of the most layered and engrossing true crime stories, focusing on female killers, cops, scientists, lawyers, scammers, activists, and more. Hosted by true crime writer Mary Kay McBrayer, the series explores stories at the intersection of society, justice, and the human psyche.

1. Introduction to Sarah Cornell’s Case

Mary Kay McBrayer opens the episode by recounting the discovery of Sarah Cornell’s body on December 21, 1832, in Fall River, Massachusetts. [02:32] Sarah was found hanging from a haystack, dressed and appearing at peace despite the grim scene. Mary sets the stage for exploring whether Sarah’s death was a suicide or a murder, drawing parallels to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s fictional character Hester Prynne from "The Scarlet Letter."

2. Initial Discovery and Investigation

Upon finding Sarah’s body, John Durfee, a justice of the peace and farmer, immediately recognized her and became a key witness. [05:45] Dr. Thomas Wilbur, Sarah’s physician, initially suspected suicide, noting her mental distress and pregnancy. The coroner’s jury, composed of local men without medical expertise, concurred with the suicide verdict [16:22], influenced by societal norms and the desire to preserve reputations.

3. Uncovering Key Evidence

As the respected village matrons prepared Sarah’s body for burial, they discovered troubling evidence that contradicted the initial suicide theory:

• Bruises and Scratches: Indications of a struggle (e.g., "bad bruises on her back and knees scratched with grass") [05:45].
• Violent Indicators: Blood and fecal matter in her undergarments suggested possible sexual assault [05:45].
• Suspicious Clothing: The hanging cord was embedded deeply in her neck, and her shoes were neatly placed aside, conflicting with typical suicide behavior [20:18].

4. The Mysterious Note and Letters

John Durfee found a crucial piece of evidence—a four-inch soiled note signed “SMC” directing inquiry to Reverend Ephraim Avery [29:21]. Additionally, letters revealed Sarah’s desire to separate from the Methodist community and hints at tumultuous interactions with Reverend Avery [20:18].

5. Suspect Identification: Reverend Ephraim Avery

Dr. Wilbur suspected that Ephraim Avery, a married Methodist minister, was involved in Sarah’s death. Sarah had confided in him about being raped by Avery, linking her pregnancy directly to him [31:24]. Despite mounting evidence, Ephraim Avery was acquitted due to the coroner’s jury’s reliance on the initial suicide verdict [58:41].

6. The Trial and Its Aftermath

Ephraim Avery’s trial highlighted the limitations of the 19th-century justice system, where societal pressures and lack of forensic expertise often led to flawed verdicts. The jury, influenced by societal norms and insufficient evidence, acquitted Avery despite credible suspicions [62:31].

7. Literary Connections: "The Scarlet Letter"

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Scarlet Letter" drew inspiration from Sarah Cornell’s case. However, while Hester Prynne faces ostracization for her child out of wedlock without the violence of murder, Sarah’s story is far darker and more disturbing [62:31]. Mary Kay McBrayer explores how Hawthorne sanitized the brutal reality of Sarah’s fate to craft a compelling literary character.

8. Interview with Kate Winkler Dawson

In an insightful interview, author Kate Winkler Dawson delves deeper into the case, discussing her research process and the complexities of interpreting historical evidence [50:21]. Key points from the interview include:

• Research Challenges: Dawson emphasizes the importance of primary sources, such as trial transcripts and firsthand accounts, while acknowledging the biases present in secondary sources like Catherine Williams’s book [50:38].
• Bias and Objectivity: Dawson critiques Williams’s portrayal of Ephraim Avery, noting her desire to frame him as guilty despite conflicting evidence [54:44].
• Modern Forensic Insights: Contemporary forensic experts support the theory of murder over suicide, reinforcing the suspicions raised by the matrons’ findings [54:12].

9. Conclusion: Revisiting the Verdict

Mary Kay McBrayer concludes by reflecting on the enduring relevance of Sarah Cornell’s story. The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by women, both in the 19th century and today, highlighting systemic issues in justice and societal support [66:35]. The episode emphasizes the importance of re-examining historical cases with modern perspectives to seek justice and understanding.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Kay McBrayer [20:18]: "When the matrons did that, with Sarah Cornell preparing her for a quick burial the next day, there's no embalming involved in the early 1800s. So this had to be pretty quick, which was a challenge, I'm sure."

• Kate Winkler Dawson [54:44]: "Katherine was so sure. And I teach a true crime podcast class and, you know, I always talk to them about the intent. Don't just listen to what the story is. Why am I telling the story in this way?"

• Mary Kay McBrayer [66:35]: "The reason that people kill, the reason that people are victims is no different in 1832 than it is now. It's the same people."

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Injustice: Sarah Cornell’s case exemplifies how societal norms and lack of forensic knowledge can lead to miscarriages of justice.
• Literary Influence: The true crime elements of Sarah’s story influenced a major literary work, highlighting the interplay between real events and fiction.
• Ongoing Relevance: The episode draws parallels between historical and contemporary issues, emphasizing the timeless nature of certain societal challenges.
• Critical Analysis: Through expert interviews, the podcast showcases the importance of scrutinizing historical narratives to uncover hidden truths.

Final Thoughts: "The Real Scarlet Letter" masterfully intertwines history, literature, and true crime to shed light on a forgotten yet significant case. Mary Kay McBrayer’s meticulous storytelling, combined with Kate Winkler Dawson’s scholarly insights, offers listeners a compelling exploration of justice, societal expectations, and the enduring quest for truth.