Lives Intertwined: The Legacy of Murder on Staunton Road, Charleston, WV

Lives Intertwined: The Legacy of Murder on Staunton Road

Lives Intertwined is the story of prominent Charlestonians who beguiled one another before and following the murder of Juliet Staunton Clark in August of 1953. The narrative delves deep into the persona of Mayor John Cpenhaver and that of Chaleston Daily Mail owner Lyell Clay, son of the murdered socialite who dies violently, her body mutilated by a savage assault.

The Cpenhaver-Clay bond is the cornerstone of Charleston’s decade of progress and pain in the fifties. Copenhaver’s axe squad breaks down doors of iniquity, Lyell Clay’s entrepreneurism builds a fortune, his beneficence eventually changing the face of Charleston, Copenhaver is hailed and hated–Clay is toasted and suspected.

A man in uniform is irresistible to Julie Clark, daughter of the murdered Juliet Clark. Julie’s dalliance creates gossip and rumor-what role does the man play in the investigation of Mrs. Clark’s murder? Julie flees Charleston, only to wither in France, eating food meant for horses, leading to a dreadful life.

Julie’s daughter Shelley Alexander grows up in France and weds a dashing French pilot. They move to the United States and Charleston. They build a magnificent home overlooking the city, while creating a European cafe in the heart of the town’s business district. Shelly’s life turns to terror.

A beauty from the coal fields emerges, playing a compelling role in the river city saga. She is said to be a gold-digger, appearing from “out of nowhere”-and lifts her hand for Charleston to kiss.

Fast breaking events create a vortex of suspicion and accusation as charges are made, reputations are damaged, and lives are threatened in a river city in the shadow of a gleaming Capitol dome. The events that begin in 1950 spin wildly through the Gazette and Charleston Daily Mail.

Baghdad on the Kanwha! Read all about it