The 1963 Murder of Carol Thompson w/ William Swanson - A True Crime History Podcast

While the Coen brothers refuse to confirm it, many believe that their movie "Fargo" was inspired by the Carol Thompson murder case. She was viciously killed in her comfortable Saint Paul home by a hitman hired by her eccentric husband, T. Eugene Thompson, in March of 1963, leaving behind four small children. It was an absolutely sensational case, one not only covered extensively by local press, but by national and international press as well.
Longtime journalist William Swanson covers the case with me. His book is called "Dial M: The Murder of Carol Thompson".
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[@keithsurland5856]

One of the best and clearest persons you interviewed

[@sbug2705]

Tragic yet fascinating.
Thanks for the download.

[@Girlytang]

So good to hear your voice, Eric. This was a fascinating case! Excellent presentation as usual!

[@danielpaul8919]

I was (Judge) Hyam Segell’s law clerk until he retired in 1988. He was T. Eugene’s defense lawyer in 1963. I watched the whole video just to hear any references to Judge Segell. T. Eugene’s name came up once or twice in chambers. LOL

[@overwithitall3111]

Wow, first I'm surprised this channel always has good content.

[@Gail1Marie]

My mother followed the case intently. I remember staying with one of our neighbors after school because Mom attended the trial. (I think she was part of a group of several women from her church.) I was told to not tell my dad that she'd done so. She was convinced that Thompson was innocent; my dad was convinced of his guilt, and I can remember them arguing about it. {As a joke, one of her friends mailed her a fake letter with T. Eugene Thompson's return address at Stillwater Prison after he was convicted.) I've read the book "Dial M for Murder" and it's worth the trouble it takes to obtain it. Interesting to hear William Swanson discuss it.

[@jeanoch8125]

I lived in St. Paul I was young but remember my parents talking about this.

[@mtrace850]

I never know how to feel about this. My mother has been friends with T. Eugene since he was in prison and after he got released. He came to family functions and continued being friends with my mom until his death in 2011. I know she believes he was innocent and wrongly convicted. I’ve always know him as moms friend. Interesting case though.

[@juliao1255]

A very good interview, and interesting story, to me. I grew up in the St. Paul area and was only 6 at the time. This was the first I heard of this case! My father was a fixture behind his morning and evening newspapers. I appreciate that my parents kept this kind of story from us. I imagine he folded the paper so we wouldn't see those headlines. Yet another book I will no doubt be reading, thanks to you, Eric ! 😘 Now I'm looking up the other interview you did with this excellent interviewee...

[@evelynrange7764]

Really enjoying your podcasts. Thank you for uploading

[@laurabongard2682]

I remember this case. My mother told us that she used to see him come pick up a woman about one-half block from our house. I saw him pull into a White Castle after he was released from prison years later. He had a woman in the car with him about the same age. Not too long after he entered prison, they reported he got into trouble for trying to take an extra peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I had to laugh at the comment about Thompson's looks. I always thought he was a very homely man - nothing to look at.

[@MostNotorious]

Hello all, and welcome to the Most Notorious Podcast! Just a reminder, most of my episodes are not uploaded to RUclips. Regular episodes are released every week and available at my website www.mostnotorious.com/ and your favorite podcast apps, including:
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[@claudiabogle3079]

I would be interested to know if daughters continued relationship with their Father?

[@maxalberts2003]

I understand that there was significant (and public) conflict among the siblings when their father was released.

[@tilmer-afirst-handcrimeser9906]

The children remained cordial with their father up until his death. Certainly not your typical relationship though.

[@scottgilbert4827]

This has nothing to do with this particular case. but if you want to read excellent book about what the aftermath of a crime can do to a family read RESTLESS SOULS by Alisa Starman with Brie Tate. It's heartbreaking 💔