Episode 150 The Mystery of the Sensational Co-Ed Murder

State Solicitor George Bailes described the murder of Faye New as the most heinous crime ever committed in Jefferson County, Alabama. Faye New's story is shrouded in mystery and sorrow. She was a lively young woman, renowned for her warm smile and compassionate nature. In 1934, tragedy struck when she disappeared after agreeing to accompany a young man for a car ride on a summer evening. Search parties were organized, and the next day, Faye's lifeless body was discovered in a ditch at the edge of a cornfield. For months, local newspapers extensively covered every aspect of this murder mystery. Was it a crime of passion committed by a young man who professed his love for her? Or did the man who offered her a ride bring an end to a promising young life?

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Episode Sources

• Encyclopedia Alabama: Irondale, Alabama
• BhamWiki: Woodlawn
• Findagrave: Faye News
• Findagrave: Ashley Cain
• Findagrave: Dorsie New
• Findagrave: Lonnie New
• The Birmingham News: Woodlawn High Senior Faye New. February 9, 1930
• The Birmingham Post-Herald: Co Ed Missing; 2 Men Quizzed. August 22, 1934. 
• The Birmingham News: Girl Found Dead. August 22, 1934.
• The Birmingham Age-Herald: Taylor is Jailed in Co-ed Death. August 23, 1934
• The Birmingham News: Police, Solicitor, Increase Activity in Taylor’s Case. August 25, 1934.
• The Birmingham News: Special Jury Probes Murder of Faye New. August 27, 1934.
• The Birmingham Post-Herald: Co Ed Death Jury Indicts Taylor. August 28, 1934.
• The Birmingham News: 34 to be Called in Taylor Trial. August 28, 1934.
• The Birmingham News: Jury is selected with hearing of witnesses next. September 4, 1934
• The Birmingham News: Cain is calm as lawyer charges him with killing. September 6, 1934
• The Birmingham News: Harold Taylor Gives His Version of Fatal Ride with Faye New. September 7, 1934.