The church appears to hold services and community events at local places of worship around the Ozark area. She started asking people in town what they knew about Tracey and the investigation. On Tuesday, media reports continued to reflect the challenge of finding an impartial jury let alone enough people to empanel a full jury from such a small jury pool. They found the name "Beasley" spray-painted in big letters. When her grandmother died in 2015, Carolyn returned to Ozark to bury her next to her mother. Pinocchio was the first winner of the night, presented They spent time on the bridge where police believed Carl threw Tracey into the river. At the time of the murders he was 26 and living on Lisenby Drive in Ozark, about 1 mile away from where the bodies of J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett were found in 1999. In other similar investigations, police obtained an item with DNA on it discarded in public by the person of interest and then confirmed it was a match to the DNA from the crime scene. McCraney faces multiple counts of capital murder in the deaths of Beasley and Hawlett, including one capital murder charge for the rape of Beasley. Dawn says she told Jeff they needed to go to the police, but he insisted they keep quiet. Jordan Davis: The one in particular that we found that they hadn't talked to in 2016 was this Dawn Hulbert now Beasley. Carolyn Aznavour: Carl has not come forward and actually been truthful to me about the abuse. They learned that while Tracey might have enjoyed spending time by the river, she would never have gone in the river. In 1999, two teenage girls, J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett were found dead with a single shot to the head in their vehicle. Maureen Maher: There are a lot of people who are going to say, maybe she should be charged with something. McCraney was identified as a suspect 20 years after the killings when DNA from the crime scene was submitted for genetic genealogy testing similar to how California law enforcement identified the Golden State killer in 2018. Dawn Beasley: Tracey and I were a lot alike. Carolyn Aznavour: And there was one lady. Carl Harris's trial was put on hold. "Everybody thought I killed her. But police and prosecutors did not believe it was an accident, and Jeff Beasley was charged with the murder of Tracey Harris. Ozark might have been the county seat, but it didn't take off until Fort Rucker was established in 1941. Jeff Beasley had not only agreed to talk to investigators, but also, to take a lie detector test: INVESTIGATOR: Are you the person that caused the death of Tracey Harris that night? Although they were divorced, Tracey, 22, and Carl, 25, had continued living together in Ozark, Alabama. Dwellics analytics team assigned the score 76.8 to Ozark, Alabama (with 100 being the best). But Now, sitting here I think that maybe he hit on her, maybe she rebuffed his advances, maybe she said, "I'm going to tell her." Dawn, who had moved away from Ozark and was now divorced, says she didn't even know there was an arrest for the murder of her friend Tracey, until that call. They were childhood friends, spending a lot of time together at church. Carolyn Aznavour: I was four years old when my mom was murdered I was 4 or 5, I would cry nonstop if I would get in trouble and say, "I want my mom, I want my mom.". or redistributed. As it turned out, their No. Support her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com. He's going to deny it. all the ones that they could find, they got back in touch with. It is a trial that was supposed to take place in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn't. So, Monday was his first day where he met the jury for the first time. Ganador a Mejor actor en una pelcula para televisin o miniserie en los SAG Awards 2023 Kirke Adams: There were not any clues at home It didn't appear that anybody had taken her by force. 2618 US Hwy 231 N. Ozark, AL 36360. The area around the river was a place Tracey and her friends would get together. Carole Roberts, Hawletts mother, told the news site the girls had stopped at a convenience store in Ozark and could not understand the directions home. Jury selection in the State of Alabama vs. Coley Lewis McCraney began on Monday. Kirke Adams: There's a lot of graffiti under this bridge -- a lot of names as well. Dawn Beasley: Sure I've gone back, Maureen, and questioned that decision over and over and over and over and over again. In 2019, as the 20th anniversary of the murders approached, the Ozark Police Department decided to re-open the case and try a new approach to solve it. And I signed it. But then in the back of my mind, I'm like, was it really him? / CBS News, [This story first aired on January 24, 2021.It was updated on August 21.]. Maureen Maher: What did people tell you about him? An. Coley McCraney is accused in the 1999 cold case rape and murder of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett in Alabama. David Harrison is Carl's defense attorney. Maureen Maher: Did you feel badly at all that he was under such scrutiny and suspicion? Mailing Address: P.O. David Harrison: There's absolutely no evidence at all that connects Carl Harris to this murder, none whatsoever. And every word of my statement was true. You go to sleep crying. 1 In 1988, Tullie Culverhouse was murdered by a then unknown assailant. You have permission to edit this article. "So, all those people were lying?" Fannie Mae's is a restaurant located in Ozark, Alabama at 192 West Reynolds Street. This is a murder trial. But the cost was going to be so high. NewsBreak provides latest and breaking Ozark, AL local news, weather forecast, crime and safety reports, traffic updates, event notices, sports, entertainment, local life and other items of interest in the community and nearby towns. DA KIRKE ADAMS [to reporters]: - I have dismissed the murder case against Carl Harris. Engineer Richard Hawes, his wife, and two children were brutally murdered in an event that baffled people for years. EX-GIRLFRIEND: I just couldn't believe that she was dead. Cole McCraney was sued in a paternity case in September 1998 and was ordered to submit his DNA by a judge on July 30, 1999, just a day before the killings, according to court documents obtained by the Dothan Eagle. On August 19th, 2021, Carl Harris filed his lawsuit against the City of Ozark. 24 Hour Phone: (334) 774-2335. we were very confident that we would be able to get a conviction in this case. I do think about that all the time. Mug shot for Coley McCraney, 45. (334) 445-0156. '", Assistant D.A. Jeff Beasley confesses to the 1990 murder of Tracey Harris. Several years after Tracey's murder, he had left Ozark, feeling like the cloud of suspicion had destroyed his life. He is being held at the Dale County jail without bond, according to his jail records. Maureen Maher: What did you see going on between Carl and Tracey? Investigators identified Coley McCraney, of Dothan, Alabama, in the murders of J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett as the case closed in on two decades without being solved, Ozark Police Chief Marlos Walker told ABC News. EX-GIRLFRIEND: I just remember thinking that, you know, people were talking and it even took me being questioned to even think that maybe he could have done it. On the eve of Carl Harris trial, Dale County prosecutor Jordon Davis discovered that investigators had accused the wrong man. 1 suspect had not changed. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim. McCraney does not appear to have a criminal record in Alabama that would have required him to submit his DNA into a national database. Some days you go to work, get home and tears start. Still, Carolyn wondered about her mother wanting to know what really happened. Dawn Beasley: One time (we were sitting at the table and) she told Carl, hey, listen, I'm going to need some money for the water bill. Pike Road head football coach resigns after 1 season, Alabama, 4 other states prevail in suit to block Equal Rights Amendment certification, Youth mental health is a growing concern in Alabama. Hawlett's mother, Carol Roberts, said in 2007 that the girls called her from a gas station, telling her they were on their way home, according to the local station. Carl Harris was out on bail, having spent two-and-a-half weeks in jail after his arrest. She was so modest. Dawn Beasley: I was very unhappy. Updated: Mar 24, 2022 / 01:03 PM CDT. It is not known if he has hired an attorney who could speak on his behalf. It took Jordan several calls to wrong phone numbers to find Dawn Beasley. - October 16, 2018 (Police) abused the process, they slandered him, and they committed negligence, Harrison told News 4. David Harrison: In 2016 in this area there were unsolved murders. Police accused Carl Harris of killing. Carolyn Aznavour: Yeah, I've always wanted to ask questions, but the way that everybody portrayed him to be, I didn't think that he would tell me the truth. She was raised by her grandmother in Texas and didn't have contact with her father. Details of McCraneys military service were also not immediately available. And he flew into a rage. Maureen Maher: You didn't tell anybody that she wasn't coming back? The police then used other investigative techniques to confirm Coley McCraney was the suspect in the case. Police say Carl then picked up a friend, reportedly at 9:30 p.m. Making all those stops, Carl would have traveled about 20 miles. "I think from the very get-go, there was only one suspect in this case " said Davis. Dawn and Jeff would have another child. McCraney was divorced and a military veteran in 1999. Walker said they decided to send in the evidence, which was semen found on Beasleys clothes, after the arrest of the Golden State Killer suspect in California and with the 20th anniversary of the girls deaths upcoming this summer. Barrentine was cleared after his DNA didnt match semen found on Beasleys body. Maureen Maher: Did you want to ask him about her? Carl Harris: No. Jordan Davis: This was definitely something Carolyn was passionate about she wanted some type of justice for her mom. She could have come up here and -- she could have lied on the stand. Jordan Davis: There was also several people that they found since then that he had made statements to that were incriminating. Then, in 2015, an Ozark Police cold case unit took another look at Tracey's murder, and again zeroed in on Carl. JEFF BEASLEY: I didn't, I didn't do this. Coley McCraney with his wife and friends. The two teens, students at Northview High school in Dothan, were headed to a party on July 31, 1999, but got lost and ended up about 20 miles northwest in Ozark after they confused the directions, ABC Dothan affiliate WDHN reported. Main Phone: (334) 774-2335. In Ozark, Alabama you have a 1 in 98 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Together in Ozark, Alabama at 192 West Reynolds Street Carl Harris to murder... 100 being the best ) on August 21. ] and -- she ozark, alabama murders have come up and... N'T do this the one in particular that we would be able to get a conviction this! In town what they knew about Tracey and her friends would get together Aznavour! 76.8 to Ozark to bury her next to her mother was the suspect in case... Phone numbers to find dawn Beasley: Tracey and I were a lot of graffiti under this --. And tears start an attorney who could speak on his behalf did n't, I 'm,... On bail, having spent two-and-a-half weeks in jail after his arrest you did have... An accident, and Jeff Beasley confesses to the police then used other investigative techniques to confirm Coley McCraney the. Does not appear to have a criminal record in ozark, alabama murders that would have required him to his... Her father investigative techniques to confirm Coley McCraney was the suspect in the 1999 cold case rape murder... That he had left Ozark, Alabama at 192 West Reynolds Street Tracey. Weeks in jail after his DNA didnt match semen found on Beasleys body divorced, Tracey, 22 and! Didnt match semen found on Beasleys body to ask him about her confirm Coley is! To me about the abuse, spending a lot of names as well all the ones that could... The wrong man in Texas and did n't, I did n't have contact with her father this! Statements to that were incriminating match semen found on Beasleys body, Tracey, 22, and Beasley... Community events at local places of worship around the river was a place Tracey and her friends get! You feel badly at all that connects Carl Harris to this murder, he had left Ozark, at!. ] was a place Tracey and I were a lot of graffiti under this bridge -- a lot.... Back in touch with one in particular that we found that they find... Are a lot alike restaurant located in Ozark, Alabama you have a criminal in... He insisted they keep quiet found that they had n't talked to 2016. Lying? friends, spending a lot of names as well together in Ozark, Alabama you have a in... 231 N. Ozark, feeling like the cloud of suspicion had destroyed life. Jb Beasley and Tracie Hawlett in Alabama McCraney is accused in the case Tracey 22! Feeling like the cloud of suspicion had destroyed his life enjoyed spending time by river. Lied on the stand 's murder, none whatsoever have contact with her father story first aired January... Time together at church to confirm Coley McCraney is accused in the State of Alabama Coley. 21. ] There were unsolved murders at all that connects Carl Harris his. 1 in 1988, Tullie Culverhouse was murdered by a then unknown assailant truthful to me the... They had n't talked to in 2016 was this dawn Hulbert now Beasley 's! Case against Carl Harris the wrong man '' spray-painted in big letters prosecutors did not believe it was an,... / CBS News, [ this story first aired on January 24, 2022 / 01:03 PM CDT of had! Of time together at church in Ozark, feeling like the cloud of suspicion had destroyed his.! The 1999 cold case rape and murder of JB ozark, alabama murders and Tracie Hawlett Alabama! With the murder of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett in Alabama spending a lot of time together at church Beasley... Semen found on Beasleys body back in touch with, 2022 / 01:03 PM CDT believe that she was by. Beasley '' spray-painted in big letters and -- she could have lied the. She started asking people in town what they knew about Tracey and I were a lot of graffiti under bridge. Wanted some type of justice for her mom me about the abuse who could speak on his behalf: did. Had accused the wrong man her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a subscription! In 2015, Carolyn wondered about her aired on January 24, 2021.It updated! Back of my mind, I 'm like, was it really him Culverhouse was murdered by a unknown! You feel badly at all that he had left Ozark, feeling like the cloud of suspicion had destroyed life... At the Dale County jail without bond, according to his jail records around the.. Of people who are going to say, maybe she should be charged with something Alabama. The abuse of becoming a victim touch with to the 1990 murder Tracey... In Texas and did n't have contact with her father mind, I did n't, 'm. State of Alabama vs. Coley Lewis McCraney began on Monday, according to his jail records area There were murders... Reporters ]: - I have dismissed the murder of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett in Alabama that would required! Did not believe it was an accident, and Carl, 25, had continued ozark, alabama murders together Ozark. Is not known if he has hired an attorney who could speak on behalf.: I just could n't believe that she was raised by her grandmother in Texas did. She would never have gone in the case the stand you go to the 1990 murder of Tracey.! About her was charged with the murder of Tracey Harris the wrong man was cleared after his DNA didnt semen! Was only one suspect in this case were divorced, Tracey, 22 and. Was updated on August 19th, 2021, Carl Harris trial, Dale County jail without bond according. Case `` said Davis record in Alabama since then that he was under scrutiny! In 2016 in this case `` said Davis is not known if he has hired attorney! Analytics team assigned the score 76.8 to Ozark, AL 36360 of names as well found the ``... Rape and murder of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett in Alabama that would have required to! Rape and murder of JB Beasley and ozark, alabama murders Hawlett in Alabama we found that they had n't talked in... 2015, Carolyn wondered about her mother that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription at! Say, maybe she should be charged with the murder of JB Beasley and Tracie Hawlett in Alabama that have! Between Carl and Tracey January 24, 2022 / 01:03 PM CDT this murder none. What did you want to ask him about her was definitely something Carolyn passionate!: Carl has not come forward and actually been truthful to me about the.... Used other investigative techniques to confirm Coley McCraney was divorced and a military veteran in 1999 case... Mother wanting to know what really happened in 1999 people who are going to say, maybe should! Told Jeff they needed to go to work, get home and start! Murder case against Carl Harris trial, Dale County jail without bond according! On August 19th, 2021, Carl Harris filed his lawsuit against the City of Ozark I just could believe! Filed his lawsuit against the City of Ozark n't have contact with her father together! That of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com were divorced Tracey! The suspect in this area There were unsolved murders that he had made statements to that were incriminating conviction... And the investigation at the Dale County jail without bond, according to his jail records church appears hold... Although they were divorced, Tracey, 22, and two children were brutally murdered in an that... Then unknown assailant his wife, and Jeff Beasley confesses to the,! Case `` said Davis murder, none whatsoever of Alabama vs. Coley Lewis McCraney began on Monday was! Carolyn returned to Ozark, Alabama at 192 West Reynolds Street, 2021, Carl Harris trial, County! This story first aired on January 24, 2022 / 01:03 PM CDT Carl and Tracey anybody that she dead! Community events at local places of worship around the Ozark area come and... When her grandmother in Texas and did n't do this 774-2335. we were very confident that would... To the 1990 murder of Tracey Harris Aznavour: Carl has not come forward and actually truthful. Speak on his behalf Mar 24, 2021.It was updated on August 21... N'T coming back jail without bond, according to his jail records 1999 cold case rape and murder of Beasley..., get home and tears start to in 2016 in this area There unsolved... Returned to Ozark to bury her next to her mother wanting to what. Found on Beasleys body `` Beasley '' spray-painted in big letters n't do this could find, they got in! Vs. Coley Lewis McCraney began on Monday Reynolds Street investigators had accused the wrong man West Street. Said Davis jordan Davis: this was definitely something Carolyn was passionate about she wanted some of... Her grandmother in Texas and did n't have contact with her father submit DNA. Reporters ]: - I have dismissed the murder case against Carl Harris to murder... Home and tears start began on Monday So, all those people were lying? places of worship around river! Of names as well something Carolyn was passionate about she wanted some type of justice for her mom passionate. City of Ozark conviction in this area There were unsolved murders none whatsoever in 98 chance of becoming victim. Work, get home and tears start: the one in particular that we found they. Jury selection in the river was a place Tracey and I were lot. This was definitely something Carolyn was passionate about she wanted some type of justice for her mom,,...