1946 Kentucky Murder Rampage - Finding Anderson Adkins

We accidentally rediscovered a long lost historic grave site researching this story. The graveyards records didn't even know he was there. :-)
One of the most violent domestic murder cases in Kentucky's history, almost fell through the cracks of time...
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[@Officialangiejohnson]

Verna Long was my grandmother. I never got to meet her. Thelma Bentley, the woman who was left permanently blind, was my great aunt and I did know her while I was growing up. She was so kind and could do most anything regardless of her lack of vision. It brings up many feelings to hear this tragic story told outside of my family. This event impacted generations. Thank you for bringing it to light after all of these years.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you, Its a tragic story that needed to be told. If I could redo it I would visit the victims instead of him.

[@Officialangiejohnson]

If you get around to that, my dad might be able to help with directing you to those gravesites. Though I’m not sure if he would. He and his younger brothers were present at the filling station when Verna was killed.

[@christolbert4628]

Sending prayers to your family. 🙏 It's sad, but seems like there is a maniac in a lot of families.

[@maybebaby9211]

Did he get charged with attempted murder of the woman he blinded?

[@Officialangiejohnson]

@@christolbert4628❤

[@genniejefferson6588]

I want to watch these videos all night. I’m binge watching and enjoying them so much.

[@jonathancantrell3777]

This was my grandma's first cousin. He supposedly asked the aunt if she enjoyed seeing the boy, to which she said yes. He said I hope you enjoyed it because it was the last time you'll see him and killed her. It was a wild story!!

[@cynthiacarter514]

Wow

[@jonathancantrell3777]

@@jefferyforeman7905 My grandma never really talked about it. I guess in her opinion it was one of those things that was best left alone. My grandpa on the other hand loved to talk about our family history, the good and the bad. He knew Anderson pretty well and said that he wasn't the violent type, just a man who was pushed too far.

[@geofftaylor934]

@@jonathancantrell3777 I agree...it would take a LOT of gall to tell a man that he could not have his child when he arrived to pick him up, especially when they would certainly KNOW that he harboured ill will towards them and his failing marriage....I would say that they REALLY stepped in it when messing with Mr. Adkins...

[@judypierce7028]

You are right Leo about pieces of history that been lost without folks like you and Heather doing some really "deep research."

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

Good job finding that grave. Heather is a really good investigator. What a crazy horrible story. It is really cool that you get to put his grave on the record. I'm impressed. Keep up the good work. I love your videos

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for the support as always!

[@lindsaynash3653]

I think I just found my tribe.. I’m 40 now but ever since I was a little girl I have been going to the cemeteries, people on the bus would make fun of me in elementary school because as soon as I got off the bus I would head straight to the cemetery. It’s still my favorite thing to do.

[@icwingsDTW]

Nothing weird about it....cemeteries are clam, peaceful places....in France, they are considered and treated like parks...you see people in the cemeteries reading books, picnic lunching, or just peacefully sitting on benches that are throughout the cemeteries....I drive through local cemeteries just for the relax...and when I'm out of town, I find the oldest cemeteries I can to walk through....or look for famous graves... :)

[@robfla6471]

The cemetery should go to the oldest sections and make a list of everyone there and cross reference with the list they have and figure out which ones they are missing.

[@sarahanderson6261]

I have a bit of a love for graveyards for the same reason, the history of people, places, things-so I was looking around this cemetery in my Find A Grave app (highly recommend it to anyone interested) and, you may have mentioned this, but… His ex wife, Elmo, was born March 15, 1915. Anderson was executed on March 15, 1946, her 31st birthday!!! I just found that very interesting, am I alone? Thank you guys, as a life long Kentucky girl, I think it’s safe to say that there is a lot of history that either has been lost or that is just laying dormant waiting to be discovered!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

That's really wild, thanks for the information

[@teresaclontz3574]

Leo and Heather you are a super team discovering stories of the past. Thanks for sharing your stories!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@bethgiesey9405]

What a wild story!! Kudos to your cousin & you for finding the grave. Thank you for the story it was definitely one of a kind

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for listening

[@jray5363]

From all the stories I’ve heard in my life, this sort of thing was a regular occurrence back in the day. An angry hillbilly + a bottle = somebody having a bad day.

[@satanicondevil]

Glad I wasn't born into a hillbilly family. Hard drinking or devout religious. My ancestors weren't here during the Civil War but if they had im 99.5% sure they'd have fought on the Union side. I do have Jewish ancestors dads side.

[@chrischriscoe4354]

Keep doing what you do. You bring history back to life .

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@RogerLong-pc6sf]

Verna Long was holding my hand (@8 yrs old) when drunk AA shot her 4 times as she started to run away after pumping gas for him. I will never forget his chilling words & deliberate attempts to kill the entire Bentley family. On that day he did NOT ask Verna to reconcile the family. as he lied during his trial. (Beside him on the passenger seat was a whiskey bottle.) He said, "Verna, you love your children, don't you? She replied, "Yes, Anderson, I do." AA said "Well, Verna, I loved mine too." He reached on the floor beside his right foot & pulled out his pistol & fired 5 shots. Verna shoved me to the frony of the car & ran to the back, After shooting Mommy, he drug off to the west to find Bill Goff, but Mrs. Goff told him Bill was 'out'. As Ervil & I were pulling Mommy off the highway, Anderson returned & began firing at us & crashed his car. The story from there was close to what was recited. I witnessed Mrs. Johnson's death & heard that conversation. She said, "AA I have never done anything to hurt you." He said, "Yes you have!" & fired. We watched her tumble down the hill. AA STOLE the car & sped toward Harless Creek to seek the Bentleys. He verbally & physically abused his wife Elmo .Bentley & son, Jimmy who related his fear of his drunken father. AA robbed us of our family unity. = A further TRAVESTY-> Brother Wayne Long & wife, Ethel, also are buried in Annie Young Cemetery.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I'm sorry you all went through that. We would have visited verna or other victims if we knew where they were. We certainly feel no pity for Anderson. We actually discussed that they most likely removed the boy because of his behavior. Anyways thank you for your information.

[@cynthiacarter514]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry you lost your mother in that fashion.

[@eshore389]

Oh my goodness, I can not imagine how much that effected you through your whole life... I'm sorry you had to witness such horrifying things that day.

[@donnaboisen6003]

What a crazy story Leo. So sad for those that lost their life to that crazy guy. And the loss of that woman’s sight. Thanks for learning of this story and telling of it to the rest of the KZbin gang.

[@marlenataylor8758]

Great detective work and good reporting of the person and the events that happened. Glad you found the grave.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 🙏

[@ronnac.7143]

I love seeing things from Kentucky!!I’ve mentioned this to several u tubers..there’s a sad case from the 80s about Kevin McDaniel that would make a sad story..He was 16 and murdered!!they-dragged his body..burnt his pants on his face to keep him from being identified..horrible story..and he was a sweet little guy!!

[@dianemitchell5142]

Wow what a sad story.

[@DJoeClark]

WOW! What a story! I live in Morehead, KY. And I've been researching history and historical crimes for quite a while. And I had never heard this story before! As you said, THIS is why we do what we do - to bring these stories back to the history books! You do videos, I do blog posts, facebook posts, and write books. Together, that gets the job done! I'm in love with your KZbin channel. I wish I had found it sooner!

[@cynthiacarter514]

People used to be good at hiding the bad in small communities. It was not an accident the grave is not listed in the proper paperwork.

[@garrymullinix595]

Thank you for your service and great investigating of historical moments in old news!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Garry!

[@brianpauley4831]

Job well done Leo. Thanks for braving the cold and sharing the story. Yes, it is a big deal , the work y'all did.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Much appreciated

[@cynthiastamper5696]

Glad you were able to get them to update their records

[@Sabrina-lv5dx]

Awww.🤗.. Thank you for all of y'all's hard work and dedication to these stories.. that hell honestly wouldn't be told👍... Keep up the good work 😇

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you Sabrina!

[@billrothrock6477]

Watched this video this morning while having our coffee. What a great way to start my day. Great job! Thank you.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

You are so welcome!

[@steveball1339]

Wow, 5,200 graves ? Persistence pays off, congratulations and thank you for sharing!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Steve!

[@MrFuzzy1953]

Good story, sir. I enjoy this kind of history and you and Heather tell it well. Thank you.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for listening

[@christinedelman887]

WOW, crazy story is right!! It'd be funny if it weren't true! Thanks Leo, I love and appreciate the work you and Heather do to bring us these stories! Much love 💖

[@gearhead2017]

That's crazy! There's no need to take the law into your hands and lose your freedom over a dumb move

[@tomfournier4941]

I think he'd be called a spree killer. Interesting story. Tragic all the way around. The fact that the man did all of that and it would have been a major event in that area at the time but it's largely unknown now only 77 years later shows how quickly we are forgotten. Time stops for no man as the saying goes.

[@stephenhobbs1174]

Tragic story but interesting. To find was to be led by Anderson's spirit, and now everyone knows the story.

[@artcflowers]

Thanks Heather, Leo and Melvin.

[@timlackey5996]

That is fantastic that you found the grave, I would have to say that is one heck of a story that's for sure.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@judypierce7028]

WOW! What a strange and weird story!!! Great research Heather. This is a truly horrible story about the Adkins. Thank you every so much for taking me along.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

You are so welcome!

[@cathymcglasson6947]

Well it does exist you two proved that great job fellas.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

thanks Cathy

[@cathymcglasson6947]

@@thehillbillyfiles your welcome

[@dodiebondwood]

I appreciate what you do! It makes it even better to love to do it! Thank you!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@SteveBall1]

Really appreciate the effort that you and Heather put into your videos Good video

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you like them!

[@jamesfstump]

I’ve been to that grave I had no idea about what happened with him there are a lot more stories like that in my home town

[@Skunkape74]

Good stuff...Thanks for sharing!!!! I've said it before...As long as you guys put out videos, I'll continue watching!!!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 🙏

[@debbiejohnson7862]

Wow, crazy story!! Umm has anyone that lives in KY ever taken notice of just how much crazy, weird stuff happens in Pikeville and has for years?!! 😳😳😳

[@patrickt6642]

Yeah.thats why rest of state stays away from there.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

This is true, I love Pikeville though lol

[@monyacline2067]

I seen a documentary on a girl from pikeville that was murdered by an FBI agent. How tragic.

[@jefferyepstein9210]

Man the Pikeville and Prestonsburg areas some of the most beautiful areas in the country.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

They are beautiful

[@jefferyepstein9210]

@@thehillbillyfiles I live in Florida but in the fall I tow my Harley up to Corbin and ride with a couple friends to enjoy the fall colors. We usually take a few days to do the trip.

[@Danny.Spurling]

Awesome detective work, Heather

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks!

[@stevedahl3689]

Great story! We moved from Kentucky 5 years ago after retirement and landed in the sandbox of Florida. I went to school briefly at Morehead State in Rowan County. Great content!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 🙏

[@localcrew]

Technically a “Spree Killer” as opposed to a serial killer. Still a real jerk. Just subscribed!

[@edielawrence97]

You're making a difference ❤ . I personally think yous are the best ... I thoroughly appreciate 🙏 and look forward to everything you do . Everything you share is a blessing 🙌 .

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Wow, thank you!

[@edielawrence97]

@thehillbillyfiles Wishing you all the warmest Holiday Blessing 🙌 🙏 ✨️ ❤️ !

[@larrytackett6591]

I know Jimmy and hes one of the finest men you will ever meet and one of the best preachers you will ever want to hear

[@frootmcgoose3076]

Fascinating!.... Thanks Leo...Best wishes from London..

[@thehillbillyfiles]

My pleasure!

[@marycochran1283]

I have to find a good article to share. It was at the battle of shiloh and one of the union light artillery accidentally killed a soldier on their own side. It's an article written by the soldier sitting next to the one who got hit. One of my great grandparents apparently was in the group of drunk artillery that killed the poor man.

[@joanndallas4683]

Enjoyed this video very much! We are looking forward to your next.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome thank you!

[@ROKgem]

You two do great work!

[@debbiejohnson1484]

I'm a new sub and really enjoy your videos! It was cool you could find it! I look forward to watching more!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Midknightwriter]

According to the definition a serial killer kills three or more people, in his case he would be considered a spree killer. I enjoy your stories, I post stories on Facebook too of my area every day except Saturdays, I've been doing it a couple of years now, so I appreciate your research and your effort, these stories need to be told its these lesser-known stories that make up our country.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

What's your Facebook and thank you

[@Midknightwriter]

Just go to "Stories and Tales." or Bobby Rogers.

[@smrtrthnu1571]

You forgot to add that there has to be a cooling off period between murders as well. And lately I have heard just 2 murders from several sources, so I don't know if they revised the definition from 3 down to 2 murders or if the 2 is just misinformation because I know it originally was 3 murders as you stated.

[@Bampitas74ps]

I have to say your are a great story teller. I’ve lived in KY all my life and never heard of this one. Although, I live in Corvette Country and not Eastern KY still I’ve never heard of this old story. I’ve heard a lot of stories like this from my grand parents but not this one. Keep up the great work!!!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 😊

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Great job in finding him and researching the story, wow what a story indeed. I feel bad for the boy...bless his heart. You really did do some awesome work on this story and video. That Heather is a smart cookie... she's a keeper! LOL Stay safe Hun!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@DeviousKnitter70]

Really enjoy your historical research. Thank you for sharing!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@robcates2383]

Another great one of LEO!!!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you think so!

[@bethgiesey9405]

Nice work Heather‼ Keep it going. I love your page

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@timhawkins2258]

My wife is an Adkins , her grandpa was Elmer Adkins and is buried on his property in Sandy hook Kentucky, that my wife and her siblings share and the rights too , would be great to know his story ,to pass on to the family

[@ritaking8827]

Fantastic detective work! Fantastic story! And a Fantastic video! I think I read somewhere that 3 murders will give you the Title of serial killer! This is a wild story! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much 😊

[@FRLN500]

Anderson is classified as a "spree killer" not a serial killer.

[@mrsjoanperry]

Great job. You are a great team.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@markgreenwell5830]

great job with this story, keep up the good work!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@rachelsill79]

My great grandma Was from in the Lyon/ Trigg County area of Kentucky. My mom told me the story that she sat on a death penalty case in Lyon County. My great-grandmother got to have a tour of the death chamber at some point. I was doing some research on all the people executed in the state penitentiary in Eddyville and came across this story it was quite harrowing.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Very interesting thanks

[@Itiswhatitis55]

You and Heather are rock star detectives! 🤩😎

[@katgrey6239]

Thanks for the story behind the grave!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Our pleasure!

[@bkjustice9390]

Love these videos! You and Heather do a remarkable job! Half of my family is from Pikeville and the area and I like seeing the graves you walk past to see if I can see any of my family's headstones. Now I got to go research to see if Anderson was any relation...lol.

[@rhondaking6433]

Wow! Awesome stuff. Congrats!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks!

[@jamielieberg7053]

Great Video thank you

[@thraciangrapes]

Fabulous! Thank you! 😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

You are so welcome!

[@icwingsDTW]

Elmo Bentley was my first cousin from my mother's family (Bentley Clan from Rockhouse, Kentucky...of which, many are buried right there in Annie Young...). The grave to the left of Anderson Adkins is his brother, William Hayes Adkins Jr. and his wife Gertrude Ratliff. Make the story a little stranger...William and Gertrude had a son on June 14th, 1948...the baby died the very next day, June 15th, 1948 from aspirating in Pikeville Hospital......his name - (James) Anderson Adkins.....The Anderson Adkins in the story was John Anderson Adkins.....

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you

[@kellyfostercash8026]

Hey we are possibly related

[@kellyfostercash8026]

Yes he is J Anderson Adkins

[@southerncross3638]

Excellent video.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you very much!

[@2Goiz_1ShanDA]

It is good brother. I enjoy seeing that you found a passion here & get to follow on the journey. Rite on u guys✊🇺🇲

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I appreciate that

[@angelasparks1975]

I remember my Grandpal telling of kids about this!! It was sad

[@neeceeboo777]

Awesome discovery and story. Lord bless

[@trineperstuen7011]

If i could Ask for anything on this fantastic channel…more old photos of the area,how houses loked at the time you are refering to,and the people and clothes❤hope for more photos in the future.i am from norway and love to learn more❤

[@Momvon1]

Good job finding the grave! Alot of times they used to not record killers because they didn't want people to find the graves. You know the weirdos, that enjoy killers.

[@ccgator8185]

Great job. I loved it. From one old hillbilly to another love and peace to you and yours

[@ccgator8185]

Love to have you come to Arkansas

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Gator! maybe we will end up your way one day

[@michaelbedinger4121]

Great investigative 🔎 work on Heather's part. Great field work on you and your cousins part. Very sad story. 😔 I wonder what became of Anderson's son and ex-wife? Thank you very much, for another great video, and story.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It's at the end of the video, the son joined the air force and lived a long life

[@michaelbedinger4121]

@@thehillbillyfiles I must have phased out at that point. It has been a very long day 😪. I will go back and play it again. Thank you very much for getting back to me. Stay safe.

[@annarobinson8183]

That’s horrible he did all that and amazing you found his grave ty for share

[@thehillbillyfiles]

thanks!

[@nathanalmond8280]

Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your videos. Y'all do a good job with telling history and showing us the sites and graves. Thanks. Take care.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you like them!

[@monyacline2067]

Great job

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 🙏

[@cornwallparanormalresearch2378]

Big like new subscribers here from UK 🇬🇧. Very interesting 👍.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks and welcome!

[@donhinchey9148]

You and you wife make a good team, keep up the good work 👍👍

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks, will do!

[@lutomson3496]

to nice of a headstone for a killer who was executed, family must have had money

[@thefedup9921]

I'm addicted and subbed. Great channel. Anderson wasn't a serial killer, he was just really pissed off. I totally understand why

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 🙏

[@thefedup9921]

@The Hillbilly Files - Legends and Locations Thank you for the great content. I love WV. It should be recognized as the heart of America. So many happenings there that have shaped our country, and our world.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

@@thefedup9921 absolutely!

[@darlenejohnson8864]

What a wild story but love the videos.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 😊

[@denisehibbs9576]

Very interesting !!

[@gokuxsephiroth4505]

First vid of yours I've ever seen, and I'm gonna be checking your backlog. Your voice, the way you tell the story really brings it all to life. Keep doing what you do. I adore it.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much 😁

[@sherrilee230]

That is cool. They need you to find the graves.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

haha thanks

[@rhondacantwell8900]

What a great story.....

[@jimmyjolly4184]

There was alot of mean people up around Pikesville KY back in the day

[@tinamaciell2666]

This is definitely the definition of what is called spree killing.

[@CryWolf-sm9iw]

Sounds like a spree killer. My daddy worked as a guard at Eddyvile when I was little. I love these type of lost stories.

[@joekelly4870]

Executed 13 months after he committed the murders. Bring this justice back please

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Yes!

[@rachelsill79]

While doing research on all the executions that happened at the Kentucky State penitentiary in Eddyville I came across several people who were hanged within months of their verdict that were in fact innocent. A rush to punishment killed many an innocent person. So if the justice system were perfect I would agree with you

[@joekelly4870]

Rachel that happens. You see the problem is the people who would burn candles outside a prison for an axe murderer but never once place a flower on the grave of his victims. We now have DNA proof backed up by video evidence of the crime, yet folks glorify the murderer. Make movies, write books etc. But the family will never recover the loss of a loved one.

[@rachelsill79]

@@joekelly4870 humans are multifaceted complex people. I can leave flowers at the graves of victims and also understand that innocent people have been executed. Those are not two mutually exclusive Concepts or ideas.

[@frontierkid724]

I don’t know if you can see Andersons picture very well but, there are three holes in it to signify each person that was killed according to the information I gathered 30 years ago.

[@prissypants2336]

Enjoyed

[@debraodonnell]

Im from Australia but I love these stories U guys tell thank U ❤️

[@gregorygibson5455]

Hello Leo and Heather

[@cameronjohnston4517]

Jetti Johnson is my great great grandmother.

[@bunnysthndr]

😮 WOW! Although it's Terribly tragic, I can't help but feel a little sorry for Anderson.Sounds like he was a loving dad doing what he was supposed to do because he obviously loved his son,and because of being denied visitation and then denied his request to his ex sister in law for the letter again asking his ex permission to see his son,he just snapped and lost his mind. Today he could have gotten represented with temporary insanity. Deep Hurt can manifest unfathomable responses sometimes. Just my thoughts...

[@musiknbooks]

You did good, Sherlock!

[@brendashaw2035]

Gotta love Ms Heather ❤️

[@thehillbillyfiles]

aww thank you Brenda!

[@user-rv8qs7lr5v]

Great story

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoyed it