Episode 69: The Saga of Joan Robinson Hill, Dr. John Hill & Ash Robinson

In 1969, the mysterious death of a beautiful Houston socialite would captivate Texas. Soon it would become a national scandal. Joan Robinson Hill’s father, a rich and powerful oilman, would set set in motion a chain of events so incredible, it seems like fiction. All in the name of grief and revenge.
Suggested Reading: Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson
Sources: www.southernfr...
Written, hosted, produced by Erica Kelley
Researched by Erica Kelley
Edited by Mike Bussing
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison-Gamma Radio
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[@robertbess192]

I grew up in the Houston area from 1950 - 1970 and was a college student in the area when the Joan Robinson Hill saga hit the news. This rendition of the case is Outstanding. The narrator did a great job relating the facts and events of the case. I read all of the books associated with the case and came to the conclusion that: Ann Kurth was a pathological liar, Ash Robinson had John Hill killed, John Hill may have been guilty but so much of the 'facts' were distorted and confused by the media and Ash Robinson's meddling that it is hard to decide for sure. Thank you for a great rendition of a famous Houston crime story.

[@paulamiles9559]

Blood and Money is one of my favorite true crime books. Since its publication, I've read it dozens of times. I specially liked the low- key and matter- of fact representation of the same- sex couple. Tommy Thompson is a terrific writer. I spent my career in health care. I found John Hill's cold inhumanity to his patients very unusual for a doctor. Most physicians are respectful and kind to their patients, and generous to those who cant afford care. Thank you for deep diving this subject!

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

You apparently haven’t met some of the surgeons whom I have encountered. 😊

[@markingtime1024]

Yes, fantastic book, I recommend it highly. Tommy Thompson, who was a journalist for LIFE magazine many years, died aged 49 in 1982 - that was a big loss for the literary world. I also recommend his book "Celebrity", that's a novel but just superb reading. All six of his books are excellent and riveting.

[@paulamiles9559]

@markingtime1024 I did read Celebrity- it's been a longtime. I really like Serpentine, his book about serial murderer Charles Sobradj

[@markingtime1024]

@@paulamiles9559 I read Serpentine when it first came out, so that's a long time ago now, excellent book. I'm going to re-read that one, now that I'm thinking about it. All Thompson's books excel; he was one of the finest writers working at the time he died, huge loss to the writing and reading world.

[@trh1493]

+ my former pcp was a smartelick and a woman hater....a know it all and a disgrace to the profession....@@nomiddlenamenmn427

[@karij2974]

I’m from Houston Texas & this was a good listen. Thank you !

[@customgrow7109]

I read the book in prison the book was extremely good

[@candiceparr4174]

I do think John Hill murdered his wife but I don't think they could ever prove it. But Ash certainly bought and paid for John Hills murder

[@AngelFallen197213]

I agree John killed his wife and Ash probably orchestrated his murder, as any good parent would have gone to the ends of the earth to get justice for their child...however even in today's times could they really "prove it"?? Both cases were completely circumstantial...the fact that her father tried all legal routes makes it doubtful he was involved, also the fact that his precious grandson was traumatized and physically hurt....I don't think Ash would have signed up for that.....hmmm

[@MsJourneyfan]

@@AngelFallen197213 Ash *did* pay to have John killed. The whole thing is covered in the book 'Blood and Money.' He paid a woman he knew to put it together, she contracted a guy to do the shooting, and another woman drove the get away car. The guy was caught and identified by John's mother as the shooter, but killed in a shootout with police. The two women who were involved both served prison time. None of the three could prove that Ash hired them to kill John, but the dots all connect and lead right back to Ash. Yes, Ash did have John killed, but it cost him his grandson. Robert witnessed his father's murder, and he turned against Ash because of it. I've always wondered if it was worth it for Ash. Yes, he got his version of justice for Joan, but he lost his grandson in the process.

[@jackieclark9679]

I don't blame him

[@candiceparr4174]

@@jackieclark9679 Except that no one is above the law, and Ash will be remembered as the grandfather who had his grandson's father murdered right in front of him.

[@jackieclark9679]

@@candiceparr4174 The young people may think that, but the old timers from Houston and the Heights always have respect for Ash . I would do the same thing if it was my son or daughter. We just agree to disagree. Sorry I'm not trying to be rude or anything but I always like - Robinson and his wife. And Joan .

[@cricket8438]

My uncle was an oilman and lived in Houston. He was a mover and shaker and hob nobbed with Ash and other oilmen. He told me stories about those times. Apparently the Joan Robison mess was was exactly that, a big fat mess. Ash raged throughout Houston talking to who would listen about Joan’s death until they they all but ran when they saw Ash coming. The general option seemed to be that John killed Joan, and Ash killed John. Joan did love John but they were too different to make a go of the marriage. John was cold and distant apposed to the warm boisterous Joan. The situation spiraled out of control and into dark and cruel places.

[@reaganenglish]

I have been to Joan Robinson Hill and John Hills grave site's . They are buried at cemeteries not far from each other . I remember as a kid in 1972 when the Houston ABC Affiliate announced as a break in during prime time programming that Dr John Hill had been shot and killed at his River Oaks home . The house went on the market about ten years ago . They were asking just over 4 million for it . The music room is still intact .I enjoyed this narration very much it was well researched.

[@williamshelton4150]

A very Texas story, full of twists and turns, with elements of a tall tale.

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I agree. I believe Ash and Ann were liars. People avoided being sued by ensuring their words were filled with disclaimers.

[@1234singingismylife]

You have become my favorite true crimer.

[@vickikay25]

It certainly is a saga! Ole John Hill was one lousy husband, but I seriously doubt that he was a clever murderer. If only Joan had been able to walk away from him, but she loved him. RIP, lovely Joan.

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I believe she died from a stomach flu that turned into fatal blood poisoning. It can happen to young, athletic, privileged people, too.

[@variousJnames]

She didn't love him. She just wasn't used to hearing the word NO from anyone. He never loved her. Papa spoiled her too much. I feel most sorry for Boot Hill, their son.

[@vickikay25]

@@variousJnames I kind of thought that they did love eachother at first, but it was such a mismatch that it couldn't succeed. Terrible shame.

[@joanflint7209]

Excellent narration. I will be looking for more of this narrator.

[@chantalteri4692]

it is too fast...

[@flagal519]

I think she is a robot.

[@sheryldalton8965]

You couldn't buy anything in River Oaks today for $650,000.

[@variousJnames]

Lived in Houston all my life. The house is just as ominous as it always was. Too bad Joan married down and didn't listen to her father when she wanted to marry gold digging John Hill.

[@CaliGirl305]

It is obvious he killed his wife. He never loved her. I believe he did marry her for the money what a jerk.

[@lamarbuckner7110]

I have been intrigued by this case for years. I even saw the house in Houston. I think John did kill Joan. I have wondered what happened to Boot and did he get anything from the estate. The tv movie with Farrah Faucet is outstanding.

[@eddiebrooks3294]

Such a good, detailed telling of the tale. Thanks for telling it! Oh, how I wish a movie could be made based on Thompson's superlative book!

[@SouthernFriedTrueCrime]

There is one that uses that and the second wife’s cheesy book. I forget the title but it’s got Farrah Fawcett and Andy Griffith and it’s on KZbin

[@eddiebrooks3294]

@@SouthernFriedTrueCrime Farrah's portrayal of Joan, Andy Griffith's Ash, and Katharine Ross' Ann are the only redeeming qualities of "Murder In Texas". Sam Elliott is positively ghoulish as John and the ending is laughably preposterous. The story is so much bigger than just the viewpoint of Ann Kurth. It needs a bigger telling and you gave it that. 😊 Maybe ol' Ron Howard and Brian Grazer will someday get a deal worked out for an adaptation of Thompson's book. Another one of your stories that deserves a big-screen turn is "The Boys On The Tracks". That's quite a story!

[@bulldogfan]

@@SouthernFriedTrueCrime Prescription Murder was the name of that book

[@MsJourneyfan]

@@eddiebrooks3294 'Blood and Money' is a fantastic book. I've also read Kurth's 'Prescription: Murder' that the tv movie was based on. While Kurth's account of her time with John Hill was designed to make her look like a victim and John a complete villain, I don't discount some of the stories she told about him. I don't believe he faked his death, but I do believe something bad happened between them right after they got married. And I believe it had something to do with Joan's death. Thompson's book is very detailed and I'd also like to see it made into a movie, but I disagree with his statement that John had nothing to do with Joan's death. His actions before, during and after she died, are just too suspicious to dismiss. There's no disputing how negligent he was during her brief illness, then the things he did right after the she died ..... I'll always believe he did something to her. And I'm not the only Texan who believes this.

[@jackieclark9679]

@@MsJourneyfan you're exactly right he was guilty of killing her and then her daddy killed him and I don't blame him one bit. She was everything to that old man

[@posapie]

Fantastic research and excellent narration. Lots of extra bits of fascinating facts and a spellbinding telling of this case. LOVED IT !! Have this fantasy of sitting with someone like you and listening to stories like these. Really rare talent.

[@Christophercolumbo1970]

Thankyou so much for this video I watched the movie when I was 12 and have always been fascinated with it and watched the movie again a couple years ago and after that wanted to find more info about the real people but couldn't find much of anything so thankyou for sharing all of this with us

[@Melmelba]

What is the movie called? Thanks!

[@Christophercolumbo1970]

The movie is Murder in Texas made in 1981

[@sheryldalton8965]

That movie was very entertaining. Great cast.

[@theresabreslin3178]

This case has always facinated me as I'm a native Houstonian. I've driven by the house on Kirby Drive so many times and always take a look when I go by and just wonder what really happened. Last year, I finally went to see Joan's grave. It's off Westheimer on the west side of town. At the time Joan was buried this cemetery would have been way out on the boonies! Now, of course urban sprawl has grown up around the cemetery. Also, it makes me think why did John Hill want her buried so far out of the city as it was at that time, when there are many cemeteries closer to their River Oaks neighborhood and especially the famous and beautiful Glenwood Cemetery. John Hill is buried in a cemetery off the Katy Freeway but I have not visited his grave but may do so when I have the time.

[@sheryldalton8965]

Houston was a great place to grow up in during the 50's & 60's. We were able toroam the neighborhood all day on our bikes without having to worry about weirdos & perverts. Now i'd be scared to drive through that neighborhood. I quit watching football when the Oilers left town haha.

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

River Oaks is still “safe.” There have always been weirdos and perverts. I believe Ash proved that.

[@sheryldalton8965]

@@nomiddlenamenmn427 i didn't grow up in River Oaks unfortunately haha but on the north side. We left there in '66 & moved to Magnolia. The north side became somewhat dangerous in the following years.

[@ClarissaLockett]

I grew up in Bellaire. Of course it was different back then. Still live in the area. We were outside all day every day. Not too much danger. Went home when the sun went down. I too quit watching football when awful Bud Adams, took our Oilers away.

[@sheryldalton8965]

@@ClarissaLockett i was raised on the northside. We moved to Magnolia in '66 before our neighborhood became unsafe. Now Magnolia seems to be part of Houston. Bud Adams was persona non grata in our house too haha.

[@malcolmmarshall5946]

I'm from Houston, the Hill mansion still stands on Kirby Drive, it's spooky to drive past it.

[@stacykeller3812]

I live off Kirby closer to West U. I drive past the house often. Crazy!

[@skyegroome223]

I feel bad for the kid. Both his parents died violent deaths, one of which was in front of him. Rumors that your dad murdered your mom and your grandpa had your dad murdered in retaliation has to play and tremendous toll on one's mental health.

[@chris0325081]

Well done.

[@Rsysas]

Amazing

[@60sbabydoll777]

Ann and Joan ALLEGEDLY went to school together. Ann hated Joan and wanted to take over her life because she had always been so jealous of her

[@dave1956]

I have read Blood and Money a few times and Anne Kurth’s book Prescription Murder. I wonder exactly what Anne Kurth was truly like. Could she really be as bad as she was portrayed in Blood and Money?

[@jackieclark9679]

This is coming from a person who has a bad concept of Ash . He was a good man. Everybody always tries to make cash out to be a bad person. I don't believe for a minute that he had sexual innuendos to that girl I believe he was a good father to her and he was probably just what you call a helicopter parent he loved her very much. It's a shame. The men didn't show her the respect her dad did.

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I respectfully disagree. A good man with healthy boundaries does not obsess over his adult daughter. Love is not obsession over or possession of another. A man clings to his wife and not his daughter.

[@R3cuzican]

It may be wrong but Ask has my respect!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sheryldalton8965]

If Ash wouldn't have been against her first two marriages she may not have ended up with Hill.

[@lauranpall5376]

So true

[@Melmelba]

One boyfriend was a drunk

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

It is apparent, after at least four men and three marriages, the only man whom Ash wanted in Joan’s life was him. Sick and abnormal.

[@sheryldalton8965]

@@nomiddlenamenmn427 exactly!

[@skyegroome223]

But she also wouldn't have had her son whom they all loved very much. I think his biggest mistake was interfering when John left her. He should've let the loser go and encouraged his daughter to find someone better and then stay out of her love life.

[@lauranpall5376]

Yes for Ash Robinson! He did what should have been done. There is a fine line between love and hate.

[@thebiscuitrose]

My momma told me about this in 1979/80. When it happened, I was about 7 years. Too young to comprehend the complexities of an abusive, man/woman relationship. And believing the wealth, in River Oaks Houston, would never allow evil. And in my senior year of high school, my bestie had THOMPSONS' paper-back novel in her two-door yellow Ford. It's my clear thought. And I hold the paper-back and observe the b/w image of a mansion on the cover. My bestie driving us to school and me gasping when B says, "that house is in River Oaks." Later, Mom confirms knowledge of the woman from that house. And her husband, John Hill. And the news and newspaper coverage. My bestie and I made a trip to see the Kirby Drive mansion. We both stared at the home, from the yellow Ford. Re-living every scene from the Thompson novel in the twelve seconds it took us to turn left and then rode away from a dream to be a River Oaks princess.😮😅

[@skyegroome223]

He traumatized his grandson by having his father murdered in front of him. That's not how you do things.

[@sheryldalton8965]

I love these Houston stories. I was raised there & remember them. Your detailed accounts bring them to life. The first one i remember was the Candace Mossler murder case. I was just a girl but remember it because all of the adults were talking about it but in hushed hurried whispers so i knew there was something scandalous going on haha. When i read about it as an adult i realized why they were whispering. I think it would make a great movie, with Diane Lane as Candace. Farrah was great in the role of Joan.

[@jaccusefashion]

If Scorsese made a film set in Texas, it would be this story.

[@SouthernFriedTrueCrime]

Yessss

[@fuquaysteve271]

John did it....not a doubt.

[@lorileew2337]

There's a True Story movie about this titled Murder In Texas.. It's a good movie starring Farrah Fawcett Sam Elliott his wife Katherine Ross and Andy Griffith .

[@Ladybhive71]

Yes it is.

[@lanawarzynski6944]

Texans don't play around

[@sheryldalton8965]

Ash was his own worst enemy, & Joan's.

[@timfoinc.6879]

Is she adopted? That was fire- war- saga ignition.

[@jackieclark9679]

I remember when it happened. I lived in Texas then.

[@R3cuzican]

I was upset to hear they told on Ash

[@gregguralnik2512]

I wish they had covered John Hill's first trial on video. Unfortunately, i found no video archives.

[@sheryldalton8965]

That movie was very entertaining. Great cast.

[@sheryldalton8965]

You couldn't buy anything in River Oaks today for $650,000.

[@sheryldalton8965]

You couldn't buy anything in River Oaks today for $650,000.