The Death of Joan Robinson Hill- Part 1 | Morbid | Podcast

On March 19, 1969, thirty-eight-year-old Houston socialite Joan Robinson Hill died at Sharpstown General Hospital from what doctors at the time believed was flu-related symptoms. Hill’s body was quickly taken to the mortuary and embalmed before an autopsy could be performed, violating Texas law and undermining any attempts determine the cause of Joan’s death. Nevertheless, Joan’s father, a wealthy oil tycoon, believed his daughter’s death to be a homicide, used his influence to have her remains exhumed and had not one, but two additional autopsies performed to determine the cause of death.
Despite conflicting reports from the pathologists regarding a cause of death, Joan’s father was eventually successful in convincing the district attorney that her death was no accident, but was in fact murder committed by her husband, John Hill. After two unsuccessful attempts to convince a grand jury of John’s guilt, the district attorney finally convinced a third grand jury that John Hill had intentionally contributed to Joan’s death and he was charged with “murder by omission,” a first in the history of the Texas courts.
John Hill was put on trial for the murder of his wife in the winter of 1971, but the jury would never get a chance to weigh in on his guilt or innocence. In September of 1972, after one mistrial and several delays leading up to a re-trial, John Hill was murdered by an intruder who’d broken into his home. Although investigators believed Hill’s murder to have been a robbery gone wrong, many in Houston suspected Joan’s father, believing his son-in-law had evaded justice, had paid to have John Hill killed, leaving the deaths of Joan and John Hill an enduring mystery.
As always, thank you to the fantastic David White, of Bring Me the Axe Podcast, for research assistance
References:
Associated Press. 1971. "Doctor 'hated' first wife." Corpus Christi Times, February 26: 1.
-. 1972. "Houston doctor slain at home." Corpus Christi Times, September 25: 13.
-. 1969. "Meningitis said fatal to socialite ." Corpus Christi Times, October 11: 13.
-. 1971. "Judge calls mistrial in Houston slaying." Fort Worth Star-Telegram, February 27: 12.
-. 1970. "Panel indicts doctor in death of wife." Fort Worth Star-Telegram, May 23: 3.
-. 1973. "District judge clamps lid on Houston doctor's murder." Odessa American, April 27: 3.
-. 1971. "Testimony continues in trial of physician." Odessa American, February 23: 2.
Gonzalez, J.R. 2009. 40 years later: Joan Robinson Hill. March 19. Accessed November 7, 2023. blog.chron.com/bayoucityhisto....
New York Times. 1977. "Oilman is cleared in Houston murder of his son-in-law." New YorkTimes, October 22: 1.
Thompson, Thomas. 1976. Blood and Money: A True Story of Murder, Passion, and Power. New York, NY: Doubleday.
United Press International. 1980. "Heiress may have been toxic shock victim." United Press International, November 23.
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I literally listen to y'all during my night shift, soooooo good and entertaining - stumbled upon the podcast

[@AintSkeerdNWO]

I was born at the Edna Gladney home on Rosedale street in Fort Worth TX. It wasn’t a good time for my mother. She had to sign a contract. My adopted parents had to pay money, for the housing, social workers, and of course the court fees. I met my birth mother later. It messed her up. But she had other issues in her life messing her up too. My daddy loved me. My adopted mother- maybe there was a reason why she couldn’t/shouldn’t have kids. But she was good to my daughter later on, so that was good.

[@queenramirez0807]

Great episode!!❤

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I luckily stumbled upon this episode tonight and subscribed more enthusiasticly than I have for a channel in quite a while. I just moved to a new area and have been really lonely without any friends here but listening to you guys made me feel as if I was hanging out with my best friends and not so alone in the world. you guys are great and I look forward to future episodes.💟

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[@AintSkeerdNWO]

Incidentally, city people- Kids begin riding horses at 4, or at the time they can walk. Competing in a class above your age is exceptional. I had horses from the time I was school age, though. And we weren’t rich, but we weren’t poor either. They are expensive- like a kid in college who never graduates.

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Love this!!!!!❤

[@alexr5566]

another great episode as always. love you both and appreciate the content you never fail to deliver 🙌🩷

[@__Twix]

Was Sharing Ear Pods with my friend, I loved it, And found This, The same podcast.

[@judyhenly8412]

I have read the book and saw the movie - both good! Was looking forward to listening to your podcast about this really interesting story…. But didnt make it past the middle of episode 1 before i got sick of you trying to see how many times you could say fuck instead of telling the story. People will enjoy the book and movie so much more than whatever you are trying to do

[@Nanci-Griffin]

If you would started this from Ann's position it would have been poor ann caught in a love triangle with the controlling rich lady and her damaged husband. I think your vilification is a little skew. The only real victim is the kid. Sounds like they were all horrible people.