Uncovering Forgotten Women in True Crime History: The Case of Mary Phagan

On April 26, 1913, in Atlanta, Georgia, 13-year-old Mary Phagan was brutally murdered, a crime that would ignite a firestorm of controversy, racial tensions, and legal battles. While the case is often remembered for the conviction and subsequent lynching of Leo Frank, the Jewish factory superintendent, Mary Phagan’s own story has been overshadowed. This post delves into her life, the events leading up to her tragic death, and the complex web of suspects and arrests that followed.

Mary Phagan: The Victim

Mary Phagan was a bright, industrious young girl working at the National Pencil Company in Atlanta. Born in 1900, she lived with her family in a modest home and had dreams of a better life. On the fateful day of her death, Mary went to the factory to collect her weekly pay. She was last seen alive by Leo Frank, the factory’s superintendent, who was the last person to acknowledge seeing her.

Her body was discovered in the factory’s basement by Newt Lee, the night watchman. She had been brutally assaulted and strangled with a piece of cord. The discovery of her body set off a chain of events that would captivate the nation.

The Investigation and Arrests

The initial investigation led to the arrest of several individuals:

• Newt Lee: The African American night watchman who discovered Phagan’s body. He was arrested based on the discovery of the body and his presence at the scene.
• Arthur Mullinax: A streetcar conductor who was seen with Phagan the night before her death. He was arrested but later released after providing an alibi.
• John Gantt: A former bookkeeper at the factory. He was arrested but released after it was determined he had no involvement.
• Gordon Bailey: An elevator operator at the factory. He was arrested but released after questioning.
• Jim Conley: The factory’s janitor. Initially not a suspect, Conley came under suspicion after inconsistencies in his statements and behavior. He was arrested on May 1, 1913, after being seen washing a shirt with what appeared to be bloodstains. Conley eventually became the state’s key witness, testifying that Frank had confessed to the murder and had him help dispose of the body. However, his testimony was inconsistent and contradicted by other evidence.

Leo Frank: The Superintendent

Leo Frank, a 29-year-old Jewish man from Brooklyn, New York, had been the superintendent of the National Pencil Company for several years. He was known to be a meticulous and somewhat aloof individual. Frank’s involvement in the case began when he was questioned by police. His nervous demeanor and conflicting statements raised suspicions.

On April 27, 1913, Frank was arrested for the murder of Mary Phagan. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of Jim Conley, who claimed Frank had confessed to the crime. The defense argued that Conley was the actual murderer and that Frank had been framed.

The Trial and Conviction

The trial of Leo Frank began on July 28, 1913, in Fulton County Superior Court. The prosecution presented Conley’s testimony as the centerpiece of their case. The defense challenged Conley’s credibility and presented evidence that suggested Frank was innocent.

Despite the defense’s efforts, the jury convicted Leo Frank on August 25, 1913. He was sentenced to death by hanging. The case became a national sensation, drawing attention to issues of anti-Semitism, racial tensions, and the justice system.

Aftermath and Lynching

In 1915, after several failed appeals, Georgia Governor John M. Slaton commuted Frank’s sentence to life imprisonment, citing concerns about the fairness of the trial. This decision sparked outrage among many, leading to the formation of a vigilante group known as the “Knights of Mary Phagan.” On August 17, 1915, Frank was abducted from prison and lynched by the group in Marietta, Georgia.

The lynching of Leo Frank remains one of the most controversial events in Georgia’s history, highlighting the deep-seated issues of racism, anti-Semitism, and mob justice.