The Greenbrier Ghost

Zona Heaster Shue was found dead in her home in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in January 1897. Her death was ruled natural. But her mother claimed Zona’s ghost visited her and revealed she had been murdered. The ghost’s testimony led to a conviction.

The Death

Zona was found dead by a young boy sent to check on her. Her husband, Edward Shue, was oddly possessive of the body. The local doctor ruled the death natural without a thorough examination.

The Ghost

Mary Jane Heaster, Zona’s mother, prayed to see her daughter again. According to her account, Zona’s ghost appeared on four consecutive nights, revealing that Edward had strangled her for not cooking meat for dinner.

The Investigation

Based on the ghost’s information, authorities exhumed Zona’s body. The autopsy revealed her neck had been broken. Edward Shue was arrested and charged with murder.

The Trial

Mary Jane testified about her daughter’s ghostly visits. The defense tried to discredit her, but the prosecution noted the ghost’s account matched the physical evidence. Edward Shue was convicted and died in prison.

Assessment

The Greenbrier Ghost is the only case in American history where a ghost’s testimony contributed to a murder conviction. Mary Jane Heaster swore her daughter visited her. The physical evidence proved the ghost right.