The Greenbrier Ghost Murder Mystery

The Greenbrier Ghost murder mystery is a unique case in American legal history where a ghost's testimony was reportedly used to convict a murderer. The incident occurred in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in 1897.

Background
Zona Heaster Shue (born Elva Zona Heaster) was a young woman who married Edward "Trout" Shue in October 1896.
Zona was found dead on January 23, 1897. Trout claimed she had collapsed and died suddenly. The local doctor initially recorded the cause of death as "everlasting faint" and later as complications from childbirth.

The Ghostly Visits
Mary Jane Heaster, Zona's mother, was immediately suspicious of Trout. She began praying for her daughter to reveal the truth. Mary Jane Heaster reported that Zona's ghost visited her on four consecutive nights. According to Mary Jane, the ghost of Zona appeared as a bright light that gradually took on the form of her daughter. The ghost was said to be sorrowful and spoke to Mary Jane, detailing how Trout had murdered her by strangling her and breaking her neck. The ghost reportedly provided specific details about the manner of her death. Zona’s ghost indicated that Trout had twisted her head around until her neck broke, which was later corroborated by the autopsy.

The Investigation
Spurred by Mary Jane’s accounts, the local prosecutor, John Alfred Preston, agreed to exhume Zona's body for an autopsy.
The autopsy, conducted on February 22, 1897, revealed that Zona's neck was indeed broken, and her windpipe was crushed. Bruising indicated that she had been strangled.

The Trial
Trout Shue was arrested and charged with Zona's murder. The trial began on June 22, 1897.
Mary Jane Heaster was a key witness for the prosecution. Although the defense tried to discredit her by highlighting the supernatural aspect of her testimony, Mary Jane remained consistent and detailed in her account.
The evidence from the autopsy, combined with Mary Jane’s testimony about the ghostly visits, convinced the jury of Trout’s guilt.
On July 11, 1897, the jury found Trout Shue guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to the West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville.

Edward "Trout" Shue never admitted to killing his wife, Zona Heaster Shue. The exact motive for the murder remains unclear, as Trout maintained his innocence throughout the trial and his subsequent imprisonment.

Speculated Motives

Previous Marriages:
Trout Shue had a history of troubled marriages. Before marrying Zona, he had been married twice. His first marriage ended in divorce due to his abusive behavior. His second wife died under mysterious circumstances, raising suspicions about his character and possible motives for violence.

Control and Temper:
Testimonies during the trial suggested that Trout had a violent temper and was controlling. It is speculated that an argument between the couple might have escalated, leading to Zona's death.

Infidelity Rumours:
There were rumours of infidelity on Trout’s part. Some speculate that conflicts arising from these rumours might have led to a fatal confrontation.

Trial and Denial
Throughout the investigation and trial, Trout Shue denied any involvement in Zona's death. He insisted that she had died of natural causes.

Despite his denial, the combination of Mary Jane Heaster’s ghostly testimony and the physical evidence from the autopsy convinced the jury of his guilt.
While the precise reason for the murder is not definitively known, the circumstances and Trout's history suggest a pattern of abusive behaviour and possible motives related to control and anger.

Legacy
Trout Shue died in prison on March 13, 1900.
The case is unique in U.S. legal history for its reliance on ghostly testimony, and it has since become a part of West Virginia folklore.

A historical marker near Zona's grave in Greenbrier County commemorates the case, highlighting its significance and the role that Mary Jane Heaster's story played in the conviction of her daughter's murderer.