A Dance Teacher's Tragic End: The Unsolved Murder of Carmell Clarke Harrell

A Passionate Life Dedicated to Dance

Born and raised in England, Carmell Clarke Harrell developed a love for dance at the tender age of eight. Her dedication led her to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance and perform with professional ballet companies in London. Following in her mother's footsteps, Carmell transitioned into teaching, sharing her passion for ballet and various dance styles with students. In the 1950s, she married Frank Colvin Harrell, a native of Hayneville, Alabama, and relocated to the United States. Together, they settled in Hayneville and raised two children. Carmell continued her teaching career by establishing a dance studio in Selma, where she instructed students for over three decades. The Harrell family also operated several successful businesses in Hayneville, including a dress shop and a grocery store, becoming well-respected members of the community.

A Shocking Discovery

On the morning of September 15, 1985, the small town of Hayneville was shaken by a tragic event. Carmell's son, Robert, who lived next door with his wife, noticed that his mother had not opened the family grocery store as she routinely did. Concerned, he went to check on her and discovered her lifeless body on the bedroom floor. The Lowndes County Coroner, Willie McGhee, determined that Carmell had been murdered at least 12 hours prior to being found. She had suffered one or two blows to the head with a heavy, blunt object and was found nude, suggesting a possible sexual assault. It was believed that the attack occurred after Carmell had brought home the day's receipts from the store. ...Read More

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