Winona Ola Freeman: A Detailed Account of Her Crimes
Early Life and Background
Winona Ola Freeman, born Winnie Ola Spriggs on October 21, 1900, in Blue Mountain, Arkansas, led a life marked by a series of criminal activities that spanned several decades. Her actions left a trail of tragedy across multiple states, earning her the moniker "The Cat Woman" due to her affinity for felines.
First Known Murders: 1924
In 1924, Freeman committed her initial known murders:
- August 17, 1924 – Little Rock, Arkansas: J.R. Green, her father-in-law, was shot to death.
- 1924 – Near Fisher, Oklahoma: Lena Green, her mother-in-law, was also shot and killed.
During this period, it was reported that Freeman plotted to murder her husband, Leroy P. Green, though this plan was never executed. She was arrested in October 1924 in Pueblo, Colorado, and later confessed to the murders of her in-laws. On January 19, 1925, she was convicted for the murder of J.R. Green and sentenced to life imprisonment on January 27, 1925.
Escapes and Further Criminal Activities
Freeman's criminal endeavors continued even while incarcerated:
- April 12, 1925: She escaped from the Pulaski County jail but was recaptured the following day in Memphis, Tennessee.
- June 15, 1926: Freeman escaped from a prison farm near Jacksonville, Arkansas. Despite initial searches, she remained at large for some time.
In June 1931, Arkansas Governor Harvey Parnell granted her an indefinite furlough due to health concerns, allowing her to enter a sanatorium in California. However, her criminal behavior persisted:
- November 18, 1935: She was arrested for check forgery, leading to the revocation of her furlough and her return to prison.
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