Sins of the South: A True Crime Case Collection To Advocate For

By Raven Rollins and Mandy McNeely

In their first non-fiction book, Professor of Psychology and Criminal Justice Mandy McNeely and Investigative Journalist and victim advocate Raven Rollins share an analysis of three of the coldest cases in Oklahoma from their investigations of them for their podcast, Sirens A Southern True Crime Podcast.

They take you to 2004 Maysville, Oklahoma, to look into the unsolved homicide of Sheila Deviney, who was burned alive in her own home.

They send you to 1995 Ada, Oklahoma, to dive into the case of Daniel Furr, a 15-year-old boy who ended up at the bottom of an abandoned brick quarry pit. Or did he?

Finally, they revisit 1994 Henryetta, Oklahoma, and the case of Shawna Jones, a single mother whose New Year's Eve celebration turned deadly.

 

Join them in their search for justice.

 

Debuted as a #1 New Release on Amazon's True Crime Charts in Sexual Assault.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Sirens Network
• Release date: Sep 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223874515

Book preview

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You won’t find authors who care more about honoring the memory of victims and assisting their families with getting answers… The coverage these women give to cold cases is thorough, respectful, and informative. Any family would be lucky to have them on their side while searching for answers about the deaths of their loved ones. – J.L. Hyde, Best Selling author of Delta County & Secrets of Grady

A page-turner! The authors' experience with countless cases gives them a unique understanding of the range and depth of loss behind the headlines. They present these stories with short segments, clips, different speakers, and sources, making it impossible to put down. A rare and riveting read. -Joe Johnston, historical and true crime author. Also created the Happy Meal, so that's pretty cool.

Wonderful read! Very emotionally moving! … If you're a fan of true crime, this is definitely a must-read! – Goodreads Review

Disclaimer

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This book can be read as a stand-alone book, however, all of the cases we have written about here also have their very own podcast episode on our show, Sirens | A Southern True Crime Podcast. This book includes transcripts from Sirens | A Southern True Crime Podcast, transcripts of interviews conducted by the Devineys private investigator, David Ballard, transcripts of interviews conducted by Chelsea Phelps, as well as research, emails, text messages, and other interviews within the casework.

The cases in this book are not closed cases and many of the documents, records, and interviews done by police or the Sirens Team cannot be fully released to the public. Therefore, a lot of names of those involved have been changed or shortened to initials, while some names or statements have been left out completely for the safety of the source and to maintain the integrity of a possible new investigation in each of these cases.

Proceeds of this book go to The Sirens Network Case Fund to maintain the ability to continue investigations into cases like those included in this book. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the forgotten and allow victims’ families to continue to tell their stories with the hope that they may someday see justice. Some of the proceeds will be used to send our books to Oklahoma prison libraries to push for information within them. You, too, can donate your physical copy once you are done with it. The Families included in this book earn all profits from it at certain seller locations. Please check our website for those locations if you would like to support them directly.

THIS BOOK CONTAINS GRAPHIC DETAILS. TRIGGER WARNING. This isn't an Aurora Teagarden Murder Mystery. It is real life and every single detail matters in solving a case. While we strive to keep victims' dignity intact, we also believe transparency in these cases is essential to possibly solving them. However, if you have triggers, please be aware of the following before you read - sexual assault, strangulation, domestic violence, child abuse, arson, abduction, autopsy talk including decomposition & etymology - reader discretion is advised. The suggested reader age is 16+ years.

Every person in this book who has not been convicted of a crime (or crime they are suspected of) is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright © 2023 by Raven Rollins and The Sirens Network

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties concerning, the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional when appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, personal, or other damages.

Book Cover, Interior Formatting by Raven Rollins

Illustrations provided by Britannica

Third Edition 2024

Contents

FORWARD

by Chris Williamson

INTRODUCTION

Oklahoma

1.PART ONE

1. Daniel Furr

2.ONE

2. Ada

3.TWO

3. At The Heart of Him

4.THREE

4. The Year Prior

5.FOUR

5. The Sightings

6.FIVE

6. The Body

7.SIX

7. The Autopsy

8.SEVEN

8. A Positive I.D.

9.EIGHT

9. Eight Years Later

10.PART TWO

10. Sheila Deviney

11.NINE

11. Maysville

12.TEN

12. A Golden Child

13.ELEVEN

13. Moving On

14.TWELVE

14. Closer To Peace

15.THIRTEEN

15. Ice & Ash

16.FOURTEEN

16. The Walkthrough

17.FIFTEEN

17. Evidence

18.SIXTEEN

18. Demolition Man

19.SEVENTEEN

19. Intimidation

20.PART THREE

20. Shawna Jones

21.EIGHTEEN

21. Henryetta

22.NINETEEN

22. A Unicorn

23.TWENTY

23. Last Christmas

24.TWENTY ONE

24. A Miracle Is Born

25.TWENTY TWO

25. The First Assault

26.TWENTY THREE

26. New Year's Eve

27.TWENTY FOUR

27. The Second Assault

28.TWENTY FIVE

28. Bad News

29.TWENTY SIX

29. Strangulation 101

30.TWENTY SEVEN

30. Suspects

31.TWENTY EIGHT

31. Aftermath

Afterword

32.BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

OTHER WORKS

33.SOURCES

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FORWARD

by Chris Williamson

I've gotta admit, this is an undertaking for me.

But the ask came from Raven Rollins, who I happen to have a helluva lot of respect for. I’ve been following Raven, Mandy, and The Sirens Network for some time. In fact, when we started working on our Zodiac series for Vanished, I knew from the gate who I wanted to advise and participate in that show.

Make no mistake, you’re getting the very best here. The work and effort that Mandy and Raven have put into the following three stories is second to none. Daniel Furr, Shelia Deviney, and Shawna Jones are horrific cases - there’s no way around it. What you’re about to read should serve as a masterclass for anyone that wants to dive into this genre with respect, empathy, and a burning desire to make a change. Raven and Mandy are amazing podcasters, advocates, and above all, women. I’m honored to know them.

In the darkest corners of human existence, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, lie stories that send shivers down our spines and challenge our understanding of the human psyche. True crime stories have an uncanny ability to captivate us, drawing us into the minds of both the victims and perpetrators, and revealing the complex interplay of motives, emotions, and circumstances that lead to unthinkable acts. Sins of the South delves deep into the abyss of human nature, offering a gripping exploration of three haunting cases that have etched themselves into the annals of criminal history.

As we embark on this journey, the curtain will be lifted on crimes that defy comprehension. These stories are not merely retellings of shocking events; they are an examination of the human condition under the most extreme circumstances. Each case selected for this book serves as a microcosm of a larger societal issue, revealing the cracks in our façade of civilization, the fragility of morality, and the depths to which desperation can drive even the most ordinary individuals.

Sins of the South is not for the faint of heart. It is a plunge into the depths of depravity and an exploration of the chilling underbelly of human existence. Yet, it is also an opportunity to confront the harsh realities that surround us - to reflect on the fragility of our assumptions about safety and the masks we wear to hide our own shadows. In studying these cases, we hold a mirror to society and challenge ourselves to acknowledge the monsters that may lurk within, however dormant they may be.

As we navigate these gripping narratives, remember that true crime stories are not just macabre entertainment; they serve as cautionary tales, teaching us to be vigilant, empathetic, and aware of the world around us. In the end, Raven and Mandy remind us that the pursuit of justice is a collective responsibility and that by shedding light on the darkest corners of human behavior, we can inch closer to understanding, prevention, and healing. And that, my friends, is what Raven and Mandy are all about.

So dear reader, prepare yourself as we venture into the chilling pages that follow. Brace for the twists, turns, shocks, and revelations that will undoubtedly play a large role in what you’re about to experience. As you immerse yourself in the stories and conversations that lie ahead, may you find solace in the fact that by confronting the darkness, we can better appreciate the light that illuminates our path.

Step forward and let the Sins of the South be exposed by the hardest workers in the room. Sirens, you’re up. Let’s get to work.

- Chris Williamson, Host of Vanished Podcast, Chasing Earhart Podcast, & Me & My Friends Podcast. Author of 'Take the Money and Run: the Vanishing of D. B. Cooper,' and 'Rabbit Hole: The Vanishing of Amelia Earhart & Fred Noonan.'

INTRODUCTION

Oklahoma

There has always been something about the wide-open spaces in the Oklahoma countryside and the way it takes us back to more innocent days - ones where life seemed safer, where there was no social media, where no one locked their doors, where we sang songs of the New Kids on the Block while riding our bikes alone down our neighborhood streets, and we didn’t worry about monsters lurking in the night. The world was much easier then - or so we thought. Now, as adults, we think the lack of social media may have shielded us all in some way. We wonder if it kept our innocence not knowing of the dangers just around the corner. Would we have been so carefree if we knew then what we know now? Does a small town protect us like we used to believe? Bad things only happen in big cities, right?

We remember our lives and our hometowns with nostalgia, while friends and family of victims remember what was taken from them. In this book, we dive into each case - and their small Oklahoma towns - with our investigations into them, along with transcripts from our podcast, Sirens, in which we have interviewed loved ones of the deceased: Miracle, Susan, David, Gale, and Chelsea. It is never easy to be a survivor, but the family stories within these pages prove that even the most unlikely can not only survive but learn to wear their trauma as armor to battle against all odds and fight for justice to be served. Daniel Furr, Shawna Jones, and Sheila Deviney now sit close to our hearts, as do the warriors that their untimely demise has created. This book is a testament that their place in history, their stories - and all of the beautiful human beings in it - will never be forgotten.

Oklahoma is known for its cowboy culture, Native American history, open land, and breathtaking sunsets. Small rural towns and country life is not foreign to anyone living here. According to the 2022 Census Bureau, there are 57.7 people per square mile in Oklahoma with land per square mile at 68,596.53 (2022) Compare that to New York’s Census in 2022, which was 428.7 people per square mile with land at 47,123.59 per square mile (2022), which is a lot of land uninhabited and spreads most towns miles apart. Oklahoma, or The Sooner State as many like to call it, is known for Friday night lights and slower-paced living. The land within it has vast grassy rolling hills, rocky mountainous areas, open plains littered with hay bales, and thickly wooded areas alike. It is the epitome of The Heartlands, with cattle and horse herds roaming large plots of land, crops of corn and wheat, and abundant wildlife like whitetail deer, raccoons, bobcats, and opossums. At any given time you can come here and visit one of over 100 casinos on tribal land, spend a day at your pick of 200 lakes, or catch the OU/OSU football games that this state loves dearly. The people are friendly and a good samaritan is always willing to help those in need. The weather here can be something of a Meteorologist’s dream (or nightmare) as every day can turn from serene to extreme in a matter of seconds. In the fall, the leaves turn stunning reds, oranges, and browns. Fog rolls in, the air turns crisp, and smoke from firepits fills the air. In summer, there is greenery as far as the eye can see with giant Oak and Pine trees. Beautiful colors of wildflowers paint the landscape, making the outdoors perfect for fishing, riding horseback trails, or camping out. Oklahoma - and especially its small towns with their picturesque feel - has a way of drawing you in that forever etches in your soul.

I'm not afraid of werewolves or vampires or haunted hotels, I'm afraid of what real human beings do to other real human beings. ~Walter Jon Williams

PART ONE

Daniel Furr

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The most beautiful people I've known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

ONE

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Ada

Ada, Oklahoma is located twelve miles south of the Canadian River on U.S. Highway 377 and is Raven’s hometown, born and raised. If you aren’t paying attention on the highway, you might drive right by it. The town, dubbed Dagg’s Prairie and Reed’s Store in the early days, became Ada when a post office was established and the town was named for the daughter of the first postmaster, William J. Reed, who built a log store there in 1889.

In 1900, the railroad was laying tracks through the middle of town and the new community was off and running. It established a thriving business district downtown surrounded by residential neighborhoods. Fine silica sand and limestone quarries nearby provided the raw materials for glass and cement industries, and clay from Ada was the first clay used to create Frankoma pottery. In 1909, the bustling new town would be home to a state college, East Central University. Ada, even in the early days, showed a remarkable ability to adapt. Cotton was king in early Ada. On days when cotton went to market, the streets of Ada looked like snow had hit from all the loose cotton blowing around town. Later, oil was discovered in the Fitts Field, now called Oil Center, just outside of Ada bringing a renewed vitality to the area.

The population in 2020 was 16,481 with 15.8 square miles. It was established as a town years before Oklahoma even became a state. Ada is a quaint little town that is always trying to expand but is most known for its small-town life where everyone knows their neighbors, preachers, grocery store clerks, and their children’s teachers and peers. It is the hometown of county superstar Blake Shelton and Taylor Dye of ‘Maddie and Tae." The Sirens Podcast has covered over 18 listening hours of criminal cases from Ada, a lot of which are unsolved. With a crime rate of 31 per 1,000 residents, Ada has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the largest cities. Violent crime in Ada occurs at a rate higher than in most communities in America. The chance that a person will become a victim of a violent crime in Ada; such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder; is 1 in 285. This equates to a rate of 4 per 1,000 inhabitants. One's chance of becoming a victim of property crime here is one in 32. More than 85% of communities in Oklahoma have a lower crime rate than Ada. The crime rate in 2020 was higher than in 92.3% of U.S. cities. It seems to have an average of at least 1 murder a year, 20 rapes per year, and 100 assaults. Ada is the keeper of many secrets and mysteries, some of which will never be known.

Raven created Sirens: A Southern True Crime Podcast (aka The Sirens Podcast) in October of 2019 and she already knew she wanted to start with cases from her hometown. Ada. Raven grew up in the Ada area, the last baby born in the 'old hospital' and the first to inhabit the Labor and Delivery ward of the new Valley View Regional Hospital. She lived just outside of Ada in the small community of Byng, where she attended school for most of her educational life, with a brief stint in Konawa, Oklahoma in middle school. She enjoyed country life – horses, open spaces, small classrooms, close-knit community. It wasn't until 2016 when her husband took a job in EMS when she and her husband, Rick, moved to Tulsa to integrate into city life. Over her career, she studied as an EMT, worked as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher, surgical assistant, legal assistant, and legal researcher, and took courses in private investigations and journalism. She was working as a home health aide for a paraplegic woman who was obsessed with true crime when tragedy struck. her cousin was gunned down outside of his own home back in Ada.

She told her husband that night what had happened and they discussed it along with the tragedy in Rick's own life – his cousin was also murdered back in 2010. This brought up a lot of feelings for Raven. She wanted to somehow tell his story and she knew there had to be others who lost loved ones who felt the same. Raven and Rick used to moonlight at bars as musicians, so she already had a bunch of sound equipment for