Southern Mysteries Classics The Cult of the Unknown Tongues

This Southern Mysteries Classic revisits a chilling historical true crime case from the Kentucky mountains. In February 1933, a church service ended with the death of 72-year-old Lucinda Mills. Nine of her relatives were jailed and accused of murder, while the national press labeled the case a human sacrifice. Decades later, the question remains: what really happened inside that cabin?
Join the Community on Patreon:
Want more Southern Mysteries? You can hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
🎧 Explore More Southern Mysteries
Visit SouthernMysteries.com for more episodes and source lists.
📱 Follow on Social Media:
Facebook: Southern Mysteries Podcast
Instagram: @southernmysteries
Email: [email protected]
Episode Sources
Laben T. Mills Obituary. Big Sandy News. July 31,1914
Lucinda Ward Mills. Find A Grave. [Lucinda’s age listed as 65 here but based off of census records she was believed to have been 72]
Burning of Body on Altar Halted by Inez Police. The Owensboro Inquirer. February 9, 1933
Cult Victim Held Willing Sacrifice. The Courier-Journal. February 10, 1933
Insanity Plea Planned in Cult Slaying Case. The Courier-Journal. February 11, 1933
Bare Details of ‘Sacrifice’ Death Scene. Indianpolis Times. February 11, 1933
Mills Held Without Bond for Slaying Mother in Cult ‘Sacrifice’. The Lexington Herald. February 12, 1933
Nine Relatives of Cult Victim Are Indicted. The Owensboro Messenger. April 5, 1933
Insanity Held Slaying Cause. The Courier-Journal. April 7, 1933
Two Relative Freed In Cult Slaying Trial. The Lexington Leader. April 9, 1933
Prosecutor Contends Slayers of Mrs Mills Cold Blooded Murderers. The Courier-Journal. April 10, 1933
Mills Kneeling on Mother’s Body Fought Deputies. The Owensboro Inquirer. April 11, 1933
Cult Case Goes to Jury. The Courier Journal. April 12, 1933
Cult Leader Is Given Life Term for Matricide. The Courier-Journal. April 12, 1933
Blaine McGinnis is Given Pardon. Lexington Herald-Leader. November 3, 1933
Odd Fellows Have Skeletons in Their Closets--and Their Walls and Attics. Los Angeles Times. April 2001.
Episode Music
Out of the Mines, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina.