A scandalous 1929 murder, 'River Roots' celebration: Today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Amber Hunt, Cincinnati Enquirer
Murder victim Theora Hix, 24, and her killer, renowned Ohio State University professor James Snook, are pictured In this June 17, 1929, edition of the Urbana Daily Citizen. The coed and professor had a three-year affair in one of Ohio's most salacious 20th century trials.
Murder victim Theora Hix, 24, and her killer, renowned Ohio State University professor James Snook, are pictured In this June 17, 1929, edition of the Urbana Daily Citizen. The coed and professor had a three-year affair in one of Ohio's most salacious 20th century trials.

Hello, readers! Investigative reporter Amber Hunt here.

One of my favorite parts of being a journalist is digging up important documents to read and, if I’m extra lucky, even hold them in my hands. That’s what I got to do while revisiting the case at the center of today’s Queen City Crime, a column detailing historic crimes with ties to Cincinnati.

The 1929 Columbus murder of Theora Hix made national headlines back in the day, as did the trial against her killer, Ohio State University professor James Snook, later that year. The case was so scandalous newspapers didn’t dare reprint the testimony. Public interest, though, was high, so an enterprising court stenographer turned the transcripts into a tawdry booklet sold on street corners – one copy of which is housed at the University of Cincinnati’s Archives and Rare Books Library.

Without those booklets, we wouldn’t know the full scope of one of the most scintillating criminal cases in Ohio history.

Click or tap here to learn more.

What else you need to know Wednesday, May 1

🌤️ Weather:High of 82. Mostly sunny.

🇺🇸 America's 250th birthday to be celebrated in Cincinnati with 'River Roots' celebration.

⚾ Legend of Reds SS Elly De La Cruz moves at 106.9-mph – or so it seemed.

🍽️ These smoky shish kebabs in Hyde Park are so friggin' good.

☎ Just Askin': How many pay phones are left in Ohio?

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Today's Top Stories

A source told The Enquirer the America's River Roots festival next year will feature riverboat cruises – just like Tall Stacks once did.
A source told The Enquirer the America's River Roots festival next year will feature riverboat cruises – just like Tall Stacks once did.

• Source: New America's River Roots Festival will feature Tall Stacks-like riverboat cruises

Northern Kentucky University is the first university in Kentucky to offer a degree program in artificial intelligence.
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• Northern Kentucky University: New minor in artificial intelligence is first in the state

Chad Doerman appeared in Clermont County Common Pleas Court Monday on charges that he murdered his three sons in June.
Chad Doerman appeared in Clermont County Common Pleas Court Monday on charges that he murdered his three sons in June.

• 'Chad knows what's right:' Document says father carried Bible, mumbled before killing sons

Diagnosed with ALS in May 2023, Ron Russo spent 30 years coaching cross country and track in Cincinnati. His athletes, former teammates share stories.
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• 'I owe all of my success to him.' Legendary coach Ron Russo beloved by former runners

The Southwest Ohio Baseball Coaches Association released its fifth weekly poll.
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• SWOBCA's fifth weekly poll again sees Moeller, Badin and Cincinnati Christian at top

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: A scandalous 1929 murder, 'River Roots' celebration | Daily Briefing

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