98: Colonel Shy's Grave

On Christmas Eve 1977, a headless body dressed in what appeared to be a tuxedo was discovered sitting atop the grave of Confederate officer Colonel William Shy in Franklin, Tennessee. Investigators initially believed they were dealing with a recent homicide, but forensic anthropologist Dr. William Bass soon uncovered a startling truth. The bizarre case became one of Tennessee’s most famous forensic mysteries and is credited with helping inspire the creation of the University of Tennessee’s Body Farm. Local legend still claims Colonel Shy’s ghost can be seen watching over Shy’s Hill, where he fell in battle.