EPISODE · Jun 15, 2026 · 39 MIN
Southern Mysteries Classics The Cult of the Unknown Tongues
from Southern Mysteries Podcast · host Shannon Ballard
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.
Embed this episode
NOW PLAYING
Southern Mysteries Classics The Cult of the Unknown Tongues
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.