In this August 5, 1931, photograph, investigators examine the crime scene on Shades Mountain where the girls were held captive for four hours. (Courtesy Birmingham News) The afternoon of August 4, 1931, seemed like the perfect time for three young Birmingham socialites to enjoy a drive along the crest of Shades Mountain. After attending a matinee downtown, Jennie Wood, 27, Augusta Williams, 23, and Augusta's younger sIster, Nell, 18, decided to take advantage of the pleasant weather and make that scenic drive.
Nell Williams was the sole survivor of the fateful excursion. According to her testimony, a young African American male jumped on the driver's side running board, pointed a gun at her, and forced her to drive down a deserted dirt road in the sparsely populated area. For the next four hours, the three young women were assaulted and then shot when they attempted an escape. Although she was shot in the arm, Nell managed to drive the car one-handed to a Mountain Brook residence after the assailant fled the scene.
Nell Williams was the sole survivor of the fateful excursion. According to her testimony, a young African American male jumped on the driver's side running board, pointed a gun at her, and forced her to drive down a deserted dirt road in the sparsely populated area. For the next four hours, the three young women were assaulted and then shot when they attempted an escape. Although she was shot in the arm, Nell managed to drive the car one-handed to a Mountain Brook residence after the assailant fled the scene.
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