Harold and Thelma Swain were pillars of the Black community in Waverly, Georgia, devoting their lives to service through Rising Daughter Baptist Church. But on the night of March 11, 1985, that sanctuary was shattered when a gunman walked into the church and murdered the beloved couple. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories traces the Swains’ lives, their leadership during the Jim Crow era and Civil Rights Movement, and the shocking night that turned a place of worship into a crime scene. This episode sets the emotional and historical foundation for a case that would haunt the community for decades. If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios 🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of…, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Crime House 24/7, and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social Instagram: @Crimehouse TikTok: @Crimehouse Facebook: @crimehousestudios YouTube: @crimehousestudios To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.