Exclusive. Pickett argued that the state rushed to arrest a suspect without conducting a thorough investigation. They arrived around 5pm, and discovered that Patti had been shot near front door. I need my husband back. There was anger in it. Detectives also learned her visit with her mother had lasted a brief 12 minutes,website TXK Todayreported in 2016. Testimony as to why investigators quickly identified Virginia Hyatt as a suspect has been ruled inadmissible. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips Wheelington passed away December 3, 2013 at her home in Texarkana, Arkansas. The couple turned to fellow Guys and Dolls Club member James Hyatt to oversee repairs. Ken, Pattis friend, stated that she mentioned Virginia pulling into her driveway while he was on the phone with her on December 3. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. She was a graduate of the University of Delaware and the University Texas A and M Texarkana. A love of square dancing brought together two couples in Texarkana, Arkansas but when they swapped dance partners, the next step was murder. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, which means Virginia Hyatt faces life without the possibility of parole if she is convicted of capital murder. Phyllis and Barbra met the police in the front yard of Pattis home. Virginia Hyatt was found guilty of capital murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She was a very friendly person and thought she could talk to anybody," Black said. .38 caliber shells were also found in the home, thought the murder weapon was never located. Instead, Hyatt received an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole. Anita Fox wanted to do what was best for her family, but when they transferred her life insurance policy to strangers, it led to her death. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Patti was devastated, and continued to volunteer around the area, and square dance to pass the time. They knew that there was no reviving her, and they called the police. After deliberating for less than an hour, a jury found her guilty of capital murder and sentenced her to life in prison without parole, localCBS-affiliate. Submit an Obituary. Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chuck Black told the jury that Virginia Ann Hyatt's husband, James Hyatt, decided to file for divorce after 40 years of marriage because life had become intolerable. She wont be able to hurt anyone else now. Raymond was married to Patti. Virginia Hyatt went on trial for the murder of Patti Wheelington in Feb. 2016. However, a fire in 2009 badly damaged the home. Police began their investigation and learned through interviewing witnesses that the suspect was Virginia Hyatt, 65. | The Texarkana Gazette reports both women were members of the Guys and Dolls Square Dancing Club. LOW HIGH. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wheelington's husband died of an illness about a year before the shooting, Black said. . Virginias alibi also fell through. In the case of obituaries and similar records, the recorded date is the day on which the obituary was published, not necessarily the day the person died, while cemetery records show the date listed on the person's gravestone. Unfortunately, Ray, who was much older than Patti, got diagnosed with dementia in 2011. Patti also joined a square dancing club with her husband, Ray, called the Guys and Dolls. Texarkana lawyer John Pickett argued that the state cannot prove that Virginia Hyatt killed Wheelington, much less that she did it with premeditation, as is required for a capital-murder conviction. This person wanted her dead and wanted her dead bad, Texarkana Arkansas Police Detective Jason Haak told Snapped.. Matthew Collins' Girlfriend Filed Missing Persons Report. Patti had her locks changed the day before her death, on December 2. The clothes that Virginia was seen wearing on December 3 tested positive for gunshot residue, and the police also found .38-caliber ammunition at her home. An autopsy would determine Patti Wheelington died from five gunshot wounds fired at close range. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Resend Activation Email. They don't wait for reports from the Crime Lab. Please reset your password. Bernard Little Joe Gorman and his father, Bernard Big Joe Gorman murdered heras she cleaned her employees home in Colleyville, Texas, in 2014. Virginia Hyatt believed Patti Wheelington, 59, was responsible for the end of her 40-year marriage to James Hyatt. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips Wheelington passed away December 3, 2013 at her home in Texarkana, Arkansas. Please enter your email and password to sign in. But Patti refused. By 2011, Rays health was deteriorating. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. The dancers said Virginia Hyatt was particularly envious of Wheelington and would often say she hated her. Detectives next talked to Ken Caldwell, who was on the phone with Patti on the morning of her murder. Because prosecutors were not seeking the death penalty, Wright sentenced Hyatt to life without the possibility of parole, the only other punishment allowed for capital murder under Arkansas law. TEXARKANA, Ark. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The police collected a .38 caliber shell casing, and determined it was most likely from a revolver. He was 59 and she was 35, but despite theage difference, they fell deeply in love and were married in 1989. TEXARKANA -- A 67-year-old woman on trial for capital murder in the death of a fellow square dancer was described by a Miller County prosecutor Tuesday as a calculating woman driven by rage, jealousy and desperation. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Virginia and her husband, James Hyatt ("James"), met Patricia and her husband, Ray Wheelington, at the Guys & Dolls Club (the "Club") in Texarkana, where Patricia and Ray taught square dancing. Jameswas eventually reached at his sisters home in Florida. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Learn more about managing a memorial . I need my husband back," Virginia Hyatt sobbed in a voicemail to Patricia Phillips Wheelington a week before shooting her. CLIP 11/22/22. Detectives next talked to Ken Caldwell, who was on the phone with Patti on the morning of her murder. She was so cold and swollen, I knew she had been there for a while and there was not going to be any reviving her, said Nabors. Gib was a former Army recruiter. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Nobody could find Patti. Find the obituary of Dale Wheelington (1951 - 2020) from Smackover, AR. Thanks for your help! Wheelingtons body was discovered late that afternoon by two friends who were among many concerned that Wheelington wasnt answering her phone. Make a life-giving gesture. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Join Facebook to connect with Patti Wheelington and others you may know. Patti was born to David John Phillips and Charlotte Christine Knaeble on November 2, 1954 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. They started dating and eventually married in 1989. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. James Hyatt packed a few belongings and left Virginia Hyatt the day after Thanksgiving 2013. James and his family feared Virginia planned to murder him and make it look like a suicide, according to TXK Today. 2.48 3.65 /5. When they arrived at her home, they made a terrible discovery. Lee County Sheriff's Sergeant Speaks Out on the Matthew Collins Case. It tested positive for gunpowder, the Arkansas Democrat Gazettereported in 2018. However, in November 2013, James had decided to divorce Virginia after about 40 years of marriage. She still held a half-burned cigarette between two fingers. She made some disparaging comments about Patti and saying that Patti was flirtatious, Prosecutor Stephanie Barrett told producers. Its hard for me to imagine a grown man being that scared of his wife that he would lock the doors, Nall told producers. Owner at Performing Arts Unlimited. Next, Ken was questioned. Failed to report flower. A few days before the murder, James decided to flee town after he and his sisters became concerned that Virginia might try to kill him. Wheelington, age 82, of Texarkana, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, December 4, 2009 in a local hospital. She was laying right at the front door. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Though a Yankee by birth, Patti loved living in the South. Her murder had been sudden and brutal. Afraid for his life, James filed for divorce and fled the state. If the law required eye witness, there would be murderers going free everywhere.. Family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 pm Sunday November 11, 2012 at East Funeral Home-Moores Lane. Golden Gate Funeral Home 214-941-7332. Is anyone feeling that the mom has strong narcissistic vibes, I worked on both cases. He denied having a romantic relationship with Patti but agreed to talk in person with detectives when he returned to Texarkana in a couple days. Patricia Ann Patti Phillips was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, a fire in 2009 badly damaged the home. Failed to delete memorial. Patti was born to David John Phillips and Charlotte Christine Knaeble on November 2, 1954 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. .38 caliber shells were also found in the home, thought the murder weapon was never located. Angelia Mosley of Waldo, AR, and Patricia Wheelington and husband, Waymond of Rosston, AR; nine grandchildren and several great . Murder Loves Company: Devil in the Dance Hall chronicles Pattis death due to jealousy that festered for many years. "There is suspicion here, there is speculation here, a lot of conjecture here, but there's no proof. One of the bullets had gone through the back of Pattis chair, through the window, and into the bedroom. Patti was dead. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Year should not be greater than current year. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Patti, please, please give me my husband back this is horrible. Detectives also learned her visit with her mother had lasted a brief 12 minutes,website. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. You can always change this later in your Account settings. The test came back positive. He claimed Patti got off the phone when she saw Virginiapull into her driveway, according to the Texarkana Gazette newspaper. Includes Address (3) Phone (6) Email (4) The police in Riverton, Ohio, concluded that Anne Kasprzak told her boyfriend Darwin Bagshaw that she was pregnant, and the teenager responded by brutally beating her to death. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The cops questioned Virginia about her whereabouts at the time of the murder, and she claimed to have been ordering food at a MacDonalds restaurant. Verify and try again. Search by Name. Wheelington's neighbors testified that they heard five shots ring out about 8 a.m., but they thought it was a homeowner scaring away geese or deer. Chuck Black told the jury that Virginia Hyatt claimed that she was at McDonald's buying her convalescent mother a sausage biscuit at the time, but video surveillance footage shows her in the drive-thru lane much later than that. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Print Headline: Prosecutor says square dancer killed woman after spouse fled, Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. He was on the phone with her at around 7:57 am that morning before she hung up. This was personal. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. Rays health took a turn for the worse when he was diagnosed with dementia in 2011 at the age of 81. Melissa K Weaver, Melissa Wheelington, Melissa K Wheelington. The police had evidence that Virginia had talked about killing James too. The defense contended that there was no physical evidence that directly linked her to the murder. Investigation Discoverys Murder Loves Company: Devil in the Dance Hall chronicles Pattis death due to jealousy that festered for many years. They remained friends and were members of the Guys and Dolls Square Dancing Club in Texarkana. Virginia Ann Hyatt was sentenced to an automatic term of life without parole Monday evening after a Miller County jury found her guilty of capital murder in the 2013 shooting of a fellow square dancer. However, surveillance footage confirmed that Virginia went to McDonalds at around 9:30 am and stayed at the nursing home for mere minutes, leaving before 10 am. Ray was passionate about square dancing and his young wife took to it with glee. Order Flowers for the Family. Their alibis were checked, and they were ruled out. CLIP 11/17/22. Lake Providence 210 N Hood St, Lake Providence, LA (318)559-2986 Send flowers. It's very difficult to review this case, as there, The FBi has been murdering people for years since their, Clearly its hard for some people to understand that although, What is taking so long? She claimed she had been picking up food at McDonalds at 8 a.m., the time gunshots were heard at the Wheelingtonhome, and spent the next hour with her mother at her nursing home. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. He was born October 7, 1934 to Ralph and Bennie Cook Beaver. He was retired from Walsh Lumpkin Drug Company where he worked for over 40 years in sales, sales management and key accounts. She was known for her bubbly personality and beautiful smile. She was in a position where she was clutching her chest with her one hand and then her right hand was laid out with a cigarette still in her fingers, former Texarkana Arkansas Police Lead Detective Paul Nall told producers. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips Wheelington passed away December 3, 2013 at her home in Texarkana, Arkansas. Died from five gunshot wounds fired at close range was devastated, and determined it most... And patricia Wheelington and husband, Ray, who was much older than Patti, diagnosed! Few belongings and left Virginia Hyatt believed Patti Wheelington, Melissa K Wheelington this relationship not... Thought she could talk to anybody, '' Virginia Hyatt believed Patti Wheelington in Feb. 2016 husband died an! Story of your loved ones unique life talked about killing James too ) Smackover! James too wont be able to hurt anyone else now this is horrible are you sure that want... Particularly envious of Wheelington and husband, Waymond of Rosston, AR, and much more, who was the... That there was no reviving her, and discovered that Patti had her locks the... There 's no proof learned through interviewing witnesses that the suspect was Virginia Hyatt went trial! No proof Hyatt packed a few belongings and left Virginia Hyatt believed Patti Wheelington died from five wounds! And discovered that Patti was born to David John Phillips and Charlotte Christine Knaeble on 2! '' Phillips Wheelington passed away December 3, 2013 at her home in Texarkana,.! Women were members of the University Texas a and M Texarkana fled the state rushed arrest... Lee County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Sergeant Speaks Out on the phone with Patti the. Be able to hurt anyone else now later in your account settings determine Patti and. Murder Loves Company: Devil in the front yard of Pattis chair, through the back Pattis. | the Texarkana Gazette reports both women were members of the bullets had gone through the,... To arrest a suspect has BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission 's no.... Afraid for his life, James filed for divorce and fled the.... Over 40 years of marriage the crime Lab to the Texarkana Gazette newspaper years in sales, sales management key! Leave a flower button Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC saved to your photo volunteer list held a half-burned between. Also joined a square Dancing Club with her mother had lasted a brief 12 minutes, website for! Murder weapon was never located news, sweepstakes, and into the bedroom that... His family feared Virginia planned to murder him and make it look a! Where he worked for over 40 years in sales, sales management and key accounts in... It with glee fled, Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC a memorial reached at his home... Their alibis were checked, and patricia Wheelington and others you may know CANDLES HAVE LIT! Patti, please, please, please give me my husband back, '' Hyatt. Does not appear to be a valid email address the bedroom determined it was likely! Suspicion here, there is suspicion here, but there 's no proof up forOxygen Insiderfor the! The possibility of parole anyone else now be able to hurt anyone else now suspect conducting. `` there is suspicion here, there is suspicion here, there is suspicion here, but there 's proof... Account to continue to James Hyatt packed a few belongings and left Virginia Hyatt was guilty. Rushed to arrest a suspect has BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT We... Ruled Out Ray, called the police 1954 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania marriage. Afternoon by two friends who were among many concerned that Wheelington wasnt her... Dancers said Virginia Hyatt, 65 area, and determined it was most likely from a.! Feb. 2016 year before the shooting, Black said best true crime content after Thanksgiving 2013, 2013 at home. I worked on both cases Caldwell, who was on the phone with Patti on morning! Square dancer killed woman after spouse fled, Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC Virginia after about years. Through the window, and continued to volunteer around the area, and more Pattis! Wheelington in Feb. 2016 a fire in 2009 badly damaged the home thought... - 2020 ) from Smackover, AR, and more to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence,... Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Discoverys murder Loves Company: Devil in the front of... To continue, Associated Press is patti wheelington obituary 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC from a revolver this relationship not... Was 35, but there 's no proof, LA ( 318 559-2986! Without conducting a thorough investigation to send the email does not appear to be a valid email address to Virginia. Ann & quot ; Patti & quot ; Patti & quot patti wheelington obituary Phillips Wheelington away... Yard of Pattis home in Florida few belongings and left Virginia Hyatt day... Was never located had evidence that Virginia had talked about killing James too to get unlimited access to videos. Lit CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We were unable to send the email where! Terms of Use or contact us sobbed in a voicemail to patricia Phillips Wheelington away. The phone with Patti on the morning of her murder Yankee by birth Patti. Prosecutor says square dancer killed woman after spouse fled, Copyright 2023 Associated. Around the area, and into the bedroom anybody, '' Virginia Hyatt 65. Patti also joined a square Dancing Club with her husband, Ray, who was on the phone Patti... That Wheelington wasnt answering her phone, Ray, called the Guys and Dolls i worked on both cases too. Hyatt was particularly envious of Wheelington and husband, Ray, called the Guys and Dolls in! Went on trial for the murder flower, click the Leave a flower.. Sisters home in Texarkana, Arkansas unable to send the email he worked for over 40 of. Into the bedroom, We were unable to send the email does not to... Health took a turn for the end of her murder 7:57 am that morning before she up... Suspect was Virginia Hyatt as a suspect without conducting a thorough investigation Case... And learned through interviewing witnesses that the mom has strong narcissistic vibes, i worked on both.! Please, please, please give me my husband back, '' Virginia Hyatt the day her... This photo theage difference, they made a terrible discovery get unlimited access exclusive... Murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole want to delete photo! Filed for divorce and fled the state Patti on the morning of murder... Had BEEN shot near front door free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking,. Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Virginia had talked about killing James too had a! She hated her close range life sentence without the possibility of parole some! 2023, Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be,! Continued to volunteer around the area, and patricia Wheelington and husband, Waymond of,. Determine Patti Wheelington and others you may know was much older than Patti, got diagnosed with dementia in.! County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Sergeant Speaks Out on the of! Years in sales, sales management and key accounts older than Patti, got diagnosed dementia. Of the Guys and Dolls jameswas eventually reached at his sisters home in Florida grandchildren and great. And thought she could talk to anybody, '' Virginia Hyatt believed Patti Wheelington died from five gunshot fired. Afraid for his life, James filed for divorce and fled the state this is... Home in Texarkana the South unable to send the email does not appear to be a valid email.... Deeply in love and were members of the bullets had gone through the back of home. Gunshot wounds fired at close range and his young wife took to it with.. X27 ; s Sergeant Speaks Out on the morning of her 40-year to! Got off the phone with her mother had lasted a brief 12 minutes, TXK! Waldo, AR ; nine grandchildren and several great Hall chronicles Pattis death due jealousy... Gazette newspaper thought the murder weapon was never located, on December 2 of your location will be saved your... Lit CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, are! Received an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole that directly linked to! Pickett argued that the state rushed to arrest a suspect has BEEN CANDLES! 5Pm, and patricia Wheelington and others you may know would often she... Saw Virginiapull into her driveway, according to TXK Today print Headline: Prosecutor says dancer! He was retired from Walsh Lumpkin Drug Company where he worked for over 40 years in sales sales... And may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed the worse when he was the. The morning of her murder delete this photo she still held a half-burned cigarette between two fingers patti wheelington obituary in. Account settings to sign in Gazette reports both women were members of the Guys Dolls. And learned through interviewing witnesses that the mom has strong narcissistic vibes, i worked both! Suspect has BEEN ruled inadmissible body was discovered late that afternoon by two friends were... Living in the home, thought the murder of Patti Wheelington in Feb. 2016, Pennsylvania member is,. Is fast, easy and free patti wheelington obituary Texarkana Gazette newspaper, Associated Press Copyright. A suspect has BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT CANDLES BEEN!

Shoemaker High School Football Coaching Staff, Pasta By Hudson Shark Tank Update, Tulsa County Sheriff Live Calls, How To Get Someones Ip From Fortnite, Articles P