The Murder Scandal of William “Billy” Woodward and Ann Woodward and its Aftermath

The Murder Scandal of William “Billy” Woodward 

and Ann Woodward and its Aftermath

The tragic demise of William "Billy" Woodward Jr. and the subsequent involvement of his wife, Ann Woodward, remains one of the most captivating and controversial episodes in American high society. This incident, often referred to as "The Shooting of the Century," intertwines themes of ambition, societal expectations, and the relentless pursuit of status.​

Early Lives and Backgrounds

William Woodward Jr., born on June 12, 1920, was the sole son of William Woodward Sr., a prominent banker and horse breeder, and Elizabeth "Elsie" Ogden Cryder, a noted socialite. Raised amidst affluence, Billy was educated at the Groton School and later at Harvard University. During World War II, he served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, earning a Purple Heart after surviving a torpedo attack on the USS Liscome Bay. Upon his father's passing in 1953, Billy inherited the esteemed Belair Estate and stud farm in Maryland, becoming a significant figure in horse racing circles. ​

In contrast, Ann Eden Woodward, originally named Angeline Lucille Crowell, was born on December 12, 1915, in Pittsburg, Kansas. Her father was a streetcar conductor, and her mother, a schoolteacher. Demonstrating early ambition, Ann attended Kansas City Junior College before venturing to New York City in 1937. There, she pursued modeling and acting, eventually being recognized as "The Most Beautiful Girl in Radio" in 1940. Her roles included performances in Noël Coward's Set to Music and engagements as a showgirl at upscale nightclubs like FeFe's Monte Carlo. ​

A Fateful Union

Ann's association with FeFe's Monte Carlo led to her acquaintance with William Woodward Sr., who introduced her to his son, Billy. Despite initial resistance from Billy's mother, Elsie, who viewed Ann as a social climber, the couple married on March 6, 1943. Their union produced two sons: William "Woody" III in 1944 and James "Jimmy" in 1947. However, beneath the veneer of their glamorous life, the marriage was fraught with discord. Both Ann and Billy were known to have extramarital affairs, and their relationship was marked by frequent public altercations and escalating tensions. ​

The Tragic Night

In the autumn of 1955, the Woodwards' Oyster Bay neighborhood was unsettled by a series of burglaries. On the evening of October 30, after attending a dinner party in honor of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ann and Billy returned to their estate. Due to the recent security concerns, both retired to separate bedrooms, each armed with a loaded shotgun. Later that night, Ann was awakened by a noise on the roof. Believing an intruder was attempting to enter, she took her shotgun and, upon seeing a shadowy figure near Billy's bedroom door, fired. Tragically, the figure was her husband, who died instantly from the gunshot wound. ​

Investigation and Public Scrutiny

The incident immediately captured national attention. Ann was found distraught, holding her husband's body, and asserted that the shooting was a grievous mistake. A grand jury convened and, after deliberation, concluded that the shooting was accidental, leading to Ann's exoneration. This decision, however, did little to quell public speculation. Rumors abounded, suggesting that Ann had intentionally killed Billy, possibly due to marital strife or fear of divorce. The media frenzy was relentless, with Life magazine dubbing it "The Shooting of the Century." ​

Further complicating matters, a man named Paul Wirths later confessed to attempting a break-in at the Woodward residence that very night. He claimed to have been on the roof but fled upon hearing gunshots. This revelation added layers of complexity to an already convoluted narrative. ​

Aftermath and Societal Repercussions

Despite her legal exoneration, Ann faced ostracization from the very social circles she had strived to be part of. The elite of New York society distanced themselves, and Ann found herself isolated. Seeking solace, she traveled extensively and engaged in relationships with younger men, but the shadow of that fateful night never lifted. ​

The tragedy extended to the next generation. Both of Ann's sons, Woody and Jimmy, struggled with the legacy of their family's notoriety. In a sorrowful echo of their mother's fate, Jimmy died by suicide in 1978, followed by Woody in 1999. These successive tragedies underscored the enduring impact of the events of 1955. ​

Truman Capote's Involvement

The narrative took another turn in 1975 when author Truman Capote, an acquaintance of Ann's, published excerpts from his unfinished novel, Answered Prayers, in Esquire magazine. In these writings, Capote introduced a character strikingly similar to Ann, insinuating that she had deliberately murdered her husband. This portrayal reignited public interest and scrutiny, further tarnishing Ann's already fragile reputation. ​

Ann's Final Days

The renewed attention and the weight of enduring the scandal took a profound toll on Ann. On October 10, 1975, shortly before the publication of Capote's excerpts, Ann died by suicide through cyanide poisoning. Her death was a somber conclusion to a life marked by ambition, societal ascent, and relentless public scrutiny.

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