Wicked Words - Michael Finkel: The Art Thief

Rebecca Briggs Cornell’s body is reexamined and something odd is found. Her son, Thomas, is interrogated for her murder if there was one. Was there evidence to prove the case against him in 1673? Is there now? Thomas Cornell Junior might be guilty, it might have been an accident and there may be other possibilities.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas and his family make a terrible discovery in his mother’s room one night in February of 1673. Rebecca Briggs Cornell led a respectable life only to have it end in tragedy. She’s buried, but she’s not gone. One night, Rebecca’s brother falls asleep and receives a supernatural visitor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca Briggs Cornell really dislikes her son’s new wife Sarah Earle. Rebecca is concerned that his daughter-in-law is violent. Her son, Thomas, neglects her and he clearly wants to take over the property, striking fear in Rebecca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s 1673 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Rebecca Briggs Cornell and her husband Thomas are the town’s founders and have already survived a raft of trauma. They’ve seen their closest friend murdered in New York and were banished from Boston for their religious beliefs. Now they’re concerned about the safety of their family. When Thomas dies, their son Thomas Junior takes over the family property. Written, researched and hosted by Kate Winkler Dawson Producer Jason Wehling Senior Producer Alexis Amorosi Consulting Producer Kyle Ryan Researcher Carrie Nolte Sound Designer Eric Friend Additional Sound Design by Nicholas Muniz Composer Curtis Heath Artwork by Nick Toga Find my books: katewinklerdawson.com Follow me on social: @tenfoldmorewicked (Facebook and Instagram) 2024 All Rights Reserved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is “Fire and Brimstone,” the eleventh season of TENFOLD MORE WICKED, our oldest story yet. This time we’re traveling to colonial Rhode Island in 1673. This story came from a longtime Tenfold More Wicked listener and distant relative of the victim. Believe it or not, this case is still local lore for residents of the area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Chiswell is found dead in his home. Was it suicide, murder, or even an accident? The middle and lower classes of Williamsburg don’t believe he’s really dead. Are they right? Will Robert Routledge’s friend ever see justice for his death? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Chiswell’s well-connected friends have saved him from a public jail, but they might not be able to save him from the noose. As his murder trial approaches, Chiswell goes quiet and that’s not good.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Chiswell holds a bloody sword, a blade he pulled from the body of Robert Routledge, a man he once considered his friend. But was it murder or self-defense? Luckily for John Chiswell…he has some very powerful friends.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One morning in June, John Chiswell visits a favorite tavern, only to be confronted by a drunk, abusive merchant. At least that was Chiswell’s version of events. So he picked up a sharp sword…and nothing good can come of that.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Chiswell’s powerful son-in-law, John Robinson is gravely sick. Robinson is Chiswell’s most important business partners. They’re both keeping secrets and, if Robinson dies, Chiswell’s secret will be uncovered.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices