Name Mary Witherspoon Nationality American Years active 1975-2003 | Children Jane Whelchel | |
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Full Name Mary Lynn Witherspoon Died 14 November 2003, Charleston, South Carolina, United States Similar John Geoghan, Murder of Romona Moore, Murder of Jason Sweeney | ||
Mary Lynn Witherspoon (1950–2003) was a school teacher in Charleston, South Carolina, and died in 2003 when her ex-boyfriend's son, Edmonds Tennent Brown IV, who had stalked and obsessed over her for 22 years, broke into her home after being released from prison, and raped and killed her.
Contents
Early life
Transgender inmate Katheryn Brown (left in 2003 mugshot)
Mary Lynn was born in 1950, and had a sister, Jackie Olsen, who was a few years older than her at the time. She was a french teacher at Charlestowne Academy, a local school.
Inmate Katheryn Brown, born Edmonds Tennent Brown IV, has asked the state to help her transition from a man to a woman. (Police Handout)
In 1981, Mary Lynn met Edmonds Tennent Brown, III, who was an attorney. After a while, his son, Edmonds Tennent Brown IV, began growing obsessive and jealous of Mary Lynn.
Facts
Death
Inmate Katheryn Brown, born Edmonds Tennent Brown IV, has asked the state to help her transition from a man to a woman. (Police Handout)
On November 14, 2003, early morning, after 23 years of stalking Mary Lynn, Edmonds Tennent Brown, IV, broke into Mary Lynn's home, and when she was leaving, he rushed into her room, raped her, and strangled her, ultimately leading to her death. She was found in the bathtub, dead.
The Arrest of Edmonds Tennent Brown, IV
Later the same day of Mary Lynn's murder, police awaited outside the home of Mary Lynn, and when he was unlocking the door to get inside, they arrested him. Template:Investigation Discovery
Conviction
In 2004, Edmonds Tennent Brown, IV plead guilty to Mary Lynn's murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Template:Investigation Discovery
Legacy
In 2005, South Carolina introduced a law that was named after her, calling it "Mary Lynn's Law." and the V.I.N.E was said to have failed her, and companies such as those immediately updated their systems, including immediate notification to the victims when prisoners are released.
On April 12, 2016, Discovery ID's Obsession: Dark Desires made an episode based on the tragic story of Mary Lynn. Mary Lynn was "interviewed" but later revealed to be an actress as the interviewee. It ended with a short monologue (speech) given by her sister of the days, weeks, months, after Mary Lynn's death.