The Electrocution of Baby Lawrence: Interview with Author James E. Overmyer

In this episode, Bailey and Chelsea dive into a captivating piece of true crime history with author James "Jim" Overmyer, who explores a tragic and mysterious case from the early 20th century in his book, The Electrocution of Baby Lawrence: A Murder That Shook a New England Town. Learn about the harrowing murder of Baby Lawrence, a toddler whose shocking death by electrocution rattled a peaceful New England town. We delve into the social and historical context of the era and the initial reactions from the community. Jim shares insights into how he uncovered and pieced together details of the case, including digging through court records, newspaper archives, and personal accounts. He describes the challenges and surprises he encountered while researching a case that has largely been forgotten, and reflects on the social and psychological effects that tragic events can have on small communities. Join us as we discuss the chilling details of a crime that stunned a small community, the turbulent trial that followed, and the lingering questions that remain unanswered to this day. Jim brings the story to life with meticulous research and vivid storytelling, shedding light on a long-forgotten case that still haunts the region.

About our Guest:

James E. Overmyer was the public safety and criminal courts reporter from 1974-1979 for the Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He regularly reported on felony cases in the Superior Court, included several murder trials. From 1979 through 1983, he was an administrator in the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office in charge of case preparation for both felony and misdemeanor cases. Until retiring from public service in 2010, he worked in both the Massachusetts and New York state governments in a series of positions associated with state court systems. He currently lives in Tucson, AZ.

**If you’re intrigued by this episode and want to learn more, we highly recommend reading The Electrocution of Baby Lawrence: A Murder that Shook a New England Town by James Overmeyer. This powerful book not only brings a forgotten piece of history to life but also encourages deep reflection on themes of justice, innocence, and the human cost of systemic failure. Join the Conversation: Have thoughts on this episode? We’d love to hear from you! Share your reactions, questions, and reflections by reaching out to us on social media or leaving a comment on our website. 

To Purchase Jim's book: https://www.amazon.com/Electrocution-Baby-Lawrence-Murder-England/dp/1538181290

 

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Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).

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