Growing up as part of a Native Arizona Family, the story circulating for many years was “who shot J.R.?
Most of my family and other old timers used Frank Leslie’s name as a paid assassin who left pre-agreed upon, intentional & unusual markings for proof to allow for Leslie to collect the reward.
I don’t really remember the conversation ever mentioning suicide until years later after modern easterners began moving to Arizona.
Of course none of the above has any conclusive evidence but is an excellent example how a story can self-generate and elicit much debate, research and conversation.
As a side bar to the above, I seem to remember the I-con’s stepson was very interested in Frank Leslie’s possible involvement in Ringo’s death.
Ironic that he and Leslie both shared a similar alleged involvement with a woman’s departure.
BTW,,,, this is worth mentioning again:
Years ago this same old timers question: “who shot J.R.? was also later the title one of the highest rated “Dallas” television series ever.
Actually was able to read that one, if only with the help of my reading specs. So, it appears that the young Claiborne, for whatever reason, admired (idolized?) the older Ringo and considered him a... more
Here's Parsons' and DeMattos' take on Claiborne and Ringo: https://books.google.com/books?id=FxhgDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA45&dq=Ringo+Claiborne&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwifl-qJvMDoAhUKS6wKH... more
So according to Parsons/DeMattos, the scenario I described in my post is "pure fiction." Fair enough. They're the guys in the know. That said, from what they have written, I still fail to understand... more
According to Bossenecker in RIDE THE DEVIL'S HERD, Billy apparently incorrectly thought that the group speaking with Leslie were talking about the recent shriff's election. Claiborne had supported Dave... more
Dumb as it sounds, a misunderstanding about local politics leading to one thing leading to another leading to what it ultimately led to. (Claiborne sounds like a real piece of work, but then Leslie apparently... more
Olds, you should finish reading this highly educational post and then immediately order RIDE THE DEVIL'S HERD. Bossenecker is no slouch when it comes to research, but in this book his skills are combined... more
edifying, Bob, among other things. You've certainly furthered my education on this subject, for which many thanks. Problem is, the more I know, the more I remain partial to my original position. I... more
Here's a motive that Ken Vail posited for Leslie, or any number of Cochise County characters. https://nediscapp.com/discussion.cgi?disc=39627&article=34553&search_page=2&search_term=Leslie
Bob I say this sincerely - you are the main reason I drop in on this discussion board. Your knowledge and research and measured delivery always impresses me. Keep it up. Cheers PB
Thank you, Peter. I really apptreciate that. I wish my posts would lure more world class authors and researchers (unlike me) back to the board, like you. I'm sure people would be more interested in how... more
Bob - some of the articles you have shared have been very helpful and I appreciate the fact that you share your findings. There is a reason almost all of those you named no longer post here. Cheer... more
So the conjecture is that the motive would have been the reward money offered by this Protective Association? ($1,000 then would be roughly $30,000 now.) As motives go, plausible enough, I suppose, though... more