118. Bitter Blood (Part 2): The Collapse of a Southern Dynasty — Re-Released in Memory of Jerry Bledsoe
In Part 2 of our Bitter Blood series, we continue the shocking true story made famous by North Carolina author Jerry Bledsoe in his bestselling book Bitter Blood.
What began as a volatile marriage spiraled into paranoia, obsession, and a custody battle that would end in one of the most devastating family murder-suicides in North Carolina history.
We re-released this series in memory of Jerry Bledsoe, who passed away in December 2025. His reporting preserved this case with depth, compassion, and journalistic integrity — and without his work, many details would have been lost to time.
🎙️ Episode Credits
Researched and Written by: Darlene Hildreth & Melody Gwyn
- Male Narration: Curtis Hildreth
- Original Music: Isaiah Hildreth
📚 Sources
- Jerry Bledsoe, Bitter Blood
- Contemporary newspaper archives via Newspapers.com
- Memorial records via Find a Grave
- Court records and historical reporting from North Carolina regional outlets
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