True crime story about the 1968 murder of W. Haynie Gourley, self-made man, prominent Nashville citizen, and owner of successful Chevrolet dealership which made him wealthy. Was asked to go for a ride with his 40-year-old vice president. Returned 15 minutes later dead from 3 gunshot wounds to head, neck, and chest. Bill Powell, his v.p., had flesh wound to his calf. Both men residents of wealthy enclave of Belle Meade and prominent in Nashville society. Haynie's son Billy Gourley, 23 at the time of his father's death, was slated to take over the dealership when he turned 24. Two days before Haynie's murder, Bill Powell agreed to resign. Haynie made arrangements to draw up a new contract, naming his son as co-franchisee. But Haynie was murdered, allegedly by a Black man who jumped into the car. This happened before papers could reach Detroit, so Bill Powell, who had been at the dealership for 2 years, became the dealer, knocking out any claim the Gourleys had to the franchise. The next March, Powell was indicted for Haynie's murder. His trial began July 14, 1969. Nashville was riveted. The transcript was printed in full in both daily newspapers. People lined up to get into courtroom. Tennessee's two most famous lawyers were pitted against each other. A gun discovered the previous year on the road where the murder took place had never been turned in. The man who found it did not want to get involved.The gun introduced at end of the trial, traced to a former employee of the dealership who testified he gave it to the defendant. A Black construction worker testified he saw two men in a black Chevrolet pull over to the side of the road and heard four gunshots, saw the passenger slumped over.. Nevertheless, Powell was acquitted. He won the dealership the victim had spent 35 years building up.The Gourley family lost their father, husband, and the lucrative business. The trial remains controversial to this day.
