The Reverend | Criminal Podcast
- Sep 9, 2026
- 34:29
- Full Episode
In 1977, a man named Robert Burns went to a funeral and shot someone, in the head, in front of 300 people. He didn’t deny it, and his lawyer, Tom Radney, didn’t deny it. Burns told a police officer, “I had to do it. And if I had to do it over, I’d do it again.” The man he’d shot was Willie Maxwell, and everyone knew who Willie Maxwell was. Six people who had been close to him had died in 7 years — including two wives, Mary Lou Edwards and Dorcas Anderson.
We speak with Casey Cep and John Denson about Willie Maxwell, Robert Burns, and the events that brought Harper Lee to Alexander City, Alabama.
Casey Cep’s book is The Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee. (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/537667/furious-hours-by-casey-cep/)
Criminal is a show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Join Criminal Plus on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, listener chat rooms, behind-the-scenes content, and more membership perks. https://www.patreon.com/Criminal
Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. https://pod.link/809264944
Say hello on Twitter (https://twitter.com/criminalshow) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/criminal_podcast) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thisiscriminal) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@criminal_podcast)
Sign up for our occasional newsletter, which includes a note from Phoebe, behind-the-scenes photos, and things our team has been enjoying lately. https://thisiscriminal.com/newsletter
We also make the podcasts This is Love (https://pod.link/1337100398) and Phoebe Reads a Mystery (https://pod.link/1503921457).
Artwork by Julienne Alexander: http://www.yssrs.com/. Check out our online shop: https://shop.thisiscriminal.com/
Episode 127 originally published November 8, 2019. https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-127-the-reverend-11-8-19
Music in this episode: “One Needle” by Blue Dot Sessions “Flatlands” by Blue Dot Sessions “Sunday Lights” by Blue Dot Sessions “An Opus in Bb” by Blue Dot Sessions “Triana” by Blue Dot Sessions “Farsical - Then a Gambling Problem” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Telling” by Blue Dot Sessions “Rally” by Blue Dot Sessions “Flower” by Blue Dot Sessions
Brief Summary
Harper Lee's true crime research leads to the murder trial of Reverend Willie Maxwell and the chaotic aftermath of his death.
Key points
- Harper Lee's Southern Roots. Harper Lee reflects on the charm of small-town life and storytelling.
- The Clutter Murders. Harper Lee investigates a shocking crime that captivated the nation.
- A Pattern of Death. Willie Maxwell's relatives die under suspicious circumstances, raising eyebrows.
- Funeral Chaos. At Shirley Ellington's funeral, a relative accuses the reverend of murder, leading to chaos.
- Vigilante Justice. Robert Burns shoots the reverend during the funeral, causing panic among the attendees.
- Not Guilty by Insanity. Robert Burns is found not guilty due to PTSD from his Vietnam service.
Episode highlights
- Harper Lee's Southern RootsHarper Lee reflects on the charm of small-town life and storytelling.“The people there are not particularly worldly wise, but they tell you a story.”0:30Sep 9, 2026
- The Clutter MurdersHarper Lee investigates a shocking crime that captivated the nation.“The Clutters, a wealthy family of four, had been murdered.”1:10Sep 9, 2026
- A Pattern of DeathWillie Maxwell's relatives die under suspicious circumstances, raising eyebrows.“At this point, five people closely associated with Willie Maxwell had died.”19:53Sep 9, 2026
- Funeral ChaosAt Shirley Ellington's funeral, a relative accuses the reverend of murder, leading to chaos.“You killed my sister and now you're going to pay for it.”22:49Sep 9, 2026
- Vigilante JusticeRobert Burns shoots the reverend during the funeral, causing panic among the attendees.“It was a totally chaotic scene when the shots were fired.”23:06Sep 9, 2026
- Not Guilty by InsanityRobert Burns is found not guilty due to PTSD from his Vietnam service.“In the end, Robert Burns was found not guilty by reason of insanity.”27:56Sep 9, 2026
- Harper Lee's InvestigationHarper Lee immerses herself in the case, gathering evidence for her true crime book.“She was calling it the Reverend.”29:27Sep 9, 2026
- The Elusive ManuscriptHarper Lee's book about the reverend remains unfinished and shrouded in mystery.“Harper Lee was so elusive that even her mysteries have mysteries.”31:00Sep 9, 2026
