A Gainesville author, a 1972 triple murder in NC and a mystery finally solved - Gainesville Times

By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.

A Gainesville author, a 1972 triple murder in NC and a mystery finally solved

Phil Hudgins of Gainesville has been working on a book about Billy Sunday Birt, who is believed to have killed dozens of people. The work led to a break in a 1972 murder case in North Carolina. - photo by Scott Rogers

02212022 MYSTERY 3.jpg — Phil Hudgins of Gainesville has been working on a book about Billy Sunday Birt, who is believed to have killed dozens of people. The work led to a break in a 1972 murder case in North Carolina. - photo by Scott Rogers

The Times

Updated: Feb 24, 2022, 4:49 PM

Published: Feb 23, 2022, 9:03 PM

A 50-year murder mystery in the mountains of North Carolina has finally been closed, with some help from a former Times editor.

Already have a subscription? Log in

Read this story and many others for free.

For access to subscriber-exclusive stories, visit gainesvilletimes.com/subscribe.

A timeline: Remembering North Hall tornado's destruction 25 years ago today

Survivors pick through the remains of a mobile home in North Hall County. - photo by Times file

Tornado 1998 — Survivors pick through the remains of a mobile home in North Hall County. - photo by Times file

The Times

Updated: Mar 20, 2023, 5:43 PM

Published: Mar 20, 2023, 5:09 PM

A tornado on March 20, 1998, left 11 miles worth of devastation in northern Hall and southern White counties. Thirteen people were killed in the tornado, which had wind speeds ranging from 158 to 206 mph.

Already have a subscription? Log in

Read this story and many others for free.

For access to subscriber-exclusive stories, visit gainesvilletimes.com/subscribe.