He said Wheelington and her friends were so concerned about Virginia Hyatt's behavior that they were afraid to let Wheelington go home after the dance. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. There was an error deleting this problem. Virginia can be heard wailing, and begging Patti to leave James alone. Failed to remove flower. He was a Korean War veteran and a baptist. Raymond was married to Patti. Stephanie Black told the jury not to be swayed by arguments from Texarkana lawyers Damon Young, John Pickett and Bruce Condit. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. The couple joined the Guys and Dolls Square Dancing Club, which had over 100 members. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Records include the name of the deceased, the source in which to find the death record, and the record's date. Square dancer, 59, shot dead by jealous woman love rival, 65, who accused her of having an affair with her husband. Virginia Hyatt, 65, killed Patti Wheelington, 59, after accusing husband James . TEXARKANA, Ark. Send a Card. Send Flowers. Because prosecutors were not seeking the death penalty, Wright sentenced Hyatt to life without the possibility of parole, the only other punishment allowed for capital murder under Arkansas law. July 3, 1930 - November 10, 2012 Texarkana, Texas Set a Reminder for the Anniversary . In the photos: Wheelington's right leg was bent, knee up. James and his wife, Virginia, became close friends with Ray and Patti after the project came to an end. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. On a small wooden table between two swivel chairs was a bright-yellow coffee mug, a pack of cigarettes, an ashtray and a cellphone. Patti said shed call him back, but she never did. Black said James Hyatt waited until his wife left the couple's home on Pineview Street in Texarkana for a routine visit to her mother's nursing home. Their mind is made up," Pickett said. Texarkana police were called to a home on South Valley Drive Dec. 3 for a possible dead body. Wheelington, age 82, of Texarkana, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, December 4, 2009 in a local hospital. All rights reserved. Lee County Sheriff's Sergeant Speaks Out on the Matthew Collins Case. Her foot was against an exterior door from the porch to the kitchen. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Patricia Ann Patti Phillips Wheelington I found on Findagrave.com. James Hyatt packed a few belongings and left Virginia Hyatt the day after Thanksgiving 2013. http://archive.thv11.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=289507, http://raycomgroup.worldnow.com/story/24156684/texarkana-woman-held-without-bond-in-fatal-shooting-of-fellow-square-dancer, http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2014/07/10/trial-set-virginia-ann-hyatt-murder-trial/12472007/, http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2014/07/10/murder-trial-set-for-the-fall-387286.php, http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2014/02/26/virginia-hyatt-pleads-not-guilty-in-patricia-wheelington-shooting/5833271/, http://www.ksla.com/story/24156684/texarkana-woman-held-without-bond-in-fatal-shooting-of-fellow-square-dancer, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/9/1m-bail-set-in-texarkana-square-dancer-death/, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2530058/Woman-shoots-dead-fellow-square-dancer-years-jealousy-end-horror.html, http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Patricia+Ann-Wheelington&lc=1888&pid=168499860&mid=5773498, Your email address will not be published. However, tragedy would soon strike. Her body was sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab for autopsy and her name has not been released. She was in a position where she was clutching her chest with her one hand and then her right hand was laid out with a cigarette still in her fingers, former Texarkana Arkansas Police Lead Detective Paul Nall told producers. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Phyllis said Ken called her when she didnt show up. James eventually admitted that he and Patti had been having an affair since 2009. She was laying right at the front door. The police learned that Virginia was rude to Patti after she learned about the rumors of Patti and James affair. The charismatic woman graduated from Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana before moving to Texarkana for a job in the Department of Human Services. She was out for revenge as soon as she learned about James affair. When asked where she was, Virginia claimed that she picked up breakfast for her mother at McDonalds at around 8 am and then visited her at a nursing home where she stayed for about an hour. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. James claimedhis marriage to Virginia had been on the rocks for years, sayingthey slept in separate bedrooms and the only thing they still had in common was the square dancing club. As per prison records, Virginia remains incarcerated at the McPherson Womens Unit in Newport, Arkansas. She had been shot 5 times, includingat least once in the back. On that day, Patti was supposed to take a friend, Ken Caldwell, to the doctor in the afternoon, but she didnt make it. When the detectives delved into the case, they found a familiar tale of ex-marital affairs, jealousy, violence, and murder. It took the jury less than an hour Monday night to return a guilty verdict against 67-year-old Virginia Hyatt on a charge of capital murder in the death of 59-year-old Patricia Wheelington. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? James also confirmed Virginia owned a .38 caliber revolver and told detectives she was "a lot better shot than (he) was," according to court documents. Your email address will not be published. For this case, I watched an episode of Snapped. An autopsy would determine Patti Wheelington died from five gunshot wounds fired at close range. Other members of the dance group would later tell detectives that Virginia had been consumed by jealousy and rage and openly spoke about hating Patti. Lived In Texarkana AR, Gettysburg PA. Related To Raymonds Wheelington. CLIP 11/22/22. Obituaries Section. Search by Name. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips Wheelington passed away December 3, 2013 at her home in Texarkana, Arkansas. A system error has occurred. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. She attended school at the University of Delaware and Texas A&M. Her right arm was stretched above her head. Send Condolences Previous. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Patti had her locks changed the day before her death, on December 2. (KTHV) A woman is under arrest for the murder of another woman in Texarkana. Virginia Hyatt is the only person who had a motive to do it.. James even said he locked his door at night for fear of Virginia. She is survived by her niece, Laura Phillips of Germany, an uncle, John "Jack" Phillips of Las Vegas, Nevada, and step mother, Joan Rule Phillips of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. By 2013, Patti was ready to move on with her life. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. They remained friends and were members of the Guys and Dolls Square Dancing Club in Texarkana. They discovered Wheelington in a bathrobe dead on her front porch. (NWA Media). While here she met and married Raymond Wheelington. Patti was born to David John Phillips and Charlotte Christine Knaeble on November 2, 1954 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. . .38 caliber shells were also found in the home, thought the murder weapon was never located. 340 supervisor home a- britain funeral a- fluehr new butler 215 241 Joseph joseph britain- inc- pa iv- new avenue fluehr east iii 18901 9654 . The couple enjoyed square dancing and were a regular fixture at the local club, teaching others. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. Detectives next talked to Ken Caldwell, who was on the phone with Patti on the morning of her murder. He denied having a romantic relationship with Patti but agreed to talk in person with detectives when he returned to Texarkana in a couple days. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Though a Yankee by birth, Patti loved living in the South. Black said Caldwell's calls to the friends led two women to go to Wheelington's home in the late afternoon. Soon, the authorities had a suspect in mind. Order Flowers for the Family. She just said, Virginias here again. At the time of his death, Gib . CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Her phone records were obtained, as well as James and Pattis. He was preceded in death by his brother Donald and his sister-in-law Nell Wheelington. The couple turned to fellow Guys and Dolls Club member James Hyatt to oversee repairs. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. "Less than 24 hours after Patti Wheelington's death on Dec. 3, they're arresting Virginia Hyatt for the most serious crime in the state of Arkansas. James was married to a woman named Virginia, and he had helped the Wheelingtons rebuild their house after a fire had destroyed it. "It's our system at work and it's the best system in the world.". James told them that he and Patti were close friends, but denied any affair. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. The defense contended that there was no physical evidence that directly linked her to the murder. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips Wheelington passed away December 3, 2013 at her home in Texarkana, Arkansas. Afraid for his life, James filed for divorce and fled the state. The police were able to contact James, who had been in Florida visiting his sister. Worried, Pattis friends checked on her at around 5:30 pm and found her shot to death on her front porch. Burial will be in East Memorial Gardens under direction of East Funeral Home-Moores Lane. Exclusive. Patti didnt deserve to die, but luckily, Virginia will be in prison until she dies. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips Wheelington passed away December 3, 2013 at her home in Texarkana, Arkansas. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Patti Wheelington, 59, was found shot to death on the front porch of her Texarkana home back in December 2013. James also told the police that Virginia did have a .38 caliber revolver, which was never recovered from her home. You can get you any man in the street anywhere. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Hyatt found guilty of in murder of fellow square dancer, Man arrested for alleged indecent behavior with a juvenile. It didnt take this long. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. A unique and . There is a problem with your email/password. Learn more about managing a memorial . After having lost her husband in 2012, she leaned on volunteer work to keep herself busy. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Members of the Guys and Dolls Square Dancing Club in Texarkana testified last week that Virginia Hyatt was an extremely jealous woman who could not hide her feelings when her husband danced with other women. By 2011, Rays health was deteriorating. Phyllis and Barbra met the police in the front yard of Patti's home. He was born October 7, 1934 to Ralph and Bennie Cook Beaver. The police didn't believe her. Virginia said she and Patti were friends, and that she hadnt been at Pattis house on December 3. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Detectives also learned ugly rumors were floating around the Guys and Dolls Square Dancing Club, claimingPatti was having an affair with James Hyatt. RINGGOLD HIGH SCHOOL. Patti said no, but had her locks changed on December 2. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. After college, she got a job with the Department of Human Services in Texarkana, often working with seniors. Virginia, who believed James was with Patti, went to her home on December 2 to confront her. Virginia stood trial in February 2016. Patti was just a beautiful, giving person, friend Phyllis Nabors told Oxygens Snapped, airing Sundays at 7/6c on Oxygen. He got up there so she was like the belle of the ball. She had been shot 5 times, to the chest, back, and forearm. She was a graduate of the University of Delaware and the University Texas A and M Texarkana. Ms Wheelington was shot dead in her home by Mrs Hyatt, authorities told KSLA. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. She cued for clubs and festivals throughout Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Alabama. James claimedhis marriage to Virginia had been on the rocks for years, sayingthey slept in separate bedrooms and the only thing they still had in common was the square dancing club. After deliberating for less than an hour, a jury found her guilty of capital murder and sentenced her to life in prison without parole, localCBS-affiliate. Caldwell was talking to Wheelington when she told him Virginia Hyatt was coming up her driveway, according to a probable cause affidavit. Not only do Obituary Patricia Ann Bell Of Philadelphia Pennsylvania Fluehr Funeral Home offer companionship, but they can also help reduce stress and improve mood. She never met a stranger.. James cell phone was pinged. Patricia Ann "Patti" Phillips Wheelington, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Virginia Hyatt, 65, killed Patti Wheelington, 59, after accusing husband James Hyatt of cheating with the woman, Both were members of a Texarkana, Arkansas square dancing club, They socialized in a large group and knew each other well. He testified that he and his family were convinced Virginia Hyatt intended to kill him and attempt to make his death appear a suicide because of statements she made to his sisters. He claimed Patti got off the phone when she saw Virginiapull into her driveway, according to the, However, surveillance footage from McDonalds showed Virginia arriving much later at 9:30 a.m. leaving plenty of time for her to drive to Patti's home and back. A popular small town woman is killed on the porch of her home. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. ). Copyright 2016 KSLA. He was 59 and she was 35, but despite theage difference, they fell deeply in love and were married in 1989. View Actual Score . Wheelington told friends that Virginia Hyatt insisted that her husband was there, Black said.. That evening, Virginia Hyatt confronted Wheelington at a square dance, Black said. While Patti was there, she met Ray Wheelington. 4:30. Neighbors heard about five to six gunshots minutes after that. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. (Source: Jerold Jordan) TEXARKANA, AR (KSLA) - A Texarkana woman has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of a fellow square dancer in Miller County. After he met and married his wife, Rebecca, he went into the real estate business, and learned everything from Rebecca's father. . Wheelington was shot just days after Hyatt's husband James moved of of their home. Verify and try again. James Hyatt said he warned Wheelington that Virginia Hyatt is a dangerous, unstable person capable of violence, but Wheelington, an outgoing and friendly person, thought she could handle the situation. Patricia Ann Wheelington passed away on December 3, 2013 in Texarkana, Texas. https://thecinemaholic.com/patti-wheelington-murder-where-is-virginia-ann-hyatt-now/, https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/patricia-phillips-wheelington-murdered-by-virginia-hyatt-after-affair, https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/mar/16/conviction-upheld-in-2013-slaying-of-ri-1/, https://txktoday.com/news/miller-county-jury-finds-67-year-old-square-dancer-guilty-of-capital-murder/, https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2016/feb/04/prosecutor-says-square-dancer-killed-wo/?news, http://www.magnoliareporter.com/news_and_business/regional_news/article_20104798-cbab-11e5-ab4b-833aeff182cd.html, https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2016/feb/03/husband-testifies-he-feared-his-life/, https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2016/feb/08/woman-found-guilty-square-dancer-death/. She cued for several clubs in Texas. However, surveillance footage from McDonalds showed Virginia arriving much later at 9:30 a.m. leaving plenty of time for her to drive to Patti's home and back. They both said that there were rumors around their square dance club that Patti had been having an affair with her friend, James Hyatt. She wont be able to hurt anyone else now. Thanks for your help! Wheelingtons body was found outside her Texarkana home Tuesday morning. Ken was the last person to have talked to Patricia. Phyllis said she spoke to Virginia on December 3, and she suddenly had come to terms with her marriage ending. Sign the Guest Book. The next morning Virginia Hyatt went to Wheelingtons home again, armed with a .38 caliber pistol which has not been recovered. Drag images here or select from your computer for Patricia Ann Patti Phillips Wheelington memorial. Funeral Home Services for J. are being provided by East Funeral Home. Black told the jury that the Hyatts and Wheelington became friends years before the slaying, when James Hyatt worked to build Wheelington and her husband's home on South Valley Road. Virginia Hyatt made her first appearance in court on Friday, charged with capitol murder in the death of 59-year-old Patti Wheelington. James and his wife, Virginia, became close friends with Ray and Patti after the project came to an end. Virginia was asked about her relationship with Patti, and about her whereabouts on December 3. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Ray was a square dance caller and encouraged Patti to become a round dance cuer. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. He was 59 and she was 35, but despite theage difference, they fell deeply in love and were married in 1989. Next, Ken was questioned. James told them that he would come in for an interview when he returned. He passed away in November 2012, leaving Patti a widow at 58. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Her murder had been sudden and brutal. If the law required eye witness, there would be murderers going free everywhere.. It appeared as if she had known her killer, as she was wearing her bathrobe, and had a cigarette in one of her hands. The clothes that Virginia was seen wearing on December 3 tested positive for gunshot residue, and the police also found .38-caliber ammunition at her home. Find an Obituary . Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. GREAT NEWS! . ADAM LANZA OR GUN INDUSTRY CEOS? Sillivan said it appeared that Wheelington was shot as she sat in her chair, and that four more bullets entered her forearm and chest as she tried to reach the door, stopping her where she stood. Year should not be greater than current year. He was retired from Walsh Lumpkin Drug Company where he worked for over 40 years in sales, sales management and key accounts. The gun used to shoot Wheelington 5 times, a .38 caliber pistol, has never been recovered. She had gone to McDonalds that day, but at 9am, not 8am, like she told the police. Pattis house was very clean, except for a receipt from a locksmith. Please reset your password. A .38 caliber slug from a stray shot was found in her bedroom. There was also paperwork from Pattis life insurance on the counter. Make a life-giving gesture. Funeral homes; Help and advice. The two of them decided to go out to Pattis house when she didnt return their messages. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Submit an Obituary. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. While Patti was there, she met Ray Wheelington. He passed away on November 10, 2012. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Ken told the police that he had been on the phone with Patti around 8am on December 3. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. It took about an hour for a Miller County jury to find a 67-year-old woman guilty of capital murder Monday evening in the . Try again. Those amiabledays were numbered, though. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Instead, Hyatt received an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole. Texarkana lawyer John Pickett argued that the state cannot prove that Virginia Hyatt killed Wheelington, much less that she did it with premeditation, as is required for a capital-murder conviction. She retired after 22 years. So, lets find out more about this case then, shall we. Print Headline: Prosecutor says square dancer killed woman after spouse fled, Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. Patricia Ann Phillips was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1954. A Time To Kill airs at 10/9c on Investigation Discovery. Murder Loves Company: Devil in the Dance Hall chronicles Pattis death due to jealousy that festered for many years. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Many members of the square dancing club testified of Virginias jealous streak. Also, the square dance community and many, many friends. Owner at Performing Arts Unlimited. During her interrogation, Virginia denied having anything to do with the murder of Patti Wheelington. TEXARKANA -- A 67-year-old woman on trial for capital murder in the death of a fellow square dancer was described by a Miller County prosecutor Tuesday as a calculating woman driven by rage, jealousy and desperation. Virginia Hyatt, 65, gunned down Patti Wheelington, 59, earlier this month after years of making accusations that the well-liked widow was making moves on her husband, sources said. Family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 pm Sunday November 11, 2012 at . Memorials may be made to the Texarkana Animal League or to the charity of your choice. James later stated that he left for Florida on November 29, 2013, to live with his sister. They don't need them. Virginia and James attended dances and lessons at the Club. However, surveillance footage confirmed that Virginia went to McDonalds at around 9:30 am and stayed at the nursing home for mere minutes, leaving before 10 am. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. They told James, who said he wasn't going to kill himself, but believed that Virginia was going to kill him and make it look like a suicide. Though a Yankee by birth, Patti loved living in the South. Virginia Hyatt, who did not take the stand in her own defense, told detectives she spent an hour visiting her mothers nursing home that morning when she was actually there for only 12 minutes. Virginia Ann Hyatt was sentenced to an automatic term of life without parole Monday evening after a Miller County jury found her guilty of capital murder in the 2013 shooting of a fellow square dancer. They also canvassed the area, and learned that several of Pattis neighbors had heard gunshots around 8am on December 3. Gib was a former Army recruiter. They don't wait for reports from the Crime Lab . She attended the University of Delaware and later Texas A&M University. They were in shock and devastated, and it was hard to ask them any questions. She never returned anybodys call so around 5 o clock we got concerned, Nabors explained toproducers. Good-looking and charismatic, she made a positive impression everywhere she went. 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