In this gripping discussion, true crime author Jim Schutze shares insights about the complicated murder case involving twin sisters Betty Wilson and Peggy Lowe, charged with hiring a hitman, James Dennison White, to kill Betty’s husband. Richard Schlesinger examines the conflicting verdicts, the emotional turmoil of Betty’s conviction, and how public perception influenced their lives. The conversation also delves into White's shocking recantation and the challenges of navigating a flawed justice system, revealing layers of familial loyalty amid a sensational trial.
The murder case of Betty Wilson and her sister Peggy showcases the complexities of legal outcomes influenced by testimony and defense strategies.
The relationship dynamics between Betty and Jack Wilson, characterized by financial motivations and unconventional infidelity, fueled suspicions leading to the murder investigation.
Deep dives
The Unusual Marriage of Jack and Betty Wilson
The life of Betty Wilson and her husband, Jack, was marked by a peculiar marriage characterized by openness regarding infidelity. Betty claimed that Jack accepted her affairs, defining them as not cheating in his eyes, stating, 'it's just six.' This unconventional arrangement raised questions about the couple's true feelings and motivations, especially as Jack was a wealthy doctor with a fortune of six million dollars. The dynamics of their relationship and Betty's extravagant lifestyle led authorities to suspect financial motives behind Jack's brutal murder.
The Investigation and Arrest of the Twins
Following Jack Wilson's murder, the investigation quickly focused on Betty and her twin sister, Peggy, as detectives uncovered evidence suggesting a conspiracy. Their calls led Detective Mickey Brantley to suspect that Betty hired James White, a known criminal and drug addict, to carry out the murder. Despite a lack of physical evidence directly linking the sisters to the crime, White's testimony suggested they orchestrated the murder through him. Both women were arrested and faced severe charges, becoming perhaps the only twin sisters in the U.S. to be charged with capital murder.
Conflicting Trials and Verdicts
The twins' trials showcased stark contrasts in their defenses and the evidence presented, resulting in one sister's conviction and the other's acquittal. Betty Wilson was found guilty, while Peggy Lowe was acquitted despite both facing similar accusations and evidence, generating public curiosity about the differing outcomes. The prosecution relied heavily on James White's testimony, despite his unstable credibility and numerous inconsistencies throughout his statements about his involvement in the murder. The verdicts led many to question how both sisters could receive such divergent conclusions under the same circumstances.
Legal Battles and Recantations
Years after Betty Wilson's conviction, James White recanted his testimony, stating he lied during the trial about the twins being involved in the murder plot. He claimed that his earlier statements were fabricated under pressure from law enforcement, which raised significant doubts about the integrity of the prosecution's case against Betty. Despite attempts to appeal her conviction citing new evidence and White's admissions, Betty's situation remains unchanged as her appeals have been denied. The ongoing pursuit of justice includes a push for DNA testing, which advocates hope could eventually exonerate her.
An investigation into the real-life murder mystery that inspired true crime author Jim Schutze of Dallas, TX to write "By Two and Two." Twin sisters Betty Wilson and Peggy Lowe were charged with first-degree murder for allegedly hiring a hitman, James Dennison White, to kill Betty’s husband, Jack Wilson. They were tried separately. One would be convicted and the other set free. “48 Hours" correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports. This classic "48 Hours" episode last aired on 6/24/2002. Watch all-new episodes of “48 Hours” on Saturdays, and stream on demand on Paramount+.