Toni Jo Henry

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Toni Jo Henry

Tonie Jo Henry was born Annie Beatrice McQuiston on January 3, 1916. She is the only woman in Louisiana to be executed by the electric chair for the murder of Joseph P. Calloway.

Contents 1 Early Life 2 Marriage to Claude "Cowboy" Henry 3 Arrest of Claude "Cowboy" Henry 4 Murder of Joseph P. Calloway 5 Trials and Appeals 6 Execution

[edit] Early Life

Born near Shreveport, Louisiana, she was the third of five children. Her mother died while she was a child. She worked in a factory, but later found her way into the employment of a local brothel as a prostitute. Petite, young and very attrative, she was very popular with many men. She soon became addicted to alcohol, marijuana and cocaine.

[edit] Marriage to Claude "Cowboy" Henry

In 1939, she met Cowboy Henry in the brothel where she worked. A down-on-his-luck prize fighter, Cowboy fell in love with young prostitute. Married on November 25, 1939, the couple honeymooned in Southern California. During this time, Cowboy was able to ween his young bride off her various drug addictions.

[edit] Arrest of Claude "Cowboy" Henry

Upon returning from Californa, Claude Henry was arrested for the murder of Texas man prior to their marriage. He was found guilty in January of 1940 and sentenced to 50 years the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville.

[edit] Murder of Joseph P. Calloway

Toni Jo Henry then began contemplating plans to break her husband out of Huntsville Prison. She and Finnon Burks murdered Joseph P. Calloway after he offered to give the two a ride. The victim's Ford V8 Coupe was fastest enough to facilitate as a get-a-way car.

As they passed Jennings, Louisiana, Toni Jo pulled out a 32 calibur pistol and ordered Mr. Calloway to drive down a country road. She then ordered him out of the car and to undress. After Finnon collected the clothes, she told the victim to kneel down and say his prayers. She then shot him brutally in the head.

She later was interviewed by a Shreveport police officer, where she confessed and tendered over the murder weapon.

[edit] Trials and Appeals

Her first trial occurred the week of March 27, 1940. After the deliberating for 7 hours, she was convicted and sentenced to death. Her accomplish was later convicted and sentenced to death. She appealed and was granted a new trial.

The second trial occurred February of 1941. After an hour of deliberations, she was again convicted and sentenced to death. Again she appealed and was granted a new trial.

The third trial occurred January of 1942. Again convicted and sentenced to death, she appealed. He appeals were denied.

[edit] Execution

While pending her trials, Louisiana changed its method of execution from hanging to death by electrocution. Toni Jo Henry was executed on Friday the 27th day of 1943.