Bio

Elvin Jack Odom was born in 1910 in Denton, Texas. He grew up in a family that included his mother, sister, and brother. Odom worked as a painter and contracted for himself. He worked in Denton for about eleven years before moving to Arizona. In 1932, he was convicted of burglary in Corsicana, Texas.

In September 1937, Odom moved to Arizona and started working at Bradley's Camp No. 1. He arrived at the camp without any money and often spent what he earned quickly. He frequently borrowed money from others, which led to financial hardships.

During his time at the camp, witnesses reported that Odom made comments about having a dislike for an older man named Charles Edgar Goade. Odom often spoke about wanting to obtain money, indicating that he believed Goade might have a significant amount on him.

Odom married and had two children who lived in Amarillo, Texas. His family life remained a part of his identity, even amidst the troubles he faced over the years.

Murder Story

On October 12, 1937, Elvin Jack Odom murdered Charles Edgar Goade in Maricopa County, Arizona. The murder took place at about 10:00 PM while Goade was asleep on a wagon in a cotton field. Odom struck Goade multiple times on the head with an iron grate. After the attack, Odom searched Goade's pockets and took a small amount of money.

The next morning, on October 13, Goade's body was discovered. Odom was arrested shortly after when he tried to leave the camp where he worked. Witnesses had reported suspicious behavior from him on the night of the murder, including his sudden possession of money and previous comments about robbing Goade.

Odom confessed to the crime on October 20, detailing how he had planned to rob Goade. He explained how he took the iron grate and attacked Goade as he woke up. After the murder, Odom buried the weapon and the remaining money near the wagon. When he returned to his cabin, he washed his hands and feigned illness to call for help.

During the investigation, officers noted that Odom had been living at the camp without money. He had often expressed a desire to rob Goade, believing he had a lot of cash. After consuming alcohol that night, Odom claimed to have a large amount of money, raising suspicion among his friends. When questioned by the police, Odom initially denied any involvement in the murder but later confessed again.

Odom was charged with murder and later pleaded guilty. On October 25, he was sentenced to death by lethal gas. His execution was scheduled for January 14, 1938, a few months after the crime.