Bio

James Howard Snook was born on September 17, 1879, in West Lebanon, Ohio. He grew up in a time when people admired athletes and doctors. Snook was known for his skills and accomplishments. He became a member of the U.S. Olympic Pistol Team, which won a gold medal at the 1920 Olympics held in Antwerp, Belgium. His talent in shooting made him well-known in his community.

Snook later pursued a career as a veterinarian. He became a respected faculty member at The Ohio State University's School of Veterinary Medicine. He was a dedicated professor and held the position of head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine. Snook also invented a surgical tool called the "snook hook," which is still used today in veterinary practices for spaying animals.

At the age of 45, Snook was married and had a young daughter. He lived with his family near the university. Despite his career and family responsibilities, he began an affair with a 22-year-old medical student named Theora Hix in June 1926. Their relationship started when he offered her a ride to her dormitory. This meeting led to a secret romance that lasted about three years.

During their affair, Snook often met with Hix at a rented rooming house for their clandestine meetings. They would see each other two to three times a week, usually in the evenings. The affair became complicated, as Hix would sometimes express dissatisfaction with Snook and referred to another lover, claiming he was more pleasurable. Snook, meanwhile, claimed that their relationship was mainly physical.

As their relationship continued, Hix's behavior became more demanding. She introduced Snook to various substances that she used for pleasure. Hix also had a strong personality, and Snook often felt that she was in control of their encounters. This dynamic created a tumultuous relationship that eventually led to serious problems.

James Howard Snook remains a well-remembered figure in Ohio history not only for his achievements in sports and veterinary medicine but also for the events surrounding his later life.

Murder Story

On June 15, 1929, James Howard Snook murdered Theora Hix, a 29-year-old medical student. Snook had been in a three-year sexual affair with Hix. Their relationship was complicated and tumultuous.

On the day of the murder, Snook and Hix traveled to a shooting range in Columbus, Ohio. It was there that the murder occurred. Snook later claimed that Hix had threatened him and his family, saying she would kill them. According to Snook, an argument escalated, and he ended up striking Hix with a hammer multiple times.

After the incident, Theora Hix's body was discovered the next day at the shooting range by two boys. Shortly after, Snook was arrested. He was found to have blood from Hix on his clothing and in his car. Key evidence included a hammer and a knife, both of which had Hix's blood on them.

The trial began on July 24, 1929. It attracted significant public attention. Snook claimed during his trial that he did not intend to kill Hix. However, the jury convicted him of first-degree murder after just 28 minutes of deliberation.

Snook was sentenced to death by electrocution. Despite several attempts to appeal the decision, his appeals were denied. He was executed on February 28, 1930, at the Ohio Penitentiary. Following his execution, Snook was buried in Green Lawn Cemetery, with a tombstone that only bore his first and middle names.