A Murder in Michigan

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. On March 9, 1977, 29 year-old Francine Hughes bundled her children into the car and walked back into the house. Minutes later, she came rushing out and into the car, crying hysterically. Moments later, flames burst through the windows of the downstairs bedroom. In which Michigan county did this occur? Ingham County Oceana County Jackson County Chippewa County

2. Francine Moran met her future husband, James Hughes, at a school dance in 1963, when she was 15 years-old. Francine was instantly taken with the handsome, dark-haired, dark-eyed, young man, whom everyone called Mickey. After several months of courtship, the couple were married. When were they married? November 4, 1963 January 17, 1964 October 12, 1963 February 15, 1964

3. In June 1965, James, in a rage, flung a glass ashtray at Francine, causing a laceration on the back of her head. True False

4. In October 1966, James, out of work and looking for a job, took Francine and the children to Kansas, where he had acquired a job. However, after a few weeks, James' employer went bankrupt and the family moved back to Michigan. Once back in Michigan, where did the family live? With Francine's mother With James' parents In Jackson In Dansville

5. In the autumn of 1970, with James out of work and the kids hungry, Francine went to the welfare office. However, she was advised that only the head of the household, in this case, James, was allowed to apply for aide. Francine described her situation, and was advised to go Legal Aid to acquire separate-maintenance papers. When she got there, she was advised that the separate-maintenance papers cost a small fee. How much was the fee? $7.00 $11.00 $9.00 $13.00

6. In July 1971, James was rushed to the hospital. No one knew if he would make it. This incident drew Francine closer to him, geographically and emotionally. What was the cause of James being rushed to the hospital? Alcohol poisoning Car accident Stabbing in a bar Three gunshot wounds to the chest and back during an argument with his friend.

7. A few months after he was released from the hospital, James felt fit enough to go to the local bar, but not to go to work. In fact, he was told that he couldn't work anymore. Instead of doing something useful or helping out in other ways, James spent almost all of his time at the local bar. What was the name of the local bar? Mac's Saloon Rocky's Roadhouse Westgate Tavern The Wooden Nickel

8. One day in December 1972, James was at home drinking since early in the morning. All day long he was after Francine for everything and anything. The day escalated to a beating...James hit Francine, knocking her on the floor. When he tried to get up, he knocked her down again. In one of Francine's rare moments, she screamed at James for him to stop it. Hearing her scream, he grabbed her. With his eyes glaring and gritting his teeth, what did James say to Francine? "What're gonna do? You can run, but you can't hide. No matter where you go, I'll find you." "Who're you yellin' at? I know you ain't yellin' at me." "Ain't nobody gonna save you now." "I'm gonna keep it up until you're sorry you were born."

9. James once said, "I'll never let her leave me. I lover her too much and besides, I've really got it made...she pays for everything." True False

10. Francine and James' youngest daughter, Nicole, loved animals. She was always sneaking food to the stray cats that hung around the house. One freezing day, Nicole brought a stray cat, her favorite one, into the enclosed back porch so the animal wouldn't freeze. Her father made her bring the cat back outside; he told her that if she brought the cat back inside that he would kill the cat. Nicole didn't believe her father and, when he went back into the house, brought the cat back in. When her father saw the cat was back in the enclosed porch, he killed it. How did James kill the cat? Bashed its head on the floor Broke its neck with his bare hands Grabbed a knife and jabbed it into the cat's stomach, gutting it Doused it with lighter fluid and burned it

11. James was aware that welfare clients were given a home repair allowance. With this in mind, James forced Francine to smash the toilet that was always leaking. True False

12. On March 9, 1977, after the house became engulfed with flames, Francine drove off. Her only thought was of her children and that she had to protect them. One of her children told her to go to the police, that the police would help her. Which one of Francine's children told her to go to the police? Christy Dana James Nicole

13. On Monday, March 16, 1977, the case of The People versus Francine Hughes began to move through the legal process, and which would eventually culminate in her trial for the murder of her husband. Since Francine couldn't afford an attorney, one was appointed to her. What was the name of the attorney appointed to Francine's case? Answer: (Two Words. Full name or surname.)

14. How many counts of murder was Francine initially charged with? Answer: (One word. Either 1 or 2.)

15. Francine's trial began on Monday, October 24, 1977, and lasted for eight days. On November 1, 1977, the jury came back with the verdict. What was the verdict? Guilty of murder in the first degree Not guilty by reason of temporary insanity Not guilty Guilty but mentally incompetent