'Feud': New York heiress, Truman Capote's black swan, didn't mean to shoot her husband dead, author claims
Share and Follow

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For nearly 50 years, many have wondered if Ann Woodward got away with murder.

The New York socialite found herself in the crosshairs of Truman Capote following the fatal shooting of her wealthy husband, and she paid with her life. In 1975, the 59-year-old was found dead in her duplex apartment on Fifth Avenue. The mother of two poisoned herself with cyanide.

The shocking true-crime case that rocked Manhattan’s elite is highlighted in the limited series “Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans,” which explores how the secrets of high society made their way into the pages of the author’s works. The series is based on Laurence Leamer’s bestselling book, “Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era.”

Annd Woodwards two sons looking somber with a male figure

Ann Woodward’s sons, William Woodward III, 11, and James, 7, at the time of the shooting. (Hal Mathewson/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

But the tragedy didn’t end there. Woodward’s sons each jumped to their deaths. Jimmy Woodward died in 1978 at age 31. His older brother, William “Woody” Woodward, died in 1999 at age 54.

Capote, known for “In Cold Blood” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” died in 1984 shortly before his 60th birthday.

Today, Leamer hopes readers will see a new side to Woodward.

Ann Woodward posing in a glamorous dress

Ann Woodward hysterically told police she shot her husband in the darkened hallway between their two bedrooms in the belief that he was a prowler at their Oyster Bay estate. (Getty Images)

“No matter what you do, people may come at you and accuse you of something you didn’t do,” he said. “It’s a tragic thing. People can be so wonderful, but they can also be so disgusting.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Texas flooding victims: What we know about those who lost their lives

Facts about the individuals who died in Texas floods

() The Fourth of July weekend flash flooding on the Guadalupe River…
Chicago crime: Woman charged after 1 child killed, 2 injured in Logan Square stabbing before house fire, police say

Woman charged in connection with stabbing in Logan Square that resulted in 1 child’s death and injuries to 2 others before a house fire, according to police

4-year-old boy killed; 7 other people, including 2 kids and 3 police…
Ozempic changed my life, but my husband said the words all women fear

How Ozempic Improved My Life, But My Husband Uttered the Words Every Woman Dreads

Dear Jane, I’m in my early 30s, and after years of struggling…
Tropical Storm Chantal forecast to bring heavy rain to the Carolinas

Expect heavy rain in the Carolinas as Tropical Storm Chantal approaches

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the southeast U.S. coast…
Terrifying never-seen-before footage of 'attempted honor killing'

Shocking new video captures ‘alleged honor killing’ incident

Timberline High could have been any American school on the afternoon of…
Collapsed gangway knocks out power at Fernandina Harbor Marina

Port Marina at Fernandina Harbor loses electricity due to fallen gangway.

The gangway collapsed Friday night during a fireworks show, plunging spectators into…
Saints Alvin Kamara gets do-over after bad first pitch at Wrigley Field before Cardinals-Cubs game

Alvin Kamara from the Saints gets a second chance at throwing the first pitch at Wrigley Field before the Cardinals face off against the Cubs

New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara will not be making the…
Trump tells Elon Musk to 'have fun' starting the America Party

Trump encourages Elon Musk to enjoy himself as he launches the America Party

President Donald Trump criticized Elon Musk’s new venture as ‘ridiculous’ and expressed…