Marsha Hedrick
It was the longest, most famous trial in Sullivan County, Tennessee, history — covered by correspondents from ABC’s 20/20 and the Wall Street Journal. Locals vied with journalists for available seats. It began Dec. 22, 2019 and ended March 31, 2000.
Esther Combs was the unlikely star of the public frenzy — a tiny girl of 20 who looked 14 due to the frequent starvation episodes inflicted on her by her mother.
Joe and Evangeline Combs, illegally adopted Esther and abused her in Bristol’s Emmanuel Baptist Church, where Joe pastored.
This horrific case is now documented in a true crime book by Bristol native, Marsha Hedrick. At 19, Esther downed a glass of antifreeze to end her life. She didn’t die. This book documents her life and the ensuing criminal case that captivated the world.
Using the trial transcripts and interviews with the victim, the investigator who broke the case and the district attorneys who prosecuted the Combs, readers will be riveted by this remarkable story. Photographs and diagrams of the victims 410 scars are included as well.
“The Body of Esther Combs” is Hedrick’s first book. Now retired, she served as marketing director for Barter Theatre as well as for Highlands Community Services in Abingdon, Virginia, and worked in publishing.
“There is much to learn from this case about the dangers of blind loyalty but more importantly this book is an incredible account of a woman’s tenacity and courage in the face of the darkest evil imaginable. Even if you think you know this story, believe me, you don’t know the half,” Hedrick says. The book is not close to completion — the author is seeking a publisher.
Hedrick speaks at the Bristol Public Library, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. She will be accompanied by Debbie Richmond, the detective who investigated the case.
