A daughter mourning the loss of her mother and cousin, who had extended forgiveness to their killer and even offered him a job, tragically fell victim to the same man.
Sally Snowden McKay, aged 75, and her cousin Joseph “Lee” Baker, a 52-year-old Memphis blues guitarist, were brutally murdered on their estate at Horseshoe Lake in Arkansas back in 1996. After the incident, Sally’s daughter, Martha, chose to befriend Travis Lewis, the 17-year-old convicted murderer, while he was in prison, despite his lack of a full confession. Lewis had shifted blame to another individual for the crime, as reported by People.
Martha later decided to transform the site of the tragedy into a stunning bed and breakfast and wedding venue named Snowden House. She supported Lewis’ release in 2018 and even employed him at the property. Despite Lewis continuing to deny his guilt, suspicions arose when $10,000 went missing from the house on a day Lewis was present.
Tragically, Martha, aged 63, was discovered murdered at Snowden House on March 25, 2020, with evidence of a break-in and theft. The perpetrator attempted to flee but ultimately drowned in the nearby lake during a police pursuit.
The body recovered from the lake was identified as Lewis, who had committed another murder in the same family 23 years later. Toxicology results indicated the presence of multiple drugs in his system. Family and friends expressed shock and disbelief at Martha’s untimely death, recalling her zest for life and love for her family.
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