The 1999 murders of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, a case that gripped the Wiregrass region of Alabama for decades, finally reached a verdict on Wednesday with the conviction of Coley McCraney. The 49-year-old was found guilty on four counts of capital murder, including two counts of capital murder-vehicle, one count of capital murder-rape, and capital murder of two or more persons. This verdict brings a close to a chilling cold case that has haunted the community and garnered national attention.
The Tragic Night of July 31, 1999
Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, both 17-year-old high school seniors, were returning home from Beasley’s birthday party on July 31, 1999, when they became lost in Ozark, Alabama. According to Hawlett’s mother, they struggled to understand directions before stopping at a convenience store. Tragically, they were found the next day in the trunk of Beasley’s black Mazda 929, just a block from the Dale County hospital. Both had been shot once in the head. Their belongings, including jewelry, purses, and money, were untouched, and initial forensic examinations indicated no signs of sexual assault.
The Long Road to Justice
The murders sparked an intensive investigation. A nationwide hotline was established, and a reward fund quickly grew, fueled by community donations and state contributions. Investigators conducted over 500 interviews, strained forensic resources, and tested the DNA of more than 70 potential suspects, but the case remained cold for two decades.
The tragic discovery: Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley were found murdered in the trunk of Beasley’s car.
The DNA Breakthrough and Arrest
A pivotal moment came in 2018 with the arrest of the Golden State Killer using genealogical DNA databases. Inspired by this success, the Ozark Police Department partnered with Parabon NanoLabs, a DNA technology company. This collaboration led to a DNA match linking Coley McCraney, a truck driver with no prior criminal record, to the 1999 murders. He was arrested in 2019.
McCraney’s Testimony and the Trial
The trial began on April 17, 2024, and spanned a week. McCraney took the stand in his own defense, offering a startling account of the night of the murders. He testified that he had consensual sex with Beasley, claiming they had met at the Wiregrass Commons Mall two months prior and arranged to meet at the Ozark gas station. He described a series of events, including giving the girls directions, meeting them at his semi-truck, and having consensual sex with Beasley in the truck cab, before driving them home.
Coley McCraney, charged with the murders of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley.
The Verdict and What Lies Ahead
Despite McCraney’s testimony, the jury found him guilty on all four counts of capital murder. The sentencing phase is scheduled to begin Thursday, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The verdict marks a significant milestone in a case that has profoundly impacted the Wiregrass community. While it brings a sense of closure, the sentencing phase will undoubtedly be another difficult chapter for the families of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley.
The Impact on the Wiregrass Community
The double murder of Hawlett and Beasley left a lasting scar on the Wiregrass region. The case became a symbol of unanswered questions and a constant reminder of the tragic loss of two young lives. The community rallied together, offering support to the victims’ families and pushing for justice. The conviction of Coley McCraney, though decades later, represents a critical step towards healing and accountability for this devastating crime. The sentencing phase will determine the final chapter of this long and painful journey for the families and the community.
Remembering Tracie and J.B.
While the legal proceedings continue, it’s crucial to remember the victims at the heart of this case: Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley. Their lives were tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of their loved ones and the community. As the legal process concludes, their memory should serve as a reminder of the importance of justice and the lasting impact of violent crime. The community will continue to honor their lives and support their families as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
