Eight months later on Jan. 14, 1990, he was found dead in his study from complications . By the time they got to the third trial, it had ended in a hung jury. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, a 1994 bestseller book by John Berendt and a big-screen movie directed by Clint Eastwood in 1997, has made Savannah a number-one travel destination.Whether you believe Jim Williams' killing of his young lover, Danny Hansford, was murder or self-defense, the case made the book a best-seller and is still bringing visitors to Savannah. Wealthy Savannah antiques dealer James A. Just before 3 a.m. on May 2, 1981, 50-year-old James Williams, a well-known antiques dealer and leader of the historic home preservation movement in Savannah, Georgia, called police to his home to report that he had shot his assistant, 21-year-old Danny Hansford. At the time of the shooting, Hansford, 21, had been Williams' sexual partner for two. Williams was arrested on May 2, 1981, for the alleged murder of 21-year-old Danny Hansford, but was finally acquitted, eight years after his arrest. Wright Square is surrounded by plenty of LGBT-friendly businesses. Shooting of Danny Hansford Daniel Lewis Hansford was an American shooting victim who was killed by his employer, preservationist Jim Williams, at Williams' home in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The tour of the house is a little dry (and expensive, at $13), but for hardcore Midnight fans . The film was mostly filmed in Savannah. [4] At his arraignment his bond was set at $25,000, which he posted. At age 24, he began his career as an antiques dealer and historic preservationist who played an active role in the preservation of Savannah's historic district. The statue at its center memorializes the Polish Count, General Casimir Pulaski, who established the American Cavalry and was killed defending Savannah during the American Revolution. The Southern Gothic book, known simply as "The Book," is based on true events surrounding antiques dealer Jim Williams and the murder of Danny Hansford in Savannah. The two were arguing over a woman when Jim pulled out his gun and shot him. Where in Savannah was Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil filmed? 'I think of my first time in Savannah. Danny Lewis Hansford Born: 1 Mar 1960 Died: 2 May 1981 Greenwich Cemetery 325-345 Greenwich Road Savannah, Chatham , Georgia United States Nearby Graves Find more about Danny Lewis. This murder mystery is one of Savannah's most famous and was the subject of the incredibly famous book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , which you should definitely start reading immediately as you plan your Savannah getaway. Write a short note about what you liked, what to order, or other helpful advice for visitors. Berendt's book describes a city whose "resistance to change was its . His death was documented in John Berendt 's 1994 non-fiction book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and its 1997 film adaptation. Williams was arrested on May 2, 1981, for the alleged murder of 21-year-old Danny Hansford, with whom he had been having a homosexual relationship, at Mercer House. Williams shot and killed 21-year-old Danny Lewis Hansford in the same room on May 2, 1981. The Mercer House, Savannah, Georgia. "Jim" Williams shot his 21-year-old, part-time employee, Danny Hansford, to death in his Monterey Square mansion in the early morning hours of May 2,. williams himself died . See 1 photo from visitors to Danny Hansford Gravesite. first is the mercer house, located at 429 bull street, between wayne and gordon streets, on monterey square. #1 - Plant Riverside District. Perhaps no book has played more of a role in tourism in Savannah, Georgia than John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Savannah's open attitude towards diversity is engrained in the very fabric of the city. The first trial ended with life in prison sentencing. "Beautiful historic house in Savannah." The main character, Jim Williams (played by Kevin Spacey), lived in Mercer House located at 429 Bull Street in the west end of Monterey Square in Savannah. [4] Below we've put together a list of our favorite things to do in Savannah; walking tours, museums, parks, beaches, and more. His nonfictional work, which follows the 1981 murder of Savannah native Danny Hansford by his lover, well-known antique dealer Jim Williams, spent a record 216 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. The murder of Danny Hansford in 1981 shocked the community, especially since the assailant, James Williams, was well-known in Savannah for helping to preserve the city's historic district. May 01, 2013 12:00 AM O n this day, May 2, in 1981, in Savannah, Ga., wealthy antiques dealer Jim Williams shot and killed his lover, redneck hustler Danny Hansford, in the case made famous. Don Burkett on Flickr A Shooting Occurs He was shot in the study of the Mercer House at 429 Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia, on May 2, 1981 by the home's owner, Jim Williams, who was later found not guilty in a murder case. The subsequent four trials and eventual . Still labeled "non-fiction" though its . Schieen von Danny Hansford. He was an English entrepreneur and farmer who cultivated the first soya beans in North America and introduced tea from China to Georgia. Danny Hansford (Daniel Lewis Hanford) was born on 1 March, 1960 in Savannah, Georgia, U.S., is a Tradesman. This was omitted from the movie version. When police arrived at Williams' home, he opened the door and said, "I shot him. I assembled most of the scientific evidence and tried the first case, alongside District Attorney Spencer Lawton. Samuel Bowen became the first owner of the property in 1765. And you know what happens then.'. The trial lasted from Feb. 2, 1982, to May 9, 1989; however, Williams' status as a free man was short-lived. Williams was charged with Hansford's murder, and subsequently tried four times for the crime. Savannah was never the same. By Jim Morekis. #4 - Forsyth Park. Danny Hansford was shot and killed by Jim Williams during an argument at Mercer House, Williams' home in Savannah, GA, in the early morning hours of May 2, 1981. This is the former home of Jim Williams, a notable antique dealer in Savannah who was tried (and acquitted) four times for the 1981 murder of Danny Hansford. For fans of "Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil," Danny Hansford was known as "Billy Hanson" in the film version, but essentially was killed during a struggle with Jim Williams of. The judgment was later overturned upon the discovery of contradicting police reports. Yes, I was there while the body of Danny Hansford was still on the floor in the study at Mercer House. Daniel Lewis Hansford (March 1, 1960 - May 2, 1981) was an American shooting victim who was killed by his employer, preservationist Jim Williams, at Williams' home in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The mansion was built in 1861 and was used as Williams' home in the film as well. It took place at a historic mansion that previously belonged to the family of "Moon River" singer Johnny Mercer. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 60 years old? When it came time for casting the 1997 film directed by Clint Eastwood, the Lady Chablis, also known as the . He died as a result of a simple case of pneumonia, but his death occurred in a unique location. Danny Hansford was an African American and Jim Williams was a white man. He also began a secret relationship with his much-younger assistant, 21-year-old Danny Hansford. Custard Boutique, hop, located at 422 Whitaker St., is a small indie shop with a collection of casual women's clothing, accessories & handcrafted jewelry. The 1981 murder of Danny Hansford at the hands of Jim Williams is a famous one, featured in the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Hansford was Savannah's most popular male escort of the late 1970's and early '80's and his passing was the subject of the successful NY Times Bestseller "Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil" written by John Berendt. Williams claimed the shooting of his assistant Hansford was "self-defense . It's seen at least three untimely deaths, including that of 11-year-old Tommy Downs when he fell off the roof in 1969, the 1981 fatal shooting of Danny Hansford by Williams, and Williams. Real picture of Danny Hansford: http://bit.ly/hU4cB0 His mother still lives in Savannah. #2 - Garden of Good & Evil Walking Tour. We found more records about Danny Lewis Hansford. The accused, Jim Williams, a prominent member of Savannah society known for his extravagant and exclusive Christmas parties, shot Danny Hansford, a 21 year old known for drug abuse, reckless driving, and sleeping around with both men and women. Click here to see them all Grave Site of Danny Lewis edit I would leave Savannah before Williams' second, third and fourth trials, but the case . mercer house was made famous by midnight in the garden of good and evil as the house of jim williams, who - after four trials - was acquitted of murdering his handyman/lover danny hansford on may 2, 1981. williams alleged that he shot hansford in self-defense. Danny Hansford was a former prostitute and had a checkered past. The state introduced evidence of a homosexual relationship between the defendant and the deceased. Danny Lewis Hansford Shot to death in the Study of Mercer House, 429 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia, by Jim Williams. Danny Hansford 1960 1981 Danny Hansford in U.S. Social Security Death Index (SSDI) Danny Hansford was born on March 1 1960. "The Book," as Savannah residents refer to it, is set in 1980s Savannah and focuses on the true crime of hustler Danny Hansford's murder by art dealer Jim Williams. The shooting of Danny Hansford by wealthy preservationist Jim Williams at Williams' home in Savannah, Georgia was the subject of the best-selling 1994 true crime novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. PUBLISHED over 20 years ago, John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil remains as intriguing an enigma as the setting of the book itself. If you are a fan of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this is where you will find Danny Hansford's (1960-1981) grave. He was buried in Greenwich Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia, United States. Claiming self defense, Jim Williams was acquitted of Hansford's murder after not one, not two but four trails. It was the third week in March. His death was the subject of the. Hansford was Savannah's most popular male escort of the late 1970s and early 1980s. And then, finally, the sight I waited my whole life to see- the Mercer House, the home where Jim Williams lived, and ultimately, died of a heart attack- in the exact spot where he allegedly shot his employee and also alleged, lover, Danny Hansford. View all All Photos Tagged danny hansford Monterey Square, in Savannah, GA, was begun in 1847 in honor of the Battle of Monterey in America's war with Mexico. Jan 22, 2015 - See 3 photos and 1 tip from 49 visitors to Mercer House. Williams was charged with Danny's murder and tried four times for the crime. He was shot by a man named Danny Hansford. Throughout "The Book," Berendt exposes the quirky and eccentric Savannah residents, including the Lady Chablis. Discover Danny Hansford's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Murder Victim. Mai 1981) war ein amerikanisches Erschieungsopfer, das von seinem Arbeitgeber, dem Konservator Jim Williams, in Williams' Haus in Savannah, Georgia, USA, gettet wurde.Sein Tod wurde 1994 in John Berendts Sachbuch Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil und seiner Verfilmung von 1997 dokumentiert. #5 - Breakfast at Mirabelle. Hansford had been born in Savannah in 1960 and had taken up the trade of a sex worker. I was the one who informed James "Jim" Williams that he was being arrested for murder. From "The" Book you know:. #3 - Tybee Island. Their relationship was volatile and finally ended with Hansford pulling a gun on Williams. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? While most of the ghosts in and around Savannah stem from the Civil War Era, the spirits at the Mercer House are recent arrivals to the city. He died of a minor case of pneumonia, however his death occurred in an unusual area. The remarkable part of the crime is that Jim Williams was tried four times for Hansford's murder. During the next 35 years, he would. Mrz 1960 - 2. THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH, GA hide. These good times came to an end in the year 1981, after the shooting death of Williams' assistant and lover, Danny Hansford, a former prostitute with a past almost as questionable as the Mercer-Williams House itself. John Berendt: The interview. His death was documented in J read more. Two years later, trial number four, found . Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah was considered a haven for the poor of England and promoted relative religious freedom which was definitely not the norm at the time. Daniel Lewis Hansford (1. ohn Berendt's 1994 non-fiction book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and its 1997 film adaptation. Jim Williams died in Savannah on the night of 5-6 March, 1892. Danny was, apparently, prone to frequent outbursts of rage. Williams was a well-known preservationist of historic Savannah structures, renovating over 30 structures across the city. According to Williams, Hansford's gun jammed, leaving Williams just enough time to grab his own weapon and shoot Hansford in self-defense. Only picture I could find! The truth of the story highlights the crime of murder by wealthy, gay Savannah socialite, Jim Williams, and his employee in his antique business and lover, Danny Hansford. Hansford and Williams began a semi-secret, tempestuous relationship that involved frequent quarrels. Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Danny Hansford, a part-time employee and frequent house guest of the defendant. The first trial ended with Hansford & # x27 ; home, he was English. 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