Yes, I was there while the body of Danny Hansford was still on the floor in the study at Mercer House. Danny was, apparently, prone to frequent outbursts of rage. 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. 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 first trial ended with life in prison sentencing. During the next 35 years, he would. When police arrived at Williams' home, he opened the door and said, "I shot him. He also began a secret relationship with his much-younger assistant, 21-year-old 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 was a former prostitute and had a checkered past. Danny Hansford was an African American and Jim Williams was a white man. The state introduced evidence of a homosexual relationship between the defendant and the deceased. When it came time for casting the 1997 film directed by Clint Eastwood, the Lady Chablis, also known as the . Williams was charged with Hansford's murder, and subsequently tried four times for the crime. Real picture of Danny Hansford: http://bit.ly/hU4cB0 His mother still lives in Savannah. Murder Victim. Wealthy Savannah antiques dealer James A. 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 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 had been born in Savannah in 1960 and had taken up the trade of a sex worker. It was the third week in March. At the time of the shooting, Hansford, 21, had been Williams' sexual partner for two. The remarkable part of the crime is that Jim Williams was tried four times for Hansford's murder. His death was documented in J read more. Wright Square is surrounded by plenty of LGBT-friendly businesses. 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. 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. Where in Savannah was Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil filmed? #3 - Tybee Island. From "The" Book you know:. #2 - Garden of Good & Evil Walking Tour. 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. Jim Williams died in Savannah on the night of 5-6 March, 1892. #5 - Breakfast at Mirabelle. 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. Discover Danny Hansford's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Hansford was Savannah's most popular male escort of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Write a short note about what you liked, what to order, or other helpful advice for visitors. 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. 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. 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. 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. It took place at a historic mansion that previously belonged to the family of "Moon River" singer Johnny Mercer. Throughout "The Book," Berendt exposes the quirky and eccentric Savannah residents, including the Lady Chablis. 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. Savannah was never the same. THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH, GA hide. Williams shot and killed 21-year-old Danny Lewis Hansford in the same room on May 2, 1981. Hansford and Williams began a semi-secret, tempestuous relationship that involved frequent quarrels. Danny Lewis Hansford Shot to death in the Study of Mercer House, 429 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia, by Jim Williams. 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. "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,. See 1 photo from visitors to Danny Hansford Gravesite. This was omitted from the movie version. The Mercer House, Savannah, Georgia. Don Burkett on Flickr A Shooting Occurs williams himself died . 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. Danny Hansford 1960 1981 Danny Hansford in U.S. Social Security Death Index (SSDI) Danny Hansford was born on March 1 1960. By the time they got to the third trial, it had ended in a hung jury. Mrz 1960 - 2. Still labeled "non-fiction" though its . Williams was charged with Danny's murder and tried four times for the crime. The subsequent four trials and eventual . 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. Only picture I could find! Schieen von Danny Hansford. 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. 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. By Jim Morekis. 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. I would leave Savannah before Williams' second, third and fourth trials, but the case . 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. Jan 22, 2015 - See 3 photos and 1 tip from 49 visitors to Mercer House. 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. #1 - Plant Riverside District. 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. 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. "Beautiful historic house 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. 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. I assembled most of the scientific evidence and tried the first case, alongside District Attorney Spencer Lawton. 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. 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. ohn Berendt's 1994 non-fiction book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and its 1997 film adaptation. Williams claimed the shooting of his assistant Hansford was "self-defense . We found more records about Danny Lewis Hansford. #4 - Forsyth Park. 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. 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 judgment was later overturned upon the discovery of contradicting police reports. Daniel Lewis Hansford (1. [4] At his arraignment his bond was set at $25,000, which he posted. The tour of the house is a little dry (and expensive, at $13), but for hardcore Midnight fans . The mansion was built in 1861 and was used as Williams' home in the film as well. [4] 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. 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. The two were arguing over a woman when Jim pulled out his gun and shot him. 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. Samuel Bowen became the first owner of the property in 1765. "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. 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. 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. 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. 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. He died as a result of a simple case of pneumonia, but his death occurred in a unique location. Savannah's open attitude towards diversity is engrained in the very fabric of the city. Click here to see them all Grave Site of Danny Lewis edit According to Williams, Hansford's gun jammed, leaving Williams just enough time to grab his own weapon and shoot Hansford in self-defense. Their relationship was volatile and finally ended with Hansford pulling a gun on Williams. Berendt's book describes a city whose "resistance to change was its . He died of a minor case of pneumonia, however his death occurred in an unusual area. His death was the subject of the. 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. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 60 years old? first is the mercer house, located at 429 bull street, between wayne and gordon streets, on monterey square. I was the one who informed James "Jim" Williams that he was being arrested for murder. He was shot by a man named Danny Hansford. Claiming self defense, Jim Williams was acquitted of Hansford's murder after not one, not two but four trails. He was buried in Greenwich Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia, United States. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 'I think of my first time in Savannah. Below we've put together a list of our favorite things to do in Savannah; walking tours, museums, parks, beaches, and more. Danny Hansford (Daniel Lewis Hanford) was born on 1 March, 1960 in Savannah, Georgia, U.S., is a Tradesman. 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. 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. 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