The Governor Ray Blanton Pardon Scandal and the Murder of Samuel Pettyjohn

True Crime Weekly Podcast

28-06-2021 • 26 mins

On January 15, 1979, Governor of Tennessee Ray Blanton issued pardons to  Fifty-two prisoners, including 23 convicted murderers, who were released to the streets of Tennessee. With some only serving months in prison. The biggest concern was that these prisoners were corruptly sold their pardons by Governor Ray Blanton and his administration. Once under investigation, witnesses started disappearing including Samual Pettyjohn who was shot execution style just after testifying in court. This is the story of Ray Blanton and the cash for clemency scheme.