Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of child abuse, murder, racism, and assault that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

On May 28th, 1980, Vernon Jordan, one of America's leading civil rights activists, arrived

in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

That evening he was to deliver a speech at the Urban League's annual Equal Opportunity Dinner.

Once it came time to address the audience, Jordan spoke about his hopes for the new decade, including

his optimism about further advancement of race relations.

The crowd was enthusiastic and cheered him on every step of the way.

He gave voice to a room full of people that believed in hope.

After his speech, Jordan made his way to the bar with a group of Urban League members.

As the crowd dwindled, he was left talking with an attractive blonde named Martha Coleman.

When the bartender announced last call, Jordan offered to escort Martha back to her car.

In the parking lot, the two continued chatting, happily enjoying each other's company,

but when they got to Martha's car, the perfect night was shattered by a thunderclap of gunfire. A bullet ripped through Jordan's back and exited his

chest, shattering the driver's side window. He flew forward and hunched over the car before sliding to the

pavement where he lay motionless. Across the parking lot, 30-year-old Joseph Paul Franklin got into his car, put away his rifle, and drove Greg Paulson. This is Serial Killers, a parcast original.

Every episode, we dive into the minds and madness of Serial Killers.

Today we'll finish the story of Joseph Paul Franklin, perhaps the most infamous racially motivated

serial killer in United States history.

I'm here with my co-host, Vanessa Richardson.

Hi everyone, you can find episodes of serial killers and all other Parcast originals for free on Spotify

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