A woman, known for her forgiveness towards her mother and cousin’s killer, tragically met her end at the hands of the same individual. Sally Snowden McKay, aged 75, and her cousin Joseph “Lee” Baker, a 52-year-old Memphis blues guitarist, were brutally killed on their idyllic Horseshoe Lake property in Arkansas in 1996.
Martha, Sally’s daughter, displayed extraordinary compassion by reaching out to the convicted murderer, Travis Lewis, who was 17 at the time and serving a prison sentence. Despite the heinous crime, Martha chose to extend a helping hand to Lewis, who had pleaded guilty but never confessed to the murders, shifting blame to another person according to People magazine.
Tragically, Martha’s act of kindness ultimately led to her own demise. Following the tragedy, Martha transformed the site of her mother’s death into a luxurious bed and breakfast and wedding venue named Snowden House.
In 2018, Martha advocated for Lewis’ release from prison and discreetly employed him at Snowden House. Despite Lewis denying responsibility, a friend of Martha’s had warned her about the risks of the friendship, which she disregarded.
After working on the estate for 18 months, suspicions arose when £10,000 went missing following Lewis’s visit. Martha’s life came to a brutal end on March 25, 2020, at the age of 63, when she was found with fatal stab wounds and blunt force trauma.
Authorities determined that Lewis intended to steal valuables from Martha’s home but were uncertain if the plan escalated to murder during the burglary. Lewis attempted to flee but drowned in the lake behind the property.
Lewis, who had a history of violence, was identified as the killer. Toxicology results indicated the presence of multiple substances in his system. McKay’s sister, Katie Hutton, described Martha as someone who cherished life to the fullest.
The family and community were left in shock by the tragic events.
