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Old Avard Road Unsolved Mystery

Crime Scene Photos:

Crime Scene 1956--

View of the scene. The rise at the end, the trees to the left (first crash) and Mildred died across the road.

Gas Tank and Missing Plug --
This is the gas tank from the car. note that the plug is missing. This the basis for the cause of the fire which is probably correct. Another view of the gas tank. A plug was missing from the gas tank under the car. The theory being that the plug was lost when the car went into the ditch, thus scrapping the bottom of the car. This was theorized that the drained gas caused the explosion, etc.

Bumper -- Part of the 1949 Chevrolet 2-door sedan.

Mildred's purse and a gas can --

Gas can was in the trunk. The theory is that once the car exploded, this can of gas (which the husband admitted to putting in the trunk), kept the fire going.

One reader states... "Living in a rural area back then with only limited service stations in the area, I suppose they might keep a can of gasoline in the trunk, at least I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The car didn't explode, in fact the gas tank appears to be in tack which means fuel burning from it is burning on the ground. Gasoline doesn't burn, its fumes burn when mixed with oxygen. So as the gasoline spreads on the ground so grows the burning pattern. Metal doesn't burn either, it melts. The gas can in the trunk would explode, and it appears it did, when the temperature in the trunk got hot enough to cause the gasoline to vaporize and split the can and a source of ignition was present. Mufflers don't get hot enough to be a ignition point so that would have to come most likely from the engine IF and I repeat IF this was accidental. The fumes would most likely have to been ignited from a source in the engine area. Spinning the tires also wouldn't normally cause ignition because rubber doesn't create sparks. Catalytic converters do get hot enough to ignite gasoline fumes but they didn't have them in those days."

Muffler of the 1949 Chevrolet Sedan --

Tire Tracks --

Investigators first suspected that another car forced her actions. So they took castings. This, being a dirt road, would have tire tracks from many cars. This lead went nowhere. If another car was the cause , the driver must have stopped to wait for Reynolds to "3 way turn" and then carash... Another open unanswered lead.

Mildred Anne Reynolds Death Certificate -- Note the explanaion of possible accidental and possible homicide. The inquest board voted for homicide. Also, the condition of her body is noted.

 

 

 

 

Cast of Characters - 1956 Crime Scene Photos
Real Detective (February, 1958 Story) - Home - Questions

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