GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Ridgeview High students brought true crime to life at Tales from the Clink for another year. 

Using court and genealogical records, Clay County Archives Supervisor Vishi Garig said the county was able to find real people and real cases to curate captivating stories. This year she even added a new character. 

Sifting through tons of historical newspaper clippings and documents, sophomore, junior and senior students in Ridgeview’s Drama Club research all the cases to write their scripts and make their costumes. 

Touring the Old County Jail, guests turned the corners to cells occupied by students acting out suspects of murder cases and even mentally ill patients. 

The students could use unique dialogue to interact with each person who walked by. 

“This is a study and improvisation,” Garig said. “Because the characters interact with people. So, we’ve loved it.”

Additionally, students acted out the "Sweetheart Slayer" case, depicting a 17-year-old’s 1925 murder trial in the Historic Courthouse.

The school's theater director, Lindsay McDade, said the production was a four- to six-week project.

Each year, a new wave of students gets to put a different spin on each character and case. McDade said this year was different because many more students participated than in earlier years. Nonetheless, it was successful. 

“I don’t think they realize how much fun they’re going to have until they do it for an audience because all they have is the class and me watching,” she said. “So, when they get an audience, of course, it’s more fun.”

The event was senior Kailyn Thompson’s first time participating. Thompson played a coroner investigating the case of a man who committed suicide on the courthouse lawn after his farm went bankrupt.

Thompson said preparing for the role was a little nerve-wracking but incredible.

“There were a few mishaps. But, overall, it’s been a good experience,” Thompson said. 

For the first time, the event also featured a non-student actor. General Counsel Brian Byrd played the role of Harry Kane, a man who was falsely convicted of murdering an engineer who was aboard the Twilight steamboat that sank in the Black Creek.

As guests entered the jailhouse, Byrd begged them to help prove his innocence. His wife and kids also participated in the skit, providing guests with scavenger hunt worksheets.

Garig said although the hurricane left a smaller crowd than usual, she was still happy with the turnout. She said she has big plans for next year.

“There’s a couple of other murderers that I think I’m going to add for next year,” Garig said. “That way, the kids don’t have to do every single character every single time. I’d like them to have a pool to choose from.”