A Discovery Channel television show featured W. Jeff Bishop, director of the Funk Heritage Center and Bennett History Museum, as a historical expert. The episode of the Moonshiners: True Crime & Shine series titled “Bones in the Backwoods” aired March 24, 2026.
The show delved into Georgia’s notorious 1948 John Wallace murder case, made famous by the book and TV movie “Murder in Coweta County.” Producers approached Bishop to provide insight and commentary about the brutal murder of bootlegger William Turner, who stole cows from wealthy moonshine kingpin Wallace after a payment dispute. Bishop explained the history, significance of the case, and broader context surrounding the events.
Bishop became known as a historical expert on the case following his commission by the Newnan Theatre Company to write a musical about the famous crime, his development of a museum exhibit at the Newnan-Coweta History Center, and his insight provided on programs such as the Travel Channel’s “Monumental Mysteries.”
“The case was historically important because it was the first time in the U.S. South that the testimony of black men directly led to the execution of a socially prominent white man,” Bishop explained. “I have a deep love for Georgia history. I’m happy to have the opportunity to share some of that knowledge and research with a national audience.”
The episode can be viewed on Discovery GO, DIRECTV, and other streaming platforms.
-By Suzy Alstrin
