David "Stringbean" Akeman's Murderer Wants Parole

Debra Brown's husband John A. Brown killed Dave "Stringbean" Akeman and his wife more than three decades ago. It was one of Nashville's most infamous murders.

John Brown's next parole hearing is on July 19, 2011.

NewsChannel 5 Nashville, TN

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On a Saturday night in late 1973, David "Stringbean" Akeman and his wife returned home after he performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Both were shot dead shortly after their arrival. The killers had waited for hours. The bodies were discovered the following morning by their neighbor, Grandpa Jones.

A police investigation resulted in the convictions of cousins John A. Brown and Marvin Douglas Brown, both 23 years old. They had ransacked the cabin and killed Stringbean when he arrived. His wife shrieked when she saw her husband murdered. She begged for her life, but was shot as well. According to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, "Upon their return, Mr. Akeman spotted the intruders in his home and evidently offered some resistance. One of the Brown cousins fatally shot Mr. Akeman, then pursued, shot and killed Mrs. Akeman. At their trial, each defendant blamed the other for the homicides."

The killers took only a chain saw and some firearms. In 1996, 23 years after the murders, $20,000 in paper money was discovered behind a chimney brick in Stringbean's home. The money had deteriorated to such an extent that it was not usable and had to be turned into a bank.

Marvin Douglas Brown fought his convictions in the appellate courts. On September 28, 1982, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the trial judge's order denying him a new trial.[2] Marvin Brown ultimately granted an exclusive interview to Larry Brinton of the Nashville Banner. He admitted his part in the burglary and murders, but insisted John Brown fired the fatal shots. As Brown by his own admission had committed burglary (a felony) that resulted in death, Brown was legally guilty of murder, regardless of who fired the shots.

Marvin Brown died of natural causes in 2003, at the Brushy Mountain Prison, in Petros, Tennessee, and is buried in the prison cemetery. John Brown is incarcerated in a Tennessee Special Needs Facility. In July 2008, the Tennessee Parole Board deferred any parole for 36 months. He is next eligible for parole in July 2011. The A&E cable television network profiled the case on a 2003 episode of its City Confidential series.

David and Estelle Akeman are buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• David Stringbean Akeman
• Murder
• Murderer
• Robbery
• Parole
• Nashville
• Tennessee
• NewsChannel 5

[cindylk11]

That son of a bitch doesn't deserve to get paroled. I used to watch Hee Haw when I was little, and I remember Stringbean, and thought he was funny. He was a great banjo player, and a legend. He and his poor wife didn't deserve to be gunned down in cold blood. And I don't feel a bit sorry for his wife. She was engaged to a murderer, and married him anyway! Doesn't that make her an accessory?! No! I hope he rots forever! He's not sorry!

[StanBennet]

I hate country. I hate Hee Haw. But you take a man's life -- uh uh. Sorry. I can care less about this idiot's "other" side. John's been punished? No. Live out your sentence. And since he's been so great at turning others to Christ in prison, then he should stay there and continue his work.

[TheSFCRetired]

He does not deserve to ever walk among free people again. Never mind who did or did not actually fire the shots; he was there and he acquiesced in these brutal and senseless murders. As for as his wife goes, she knew what he was when she married him. Yes, I remember these murders and the shock that everyone felt over them. Stringbean had the reputation that he would give you the shirt off his back if you only asked.

[tridentum]

Death penalty for anyone who kills a banjo player.

[oldcremona]

He should be paroled when String and Estelle get their lives back.

[monkeefan1965]

I remember this murder...sad. My mom cried...I think he needs to stay in prison...

[RompinRomperStomper]

life is stronger than love. there are many people who have done much less and never got parole.

[udik74]

don't give a damn about what you feel or how are your husband feels.. the man killed 2 people in cold blood... you asked for mercy and grace? did your fiance show string bean and his wife any?

[StanBennet]

Nothing you could ever do to bring those two people back? How about, nothing you can do can get you out of prison!

[pyrofella]

I hate these scumbags who use "finding God" a reason they should be forgiven......

I'll bet God never crossed their minds when they murdered these folks....

Let them rot in prison...

[bmille23]

Let him suck it up and take his punishment. She should be ashamed of herself begging so he will be paroled. Maybe we should see the autopsy pix of this couple?Or them in their coffins? They are dead, dead as doornails. And he wants out cuz he's changed? Hope he rots. Barb in Michigan

[BreakingNewsNow1]

The killers took only a chain saw and some firearms, killed Stringbean when he arrived. His wife shrieked when she saw her husband murdered. She begged for her life, but was shot as well. John A. Brown fired the fatal shots. He was again denied parole in July 2011. I hope he dies in prison and burns in hell. Rip Stringbean!