Charles Harrelson: Hitman or Fall Guy?

When it comes to the underworld of organized crime, only a few names are quite as well known as the one of Charles Harrelson. Even though he’s primarily known as the father of actor Woody Harrelson, Charles’ life was marked by a series of violent crimes, controversial trials, and conspiracy theories. Trust me when I tell you — this man has lived hundreds of lives during his lifetime. However, nothing is quite as simple as it seems, is it? So, was Charles really a ruthless hitman, or was he just a fall guy caught in the wrong place at the wrong time? That’s the question that we’ll try to answer today.

From Small-Town Texas to the Criminal Underworld

Charles Voyde Harrelson was born on July 23, 1938, in Lovelady, Texas. His early life was seemingly ordinary, at least to the unsuspecting eye. It was mostly marked by the typical experiences of small-town America. But beneath the surface, Harrelson was a man of ambition and cunning, traits that would later help him enter the world of crime. And by the 1960s, Harrelson had moved beyond the comfort of small-town life, and invested himself deeply in the criminal underworld.

At first, Harrelson engaged in a variety of illicit activities, from gambling and extortion to smaller-scale crimes. However, it wouldn’t take too long until his reputation took a darker turn. So, what did he do? Become a contract killer. Known for his ruthlessness and efficiency, Harrelson quickly earned the nickname “The Cowboy.” His reputation spread quickly, and he became known for taking on high-profile, dangerous jobs.

The 1968 Murder of Alan Berg

One of Harrelson’s earliest known hits was the murder of carpet salesman Alan Berg in 1968. Berg was shot in the head outside his home in Houston, Texas. The motive? Berg had allegedly been cheating his business partners out of money, and they wanted retribution. Harrelson was arrested and charged with the crime, but the trial ended with his acquittal. The prosecution’s case was weak, lacking concrete evidence. Harrelson’s attorney, Percy Foreman, made sure to do whatever was in his power to free his client of any charges.

This whole case set the tone for Harrelson’s criminal career. His confidence grew, and so did his involvement in more significant and dangerous criminal activities.

The Assassination of Judge John H. Wood Jr.

The most infamous crime associated with Charles Harrelson is the assassination of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr., known as “Maximum John” for his harsh sentences. On May 29, 1979, Judge Wood was shot and killed outside his home in San Antonio, Texas. This marked the first assassination of a federal judge in the 20th century. The whole case shocked the whole nation and sparked a massive federal investigation.

Harrelson was arrested in September 1980 after a lengthy investigation. The prosecution’s case hinged on the testimony of a drug dealer named Jimmy Chagra, who allegedly hired Harrelson to kill Judge Wood to avoid a severe sentence in his own drug trafficking case. Despite the circumstantial nature of the evidence, Harrelson was convicted and sentenced to two life terms in prison.

The conviction was a significant victory for federal prosecutors, but it also raised numerous questions. Was Harrelson truly the mastermind behind the assassination, or was he just a scapegoat? The case against him was largely built on circumstantial evidence and the testimonies of people with questionable credibility. So it’s no surprise that there was so much room for doubt and speculation.

Conspiracy Theories

Even though Charles Harrelson was convicted, the rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding him were livelier than ever. One of the most persistent theories is Harrelson’s alleged involvement in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In a bizarre twist during his arrest, Harrelson claimed to have knowledge about the JFK assassination, suggesting that he was involved in a larger conspiracy. Though he later denied this statement, it still fueled speculation. So, his name will forever be linked to the infamous “three tramps” photographed near Dealey Plaza on the day of Kennedy’s murder. It just seems like Harrelson’s life was a magnet for conspiracy theories.

The Fall Guy Argument

Despite his criminal activities, some believe that Charles Harrelson was a convenient scapegoat—a fall guy—used by more powerful figures to divert attention from larger conspiracies. Supporters of this theory argue that Harrelson’s wild personality and criminal record made him an easy target.

There are several reasons to consider the fall guy argument. First, the evidence against Harrelson in the Wood assassination case was primarily circumstantial. As we have already mentioned, it relied mostly on the testimony of individuals with questionable credibility. Second, Harrelson’s own claims about his involvement in various conspiracies made him seem like a man who was deeply entangled in a web of deception and manipulation.

Harrelson himself maintained his innocence in the Wood assassination until his death in 2007. He claimed that he had been set up by individuals who needed a scapegoat, and that the real conspirators were walking the world free. These claims, though never proven, added to the aura of mystery surrounding his life and crimes.

Life in Prison and Legacy

Charles Harrelson spent the rest of his life in prison, maintaining his innocence in the Wood assassination until his death in 2007. Known for his intelligence and charisma, Harrelson managed to form close relationships within the prison system. Fellow inmates and prison staff often remarked on his charm and storytelling abilities, qualities that had likely served him well in his criminal endeavors.

Despite his notorious reputation, Harrelson’s life behind bars was marked by a sense of resignation. He accepted his fate but never ceased to protest his innocence. His son, Woody Harrelson, visited him regularly. The famous actor often spoke about the complex emotions of loving a father who was also a convicted murderer.

The Harrelson Family Connection

The Harrelson family’s connection to Hollywood through Charles’ son, Woody Harrelson, adds another layer of intrigue to this story. Woody, a renowned actor, has spoken publicly about his father’s criminal activities and their strained relationship. Despite the notoriety, Woody has carved out a successful career. In interviews, Woody has expressed a mix of fascination and sorrow, acknowledging his father’s charisma. But be also often talks about the impact of his criminal lifestyle on their family, and the fact that he was in and out of jail for most of his childhood.