If Someone Had Known (the true story that the movie is based on)

You can watch the entire movie here on youtube

Here is part 1 (all of the parts are there)

Cynthia Williams Hutto, James H Hutto, Amy Y Hutto, James H Hutto Jr, Charleston Carolina Homicide

Facts in the case
by Traciy Curry-Reyes

Cynthia Hutto (16) started dating James Henry Hutto (18). While they were dating James started out just giving her tiny little slaps here and there. By age 16, Cynthia became pregnant, and she and James married when she was around 4 months. After the wedding the slaps turned into punches. James punched her in the stomach when she was around 8 months pregnant. On another occasion she was little late picking him up from work, and he began beating her in the car. Cynthia never pressed charges against him. She attempted to leave him a few times. "I told him, Bubba, it's not working. Let me take the kids and you can have everything. That is all I want. I won't ever keep you from seeing them." James never listened. Whenever she would suggest separating the fights would ensue. She did everything she could to keep the beatings a secret. A few of her friends did tell her mother Kathryn that James was beating her. Kathryn did not tell her husband Ray Williams who was a police detective at the time. She tried not to intervene, but she helped them out financially from time to time when it was possible. Neighbors were also aware of the beatings. A few even witnessed the beatings on several occasions. They stated that it was "part of her everyday life".



On Thursday, December 7, 1978 at about 6:30 pm, James and Cynthia were quarreling in their trailer home in North Charleston, and James beat her. He handed her the gun and told her to kill him or he would continue to beat her. He walked away from her and headed towards the bedroom where he rested on the bed. Cynthia W. Hutto picked up the 12 gauge shot gun and shot him in the back. He died minutes later. The police arrived and found James dead. She was released from the county jail on her own recognizance. She lived with her roommate for a time before the trial.

The trial began on April 18, 1979. The prosecution, listened patiently as Cynthia and her psychologist, Dr. Lois Veronen, described what her home life was like with James. But, they felt this was no reason to justify homicide.


Cindy Hutto was aquitted on Friday, April 20, 1979. She said that she wanted to go to trial so that she could "tell everyone how it was." As for the children, they knew the story of what happened to their father. Cindy said that they would say their prayers to him everynight, and that they talked about him all the time. She would'nt say anything against him to the kids. Cynthia also mentioned that it was very hard thinking of him. She still loved him and remembered all of the good times. After the trial everyone was interested in this story. She appeared on several talk shows. Then she went back to her life as a waitress and bar tender for a time.

Tidbits
Cynthia and James Hutto were 21 and 24 at the time of the killing.

Her father, Ray E. Williams, was a police detective in Charleston County and got along very well with James Hutto.

Some comments made by her friends and family

Kathryn Williams (her mother) said that Cindy did everything she could to make the marriage work. She would always state: "things will be better tomorrow." Also, her horoscope that day indicated that something big was going to happen at the end of the day that would get a lot of publicity.

Bonnie Sabra (her roommate at the time of the trial) She said that she sat through the entire trial and lost her job to support Cindy. She so was shocked at the severity of the beatings that she had to walk out of court a few times.

Kelley Jones (worked at the restaurant with Cindy)
I found out Bubba wasn't good to her, and he knew I knew about it.He wouldn't speak to me. If you saw Cindy and Bubba together she worshiped the ground he walked on.

According to many people, James Hutto was a really likeable guy.

James Hutto's sister, Sherrill Petrey, stated that she had been with Cynthia a few hours before the shooting, and that Cynthia said something about how she would "make headlines" that day.

Cynthia's advice to women "Don't get married to young...If you're battered, don't do like me, turn to someone for help and talk, talk, talk.

The children are Amy Y Hutto and James H Hutto Jr. At the time Amy was 3 and her brother was 5.

To read more true stories click here

Cynthia Hutto from "If Someone Had Known" still alive?

Yes, she is still alive. In fact, I received an email from her recently on Facebook. Here is what she had to say.


Cindy

Hi. My grandson, James Hutto III, wrote me this morning and said he had blogged concerning movie. Felt I should respond. 34 yrs. later still struggle at times with how to share info on domestic violence with grandchildren. The main concern w/them are genetics. Would like to touch base w/ you. Thanks


Traciy

Hi Cindy thanks for writing. Did you know there had been a movie based on the case?


Cindy

Hi. Yes I knew. It was 12 yrs. in the making w/ a wonderful woman Kay Hoffman, the producer.



I asked her some more questions but never received an answer back. Oh well, at least we know that she is doing ok. Write me back Cindy!....please.

 

Hutto Now

Thanks so much James Henry Hutto for reaching out to let us know how the family is doing now. I received a comment from the grandson. It's just a little something, but I know many of you would be interested to hear what he had to say.

"My name is James henry hutto III. This article is about my grandmother and grandfather. My mama Cindy is doing well. Its interesting to read this."

Again thanks for reaching out. There is also something else that I would like to ask you. Please contact me at brooklolly@aol.com

If Someone Had Known, Photos of the real people, Cynthia Cindy Hutto,