Charlotte’s Scandalous History: The 1961 Murder Case of Delette Nycum
In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, a gripping tale unfolded back in 1961 that would leave the city and nation in shock. It was a time of transformation; John F. Kennedy had just become the 35th president, and the Cold War was deepening with the completion of the Berlin Wall. While these events captured the attention of the nation and the world, a local scandal eerily mirrored the tension and intrigue of the era.
Meet George King Cutter
Enter George King Cutter, a flamboyant millionaire and one of Charlotte’s wealthiest real estate developers. He was a family man on the surface, but behind closed doors, he had a reputation for enjoying the finer pleasures of life—namely alcohol and the company of women. Among those women was Delette Nycum, an attractive divorced secretary who worked for Cutter and was also his mistress.
The Affair and the Tragic Day
The affair between Cutter and Nycum lasted for several years, with many of their secret rendezvous occurring at Cutter’s stylish RV-style bus, which served as a kind of private haven away from the public eye. Things took a dark turn on July 4, 1961, when Nycum was found dead in that very bus. However, the story surrounding her death is filled with shocking turns and questionable decisions.
Instead of calling the police immediately upon discovering Nycum’s lifeless body, Cutter made a startling choice; he placed Nycum’s body in his own car and drove it to her home, where her 15-year-old son lived. Reports indicate that Cutter instructed the boy to say that he had discovered his mother’s body there. “There was no need for notoriety,” Cutter claimed, insisting that her death could have occurred anywhere. This dubious move immediately raised eyebrows.
Rising Tensions
As the clock ticked, police were eventually called to Nycum’s home. Eyewitness accounts indicated that Cutter returned to the scene and, after facing a police inquiry, was charged with first-degree murder.
The ensuing trial would soon grip the public’s attention like a best-selling thriller. With evidence on both sides, the courtroom became a battleground for narratives. Prosecutors contended that Cutter had engaged Nycum in a fierce argument, which led to her brutal beating. The defense, conversely, argued that her death was due to acute alcoholism, rather than foul play.
The Trial: A City in Shock
Cutter, determined to clear his name, took the stand in his defense. He vehemently denied having harmed Nycum and explained his decision to move her body as an attempt to prevent a scandal. The trial, which mirrored the sensationalism of the O.J. Simpson trial years later, captured the imagination of Charlotteans.
Verdict and Aftermath
After less than two weeks of testimony and just four-and-a-half hours of jury deliberation, the jury delivered its verdict: not guilty.
The case left many residents bewildered, sparking numerous discussions around the water cooler. The combination of wealth, scandal, and the tragic loss of life created an environment filled with speculation, frustration, and empathy for Nycum’s family.
Continuing the Conversation
Today, the Cutter murder case serves as a poignant reminder of a unique time in Charlotte’s history. As we reshape our understanding of local stories that molded our communities, we continue unveiling mysteries—both solved and unsolved. There are many more stories just like this one, and so many intriguing cases characterizing North Carolina’s past. If you have any suggestions for true crime stories you’d love to explore or discuss, we’d love to hear from you!
