Author of Where the Crawdads Sing Wanted to be questioned for murder in Zambia

In 1996 the married couple, along with Mark’s adult son Christopher, were featured in a BBC documentary Deadly Game: The Story of Mark and Delia Owens, highlighting their fight against poachers in Zambia. By then, the Owens had developed a reputation as ruthless outsiders who were ready to go above and beyond to stop poachers.

Delia and Mark Owens. March 25, 1985

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Where did the murder take place?

Surprisingly, the documentary includes a illustrative scene, according to Jeffrey Goldberg writing at Atlantic“filmed murder of a suspected hunter, executed lying collapsed on the ground after being shot.”

Goldberg has been following the Owens case since its inception, and his 2010 story in New Yorkers revealed that the couple – along with Mark’s son Christopher – were suspected by Zambian authorities of involvement in the murder. Goldberg spoke with ABC cameraman Chris Everson, who filmed the murder and accused Christopher Owens of firing the lethal shot.

“It’s a very complicated story; it’s a very emotional thing, it’s a very bad thing,” Everson said. “This is something that should never have happened.”

Zambia’s national police launched an investigation but the bodies of the executed hunters were never found. Zambia’s former National Police Commissioner, Graphael Musamba, explained to New Yorkers, “The bush is a great place to commit murder. We have this all the time in the Northern Province. The animals eat the evidence.”

Shortly after the murder, Mark, Delia and Christopher Owens returned to America.

So, why is it back in the news?

Where the Crawdads Sing is set to be one of the biggest films of the year and has brought a new lens to Owens and the content of his novels.

Where the Crawdads Sing follows the story of Kya, a young woman accused of murder. The similarities between Owens’ alleged real-life experiences and Kya’s molestation on the page have raised eyebrows. Then add to the hype that came with the release of a feature film produced by Reese Witherspoon, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and a soundtrack by Taylor Swift.

Given that Swift is one of pop music’s most polarizing figures, her involvement with the film and outspoken admiration for Owens is perfect fodder for online critics.

Can Owens really face charges?

It’s hard to say, but in Atlantic Goldberg spoke to Zambia’s director of public prosecutions, Lillian Shawa-Siyuni, who confirmed that Mark, Delia and Christopher Owens were still wanted for questioning.

Edgar-Jones and David Strathairn in a scene from Where the Crawdads Sing.Credit:Michele K. Short Image/Sony

“There is no statute of limitations on homicide in Zambia,” Siyuni told Goldberg. “They are all wanted for questioning in this case, including Delia Owens.”

The Owens’ family has denied any involvement in the murder. In the comment given to Goldberg for New Yorkers investigation, Delia stated she “knew nothing” about the murder of a suspected hunter and that her stepson Christopher “wasn’t there”.

Currently, there is no extradition treaty between the United States and Zambia.

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Has anyone from the film made a public comment?

Where the Crawdads Sing is being distributed by Sony, but the company has yet to comment on the allegations. Time magazine reports that interviews with Owens, Witherspoon, and Daisy star Edgar-Jones were canceled after they spoke with Crawdads screenwriter Lucy Alibar and asked questions about Owens and the controversy.

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