Is this the man that shot JFK? He thought so.

A bizarre chapter of one of the darkest stories in Texas history has come to a close, with the death of the first man to ever admit to being involved with the death of JFK.

Many news outlets have carried the story that Charles “Chuck” Harrelson, father of actor Woody Harrelson, died in the ADX Florence Supermax prison in Colorado last week. A contract killer for the mob, linked to a dozen killings, he was imprisoned for the 1979 murder in San Antonio of U.S. District Judge John H. “Maximum John” Wood Jr. However, among conspiracy wonks, Harrelson is more famous for his claim that he was up on the grassy knoll in Dealey Plaza on Nov. 22, 1963. He’s also been identified by some as one of the three “tramps” being escorted by Dallas police officers on the day of the assassination. (Harrelson later withdrew his confession, but his story was backed up by Dallas forger Chauncey Holt, who also said he was there on the day.)

This article appears in March 16 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.