What happens when a newly elected Governor of Kentucky finds his political career consumed by corruption scandals, a burning state capitol…and his son’s sensational murder trials? In this episode, we dive into the dramatic rise and infamous downfall of Governor Joseph Desha — and his son Isaac, who may have been one of Kentucky's first serial killers.
We begin with Joseph’s early life as a frontier soldier turned influential political powerhouse. He championed national expansion and state infrastructure — while waging a bitter political battle to reshape Kentucky’s judiciary.
Just months into his term as governor, flames destroyed the state capitol, public trust collapsed, and an even darker scandal erupted. Joseph’s son Isaac was accused of brutally murdering a traveling attorney named Francis Baker — a case filled with shocking evidence, political interference, and multiple controversial retrials. And the story didn’t end there…
When Isaac fled Kentucky under an alias, another man wound up dead thousands of miles away — leading newspapers to brand him a monster and fueling rumors that stretched all the way to Hawaii.
This episode includes discussion of violence and attempted suicide. Listener discretion advised.
What You’ll Learn
How Joseph Desha rose from frontier militia to Governor of Kentucky
The political chaos of the “Old Court – New Court” controversy
The mysterious 1824 fire that destroyed Kentucky’s state capitol
The sensational murder trial(s) of Isaac Desha — and a governor’s abuse of power
How a second suspicious death sealed Isaac’s reputation
The truth behind the long-standing “Desha in Hawaii” conspiracy
What became of the Desha family after the scandal
Resources & References
Primary newspaper accounts referenced include:
Lexington Weekly Press
Frankfort Argus
The Olive Branch and Danville Advertiser
Additional research includes state historical records and modern historical analysis.
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