It seems much more evident, having read the archives in Raleigh regarding this tragic event, that Ann was the murderer and Tom was willing to go to the gallows to save her life. Or, they were both complicit, but Tom just would not confess to the fact. Just before his hanging in Statesville, he stated "As God is my witness, I never laid a hand on Laura" (or words to that effect). It is interesting to note, though Ann slipped the gallows, one year later died in a carriage accident....very interesting story.