The Murphysboro Mud Monster

The Murphysboro Mud Monster events started in June of 1973 when a young couple (Randy Needham and Judy Johnson) were parked at a boat launch in Riverside park, next to the Big Muddy River. (The big Muddy River is a 156 mile long river that joins the Mississippi south of Grand Tower.) The two were listening to the radio deciding whether to leave or stay a little longer. Judy's father had forbid her to see Randy, which is why they were parked at this remote location. They were interrupted by the sound of what Randy described as "An Eagle shrieking into a microphone" coming from the bush along the river. Shutting off the radio to listen closer it happened a second time but this time coming with movement in bush in front of them. Randy hit the headlights and the couple saw a large foul smelling creature roughly 8ft tall, light colored hair matted with mud and walking on two legs toward the vehicle. Randy started the car and sped back toward town. After a few minutes of silence between the two they debated on whether or not to make a report to the local police. This was a forbidden romance after all and at the very least would expose them.

When they weighed what had just happened against the possible backlash they would receive for being down there together they headed straight to the police station.