Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) investigates a 140-year-old murder that was allegedly committed by a slave owned by Jessica's ancestor. Cassandra: Phylicia Rashad. Thornton: David Ogden Stiers. Samuel: Michael Jace. Charles: Madison Mason. Jeb: Tim Abell. Mary: Elizabeth Lackey. John: Mac Davis. Louisa: Beth Grant. Robert: Tim Dekay. Billy: Walton Goggins. Jane: Elizabeth Dennehy. Cornelius: John Hostetter. Bess: Taraji P. Henson. Jeremiah: Keith Jefferson.