Axe Murders: Investigations, Newspaper Articles & Photos

(1911 through 1914)

After MPR concluded our investigation of the Villisca, Iowa Axe Murders, continued research into the case brought us to other information regarding axe murders that had taken place around this decade.  Though not that all of these murders were committed by the same man, we thought it interesting enough that some cases had similarities, while others did not.  We have posted the newspaper accounts (photos where available) of the axe murders that took place in this time period so that you can compare the similarities for yourself.  

We have stated on our investigations of who we feel committed the murders of Villisca and Paola, however we will list those as unsolved as there were no convictions.  As we come across additional cases, we will add them to this site.

Listed below are ALL the cases regarding axe murders that we have come across to date, consisting of those investigated by MPR and those of only newspaper accounts.  Of those cases not currently linked, MPR is in the process of receiving these newspaper accounts and will be updated upon receipt:

Ellsworth, Kansas (October 1911)  5 victims  (unsolved)

Villisca, Iowa (June 1912)  8 victims  (unsolved)

Paola, Kansas (June 1912)  2 victims  (unsolved)

Colorado Springs, Colorado (September 21, 1912)  6 victims

Monmouth, Illinois (October 1, 1912)  3 victims

Columbia, Missouri (December 1912)   2 victims  (Lee Moore, convicted)

Blue Island, Illinois (July 1914)  4 victims