The Villisca Axe Murders: One Night, Eight Victims, No Conviction

In 1912, an entire family and two young guests were found murdered inside a quiet Iowa home, but the crime scene was destroyed almost immediately by the very town desperate for answers. What followed was a maze of false leads, suspicious ministers, powerful enemies, coerced confessions, and a chilling theory about a killer who may have been traveling America by train. More than a century later, the Villisca axe murders remain one of the most disturbing unsolved cases in American history. Huge thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible: Acorns: Sign up now and Acorns will boost your new account with a $5 bonus investment. Head to⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠acorns.com/crimehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or download the Acorns app to get started. Quince: Go to⁠⁠ ⁠quince.com/crimehub⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and 365-day returns. Shopify: Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at ⁠⁠shopify.com/crimehub⁠⁠ Whatnot: Download ⁠Whatnot⁠ in the app store today and get free shipping on your first order. Author: Samantha Davis * * * CONTENT DISCLAIMER: This episode contains explicit content intended for mature audiences. Parental guidance is advised for children under the age of 18. Listen at your own discretion. #truecrime #truecrimestories #truecrimepodcast #crimehub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices