The Villisca Axe Murders: America’s Most Chilling Unsolved Crime

Introduction

Inside Villisca, Iowa's tiny town, an open 1912 massacre has plagued ghost hunters and true crime enthusiasts for all eternity. The infamous Villisca Axe Murders, which ranks among the country's most heinous crimes, claimed eight victims, their killer never caught. Today, the location of this massacre still stands, earning its gruesome title: The Axe Murder House.

The Night of the Horror

On June 9, 1912, the Moore family—Josiah (43), his wife Sarah (39), and their four children (Herman, 11; Katherine, 10; Boyd, 7; and Paul, 5)—greeted two young guests, Lena and Ina Stillinger (12 and 8 years old), after a church service.

That night, a burglar entered the home, remained in silence until the family had gone to bed, and went on to bludgeon all eight victims to death with an axe. The killer worked with calculated precision, striking each of the victims about the head with such ferocity that skulls were crushed. After the slaughter was complete, the killer covered mirrors with cloth, left a bloodied axe in the attic, and vanished into the night.

The bodies were discovered the next morning when a neighbor was concerned because the Moores had not answered their door. The crime scene was so horrific that the investigators were shocked—nothing of value was stolen, and no forced entry was evident.

Key Suspects & Theories

No one was ever charged although there were many investigations. A number of suspects were considered over the years:

1. Reverend George Kelly (A Traveling Preacher)

Andrew Sawyer, also referred to later as George Kelly, was an itinerant preacher who was in Villisca that night.

He had been acting strangely, even confessing to the murders in an episode of religious hysteria.

He was twice tried and arrested, but juries could not bring in a verdict.

2. Frank Jones (A Powerful Local Businessman & Political Foe)

Josiah Moore had been in business with Frank Jones, a retired state senator, and there was talk of a falling out.

Jones supposedly contracted an hitman—perhaps a vagrant named William Mansfield—to kill Moore's family.

There was no direct proof linking Jones to the crime.

3. William Mansfield (A Serial Killer?)

William Mansfield was suspected of other axe murders in Kansas and Colorado (the "Axe Man Murders").

His wife reported that he confessed, but his own testimony was suspect.

He passed away in prison on another charge, taking any potential confession with him to the death.

The Haunting of the Axe Murder House

The Villisca Axe Murder House is still standing today, infamous for supposed paranormal events:

Guests have reported children's laughter, footsteps, and crying.

Objects move on their own, and some claim they are touched by unseen hands.

Paranormal investigators have gotten EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) of screams and whispers.

The house is a museum and evening ghost-hunting destination, drawing thrill-seekers and researchers who want to get to the bottom of things—or encounter the residual ghosts of the Moore family.

Conclusion: A Mystery That Endures

More than a century later, the Villisca Axe Murders remain America's darkest unresolved crime. Was it a passerby, a jealous competitor, or a serial killer? It may never be known—but the reverberations of that bloody night still ring in the walls of the Axe Murder House.