Was North Dakota worst mass murder a hate crime or politically charged lies? The Turtle Lake Murders

[rashore]

Quote

Everything we thought we knew about the infamous Wolf family murders can be upended when we apply some historical context. Does what the world was enduring in 1920 provide any evidence on who the real killers might be? 

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/the-vault/6981575-Was-North-Dakotas-worst-mass-murder-a-hate-crime-or-politically-charged-lies-The-Turtle-Lake-Murders-Episode-3

This has a three part podcast as well as a goodly article about the Wolf family murders. 

[+susieice]

I never heard about this case so I did a little looking around for background. Here's a good story about the murders and their discovery. It tells the story about how Layer, the accused killer, was found coming to the farm by the sheriff the morning the bodies were found and how his arrest came about. It's from the Bismarck Tribune archives. Supposedly Layer confessed that he had killed the family because of an ongoing dispute about cattle and the Wolf's dog had badly injured one of them. Layer died in prison 5 years after the murders after surgery for appendicitis.

https://bismarcktribune.com/here-is-the-story-of-the-wolf-family-murder/article_af90320a-4195-5f4a-b145-37fdd83ab5c0.html

Edited April 16, 2021 by susieice

[+susieice]

Here's another good article. Police thought the murders occurred about 48 hours before the bodies were discovered. Layer confessed quickly but the article goes on to say that Layer said something on his deathbed that indicated he was innocent. I'm trying to find an article that refers to what he said. Baby Emma was adopted by her mother's sister.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/the-vault/6978388-Mystery-still-surrounds-North-Dakotas-worst-mass-murder-who-might-really-have-killed-7-members-of-one-Turtle-Lake-family

Edited April 16, 2021 by susieice

[+susieice]

Here's what I could find. It seems Layer always said he was innocent and was beaten and coerced into confessing. His deathbed words are included. 

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/the-vault/6981046-Dying-words-from-man-convicted-of-North-Dakota’s-worst-mass-murder-suggests-he-was-protecting-real-killers

[rashore]

I hadn't heard of this one either and it seemed intriguing. Haven't listened to the podcasts yet. 

Thanks for the additional links 

[docyabut2]

 Just neighbors killing neighbors:(