Morbid

Episode 530: Preston Castle and the Murder of Anna Corbin

Jan 18, 2024

The podcast discusses the brutal conditions experienced by young inmates at Preston Castle, highlighting the need for prison reform and establishment of a juvenile justice system. It also explores the investigation into Anna's murder and the political controversy surrounding it. Additionally, the chapter delves into the history and preservation efforts of Preston Castle, with accounts of paranormal experiences at the haunted attraction.

01:10:44

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Quick takeaways

The murder of Anna Corbin at the Preston School of Industry exposed flaws in the progressive policies of the California juvenile justice system.

Life at the Preston School of Industry was characterized by challenging living conditions, abuse, and violence.

The failures of the justice system allowed a potentially dangerous serial killer, Eugene Monroe, to go free and commit more crimes.

Deep dives

The Murder of Anna Corbin

On February 23rd, 1950, the head of housekeeping, Anna Corbin, was found dead in the Preston School of Industry. Her face was severely beaten and there was a rope tied tightly around her neck. The murder shocked the staff and residents of the school. Anna was well-liked and respected by the boys at the school, and she was known as a strict but fair disciplinarian. The investigation into her murder was challenging, as there were 657 boys at the school, any of whom could have been the killer. The murder highlighted flaws in the progressive policies of the California juvenile justice system and sparked a political debate about how criminals should be treated. Despite intensive interviews and polygraph tests, the investigators were unable to find any solid leads in the case.

Introduction

2min

Morning Routines and Laying in Bed After the Alarm Goes Off

13min

Advertisements for Audible and Even The Royals

2min

Cemetery, Violence, and Reform

24min

New Season of 'Dr. Death' and Discussion on Feuds

2min

Investigation and Political Controversy

30min

Preservation and Paranormal Experiences at the Preston Castle

5min

When it opened in 1894, the Preston School of Industry represented a change in how criminal offenders and wards of the state were treated in American society, shifting towards a more compassionate mission of reform over punishment. However, while the mission may have represented a more progressive approach to reforming young offenders, daily life for the young inmates was often as brutal as it would have been in an adult prison.

Thank you to the incredible Dave White of Bring Me The Ax Podcast and 99 Cent Rental for Research!

References

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 2022. Cemetery Tales Preston holds remains of 18. October 24. Accessed December 22, 2023. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2022/10/24/tales-from-the-cemetery-preston-holds-remains-of-18/.

Daily News. 1950. "Boys' school housekeeper murdered." Daily News, February 23: 1.

D'Souza, Karen. 2015. "Castle of shivers." Oakland Tribune, September 13: 67.

Grandbois, Ruth. 1950. "Housekeep at Preston School found murdered." Stockton Daily Evening Record, February 24: 1.

—. 1950. "Slaying victim 'like mother' to youths." Stockton Daily Evening Record, February 24: 1.

Long Beach Press-Telegram. 1950. "3 Ione School Inmates held after slaying ." Long Beach Press-Telegram, February 24: 1.

Lowery, James F. 1950. "Stained clothes of Ione suspect get blood test." Sacramento Bee, February 25: 1.

McClatchy Newspaper Service. 1950. "What kind of woman was slain Anna Corbin of Preston?" Sacramento Bee, February 27: 1.

McClatchy Newspapers Service. 1950. "Witness bares motive behind Preston killing." McClatchy Newspapers Service, June 15: 1.

—. 1950. "Inmate tells court he saw Preston killing." Sacramento Bee, March 10: 1.

McClatchy Newspapes Service. 1950. "Employees are cleared in Preston killing." Sacramento Bee, February 28: 1.

McManis, Sam. 2015. Discoveries: Ione’s Preston Castle opens up about its harsh, haunting past. June 28. Accessed December 21, 2023. https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/living/travel/sam-mcmanis/article25499146.html.

Sacramento Bee. 1950. "Chief Preston killing witness changes story." Sacramento Bee, April 6: 41.

—. 1950. "Murder trial of Eugene Monroe is nearing close." Sacramento Bee, April 28: 1.

—. 1950. "Preston suspect was grilled in 1947 LA murder." Sacramento Bee, March 6: 1.

—. 1950. "Prosecutor plans parade of witnesses in Monroe trial." Sacramento Bee, April 26: 10.

—. 1950. "Youth Authority decides to free Preston inmate." Sacramento Bee, October 20: 1.

Sacramento Union. 1951. "Eugene Monroe, Preston parole, confesses sex-murder in Tulsa." Sacramento Union, July 28: 1.

Sacremento Daily Record-Union. 1889. "The reform school." Sacremento Daily Record-Union, February 16: 8.

San Francisco Examiner. 1894. "Preston School of Industry." San Francisco Examiner, August 6: 3.

Valley News Service. 1950. "State planning to reopen case against Monroe." Sacramento Union, April 30: 1.

Wilson, Stanley. 1950. "LA inmate is chief suspect in Ione killing." Sacramento Bee, March 1: 1.

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Morbid

Episode 530: Preston Castle and the Murder of Anna Corbin

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Murder of Anna Corbin

Living Conditions and Abuse at Preston School

Anna Corbin's Dedication and Impact

Investigation and Challenges

The Preston School of Industry: A History of Violence and Murder

The Failures of Justice: Eugene Monroe's Parole and Continued Crimes

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts