Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes

Beast of Burden

8 snips
Feb 26, 2025
Travel back to 1889 Iowa, where a bloody mystery unfolds with a young witness at its center. Discover the horrifying double homicide of the Elkins family and the chilling forensic details that hint at hidden motives. Delve into the troubled upbringing of Wesley, the son, who becomes a shocking perpetrator. Explore the intricate dynamics of family turmoil, psychological influences, and the complexities of juvenile crime. This gripping tale intertwines historical tragedy with the haunting questions of violence and mental health.
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ANECDOTE

Iowa Double Homicide

  • Paul Holes worked on a double homicide in Williamsburg, Iowa, where a couple was hatcheted to death.
  • He believes this case connects to similar unsolved hatchet murders in Illinois and Mississippi.
ANECDOTE

The Elkins Family Murders

  • In Elk Township, Iowa, a neighbor saw 11-year-old Wesley Elkins covered in blood, driving a buggy with his baby sister.
  • Wesley claimed someone broke into their house and murdered his parents.
INSIGHT

Analyzing Blood and Injuries

  • The amount and pattern of blood on Wesley could indicate his proximity to the attacks and whether he interacted with the bodies.
  • The type of weapon used on the father and the nature of his injuries are crucial details.
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