Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes The Wolf Family Murder PT 2
Apr 2, 2025
Explore the chilling 1920 North Dakota massacre of the Wolf family, where eight lives were tragically cut short. Unpack the psychological complexities behind the crime and the chaotic dynamics at play during the gruesome event. Discover the key forensic clues, including expended shotgun shells, that hint at the shooter’s position. Dive into the questionable actions of a neighbor, raising suspicious red flags, and analyze a controversial confession that challenges the integrity of the investigation. Compelling insights into human violence and its unpredictable nature unfold throughout the narrative.
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Shotgun Accuracy and Distance Determination
- Shotguns are advantageous due to their pellet spread, requiring less accuracy.
- Determining the shooter's distance involves analyzing pellet spread and other evidence like stippling or singeing.
Motive for Killing Children
- Killing children who aren't the offender's own, especially in a family annihilation, raises questions about motive.
- Potential motives include eliminating witnesses, vindictiveness towards the family, or psychosis.
Two Weapons and Sequencing
- Two murder weapons complicate the crime scene, suggesting multiple offenders or a change in weapon.
- Sequencing the attacks is crucial, with possibilities like running out of ammo or switching from a readily available weapon.
