National Park After Dark 298: Robbery Gone Wrong. Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
May 12, 2025
In the rugged Siskiyou mountains, a train robbery in 1923 spiraled into chaos, marking a pivotal moment in American crime history. The DeAutremont brothers dreamt of riches but faced tragic consequences after a disastrous heist. Their story intertwines brotherly bonds, desperate motivations, and the evolution of forensic criminology. Listen as the gritty reality of their antics contrasts with the romanticized train robberies often seen in films, revealing the dark side of seeking fortune.
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The Brothers' Troubled Background
- Ray, Roy, and Hugh D'Otremont faced harsh childhoods and instability, fueling Ray's growing anger and bitterness.
- Ray's joining of the radical labor union and his imprisonment intensified his hatred, setting a foundation for their crime.
Planning the Heist at Tunnel 13
- The brothers planned to rob the Southern Pacific Railroad's Train 13 at Tunnel 13 in Oregon.
- They expected the train to slow down for a brake test, giving them a chance to board undetected and steal valuables.
Train Robbery Turns Deadly
- The robbery turned violent when Ray fired shots to intimidate the mail clerk, who locked himself inside.
- The brothers detonated all the dynamite, destroying the mail car and killing the clerk, then mistakenly killed a helper and two train crew members before fleeing.