Comedians Gareth Reynolds and Dave Anthony discuss the enigmatic life of Alfred Packer with guest Adam Cayton Holland. They delve into Packer's upbringing, military service, hardships faced during a journey, gruesome discoveries, strange behavior, and sudden financial success. The chapter also touches on Packer's arrest, media attention, and his appearance during that time.
Alfred Packer initially confessed to killing and cannibalism but later admitted to self-defense, highlighting the sensationalism surrounding his case.
Packer's arrest and subsequent parading around towns turned him into a public spectacle, with the public's fascination persisting for years.
Despite efforts to clear his name, Alfred Packer died without fully absolving himself of the crime that captivated the public for decades.
Deep dives
Alfred Packer's Confessions
Alfred Packer confesses to the killing and cannibalism of his fellow prospectors during a journey in the San Juan Mountains. He initially gave a false story, but later admitted to shooting one man in self-defense and eating the others while they were sleeping. Packer cites excitement as the reason for his initial false confession. He signs a new confession and the newspapers sensationalize the story.
Capture and Controversy
Alfred Packer is arrested and taken to Denver, where a large crowd gathers to see him. People have mixed reactions, but there are no friendly faces among the onlookers. Packer writes another confession to General Adams, this time providing more details about the killings. Despite his admissions, controversy surrounds his case, with no evidence of the murders found and skepticism from some prospectors.
The Notorious Cannibal
Alfred Packer becomes a spectacle as he is paraded around different towns and put on display for crowds. He is photographed, interviewed by the press, and seen as a curiosity. The public fascination with his cannibalism and alleged crimes persists for years, with Packer spending two decades being transported on trains like a circus freak. His story and the shocking nature of his acts continue to captivate the public.
Alfred Packer's Conviction
Alfred Packer was found guilty and given a death sentence by hanging. However, a technicality was discovered in the murder statute, and his conviction was reversed. He was then retried and found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, receiving a 40-year sentence, the longest at that time.
Alfred Packer's Release
After years of seeking exoneration, Alfred Packer was eventually paroled with the help of public support and influential figures in Denver. He found work as a security guard and continued to prospect in the foothills. Despite efforts to clear his name, he died in 1907 without ever fully absolving himself of the crime.