Tag Archives: unsolved Des Moines Iowa Murder

“All Around Crook”: Murder of Joplin Red 1900

Murder Victim John West a.k.a “Joplin Red” Safe Cracker, Burglar, Silk Thief Age Unknown Cause of Death: Poisoned Motive: Revenge for Snitching Murder Scene and Date Northwestern Hotel Des Moines, Iowa Polk County February 24, 1900 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By Nancy Bowers … Continue reading

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“The Peaceable Negro”: Murder of John Allen 1864

Murder Victim John Allen Employee of the Demoine [sic] House ?-1864 Cause of Death: Gunshot Motive: Drunken Aggression Murder Scene and Date Ensign Livery Stable Walnut between 2nd & 3rd Des Moines, Iowa Polk County July 8, 1864 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By … Continue reading

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After Church: Murders of Lena and Tommy Peterson 1902

Murder Victims Mary Magdalene “Lena” Peterson 1886-1902 15-year-old High School Student Thomas Hoffman “Tommy” Peterson 13-year-old Grammar School Student 1888-1902 Cause of Deaths: Bludgeoned Motive: Family Jealousy Murder Scene and Date Madison Avenue Highland Park, Iowa Lee Township Polk County … Continue reading

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