Iowa Files; Villisca: Living With a Mystery

Sun, 17 May, 2026 at 03:00 pm UTC-05:00

West Des Moines Public Library | West Des Moines

West Des Moines Historical Society
Publisher/HostWest Des Moines Historical Society
Iowa Files; Villisca: Living With a Mystery
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On the morning of June 10, 1912, the peaceful town of Villisca, Iowa awoke to horror. Josiah and Sarah Moore, along with their four children (Herman, Katherine, Boyd, and Paul), and two young overnight guests (Lena and Ina Stillinger), were all found brutally murdered in their home. The killer had used an axe, likely Josiah Moore’s own, to bludgeon the victims while they slept.
One of the most chilling unsolved mysteries in the United States, the tragedy has been extensively researched by Dr. Edgar V. Epperly. He has written dozens of articles and blog entries, and appeared on CourtTV and other radio and television programs. He will be joined by filmmakers Kelly & Tammy Rundle, whose 2004 documentary explores the crime's aftermath in a small town.
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West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy,West Des Moines,IA,United States

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