Bloody Kate Bender
America’s first family of serial killers murdered more than 20 people on the very plains of southern Kansas (historynet.com). They were known as the Bloody Benders. Kate Bender, the only daughter of the family, grew up playing a vital role in her family’s gruesome murders.
Eliza Griffith, more commonly known as Kate Bender, was born in 1847 (mentalfloss.com). Her family did not settle in Kansas until the year of 1870 (murderpedia.org). They purchased 160 acres of land in Labette County along the Santa Fe Trail, where they built a small, one-roomed home. The Bender house was split by a canvas wall. Their family quarters were in the back, and their inn and store were in the front (mentalfloss.com). Bender helped run the family’s …show more content…
Among them was an eight year old girl who was buried alive (historynet.com), and Dr. William York, a well known doctor from Fort Scott and the Benders’ last victim (prairieghosts.com). Shortly after Dr. William York’s disappearance, his brother visited the Bender’s inn during his long search for him. During the night, he caught a glimpse of his brother’s locket under one of the cots. Frightened, he left quietly and rode to a nearby town to notify authorities. He came back with investigators the next day, only to find an empty home. The family had fled and took most of their belongings with them. Investigators began their search in the Bender cabin. They discovered dried blood in the cellar, but no bodies. Then, they discovered freshly covered dirt in the orchard. Investigators and some volunteers began to uncover several bodies, including Dr. William York. Shortly after, the search for the Bender family broke out. A $2,000 reward was offered to anyone who could locate the Benders. No one knows for sure of what happened to the family. Several theories say they were caught up with and killed . Others say Kate Bender was spotted in California. Few things remain from them today. Souvenir seekers slowly tore apart the house, so only a field is left
America’s first family of serial killers murdered more than 20 people on the very plains of southern Kansas (historynet.com). They were known as the Bloody Benders. Kate Bender, the only daughter of the family, grew up playing a vital role in her family’s gruesome murders.
Eliza Griffith, more commonly known as Kate Bender, was born in 1847 (mentalfloss.com). Her family did not settle in Kansas until the year of 1870 (murderpedia.org). They purchased 160 acres of land in Labette County along the Santa Fe Trail, where they built a small, one-roomed home. The Bender house was split by a canvas wall. Their family quarters were in the back, and their inn and store were in the front (mentalfloss.com). Bender helped run the family’s …show more content…
Among them was an eight year old girl who was buried alive (historynet.com), and Dr. William York, a well known doctor from Fort Scott and the Benders’ last victim (prairieghosts.com). Shortly after Dr. William York’s disappearance, his brother visited the Bender’s inn during his long search for him. During the night, he caught a glimpse of his brother’s locket under one of the cots. Frightened, he left quietly and rode to a nearby town to notify authorities. He came back with investigators the next day, only to find an empty home. The family had fled and took most of their belongings with them. Investigators began their search in the Bender cabin. They discovered dried blood in the cellar, but no bodies. Then, they discovered freshly covered dirt in the orchard. Investigators and some volunteers began to uncover several bodies, including Dr. William York. Shortly after, the search for the Bender family broke out. A $2,000 reward was offered to anyone who could locate the Benders. No one knows for sure of what happened to the family. Several theories say they were caught up with and killed . Others say Kate Bender was spotted in California. Few things remain from them today. Souvenir seekers slowly tore apart the house, so only a field is left