Tag Archives: Polk County Iowa Unsolved murders

“Violent Excitement”: Murder of Robert Lee Clingan 1883

Murder Victim Robert Lee “R.L.” Clingan 52-Year-Old Merchant and Postmaster Civil War Veteran 1830-1883 Cause of Death: Gunshot Motive: Unknown Murder Scene and Date Clingan Store/Post Office Polk City, Iowa Polk County July 10, 1883 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By Nancy Bowers Written … Continue reading

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Dead From a “Wallop”: Murder of John Schnellbacker 1913

Murder Victim John Schnellbacker (John Schnellbächer) 55-year-old Handyman East Des Moines Hotel 1858 -1913 Cause of Death: Bludgeoned Motive: Argument Murder Scene and Date E. Third and E. Walnut streets Des Moines, Iowa Polk County March 10, 1913 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By … Continue reading

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“The King of Little Italy”: Murder of Angelo Ferrari 1922

Murder Victim Angelo Ferrari “The King of Little Italy” 35-year-old Bail Bondsman 1887-1922 Cause of Death: Gunshot Motive: Black Hand Vendetta Murder Scene and Date 1066 42nd Street Des Moines, Iowa Polk County February 26, 1922 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By Nancy Bowers … Continue reading

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Death Going West: Murder of Apple Grove John Doe 1866

Murder Victim “Apple Grove John Doe” Stephen D. Cooper Stonemason, US Cavalry Veteran 1828-1866 Cause of Death: Struck with Axe Motive: Argument Murder Scene and Date Apple Grove, Beaver Township Polk County, Iowa Late April, 1866 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By Nancy Bowers … Continue reading

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