Key Takeaways
- The Bender family ran a murderous inn in 1870s Kansas, preying on travelers.
- Their unique murder method involved bludgeoning victims and using a cellar for disposal.
- The family vanished abruptly, leading to uncertainty about their true identities and ultimate fate.
- The Bender case gained significant media attention as America's 'first serial killers'.
Deep Dive
- In the 1870s, Kansas was a frontier territory attracting individuals seeking to escape their past.
- The Bender family established an inn on a westward trail in this region.
- The hosts introduce the case of the Bender family, also known as the Bloody Benders, who committed murders in Kansas.
- John Bender Sr., around 60, primarily spoke German, while John Bender Jr., around 20, used aliases like John Gebhardt.
- Ma Bender, in her 50s, was known for a terrible temper and possibly led the family's activities.
- Kate Bender, in her 20s, advertised herself as a spiritualist and medium, attracting travelers.
- The family's 16x24 foot inn on the Great Osage Trail offered basic amenities and rations.
- Starting in May 1871, several bodies were discovered in Drum Creek with similar fatal injuries.
- One victim, William Jones, was found with approximately $250, equivalent to $26,000 today.
- In February 1873, a woman reportedly escaped a murder attempt by Ma Bender, fleeing barefoot from their home.
- Dr. William York, brother of Kansas Senator Alexander York, disappeared while investigating a missing person.
- A 75-man search party led by Colonel Alexander York investigated the Bender homestead, where the family was evasive.
- Townspeople, returning days later, found the Benders had fled via train, abandoning their horse, wagon, and dog.
- Investigators discovered a trap door in the cellar with a strong smell of human remains, blood, and gore.
- The Benders bludgeoned victims from behind with an axe or hammer, then moved them to the cellar for robbing and throat-slitting.
- Bullet holes in the house walls indicated that some victims fought back before being killed.
- The Bender family's crimes became a significant media event in the 1870s, turning their property into a morbid tourist attraction.
- They were perceived as America's first serial killers, predating figures like Jack the Ripper and H.H. Holmes.
- A vigilante group, 'the regulators,' was linked to the case, potentially fencing stolen items and using a distinctive body posing method.
- Modern investigations suggest 'Ma' Bender may have been Almira Meek and 'Kate' Eliza Griffith, with 'Pa' possibly John Flickinger.
- Conflicting reports circulated for years about the Benders' whereabouts, including claims of escape, capture, or death.
- No one ever claimed the substantial reward offered for their capture, leaving their ultimate fate undetermined.
- The Bender story inspired a 2016 film 'Bender' and a pig farm scenario in the video game Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Neil Gaiman's novel 'American Gods' features a Slavic god, Zernborg, with a mythical interpretation of their killings.
- Primary source crime reporting from the 19th century is available for research at genealogytrails.com.