There have been many notorious serial killers throughout history, but perhaps none as chilling as the Bloody Benders. This family of serial killers operated in Labette County, Kansas in the 1870s and is considered to be America’s first serial killers. Their crimes shocked the small community and left a trail of death and terror in their wake.
Background of the Bloody Benders
The Bloody Benders were a family of four – John Bender Sr., his wife Elvira, son John Jr., and daughter Kate. They operated a small inn and general store in Labette County, Kansas, along the Osage Trail, a popular route for travelers heading west. The family seemed like any other typical frontier family, but behind closed doors, they were cold-blooded killers.
Modus Operandi
The Benders lured travelers to their inn with the promise of food and shelter. Once the travelers were inside, they would be seated at a table with their back to a curtain where one of the Benders would strike them on the head with a hammer. The victim’s body would then be dropped through a trap door into the cellar where they would be robbed and mutilated before being buried in the nearby orchard.
The Discovery
The crimes of the Bloody Benders went undetected for several years until travelers began to go missing along the Osage Trail. Suspicion fell on the Benders when a group of vigilantes discovered a shallow grave in the Bender’s orchard containing the bodies of multiple victims. The community was horrified by the extent of the Benders’ crimes, and a manhunt ensued to capture the family.
The Escape
Unfortunately, the Bloody Benders managed to evade capture and disappeared into thin air. It is believed that they fled to different parts of the country and changed their names to avoid detection. Despite numerous sightings and leads, the Benders were never caught, and their ultimate fate remains unknown.
Legacy of the Bloody Benders
The crimes of the Bloody Benders left a lasting impact on the community of Labette County. The story of the family of killers became a cautionary tale, warning travelers of the dangers that lurked on the frontier. In the years following their disappearance, legends began to circulate about the Benders, with some claiming that they were held accountable for their crimes in the afterlife.
Conclusion
The Bloody Benders are a chilling reminder of the dark side of human nature. Their heinous crimes shocked a community and left a legacy of fear and paranoia in their wake. While the fate of the Benders remains a mystery, their story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers that can lurk behind seemingly friendly faces. The Bloody Benders will forever be remembered as America’s first serial killers, a family of monsters who preyed on unsuspecting travelers along the Osage Trail.
