Most people in Nebraska – and, indeed, plenty who have never stepped foot in the Cornhusker State – know about the mass murderer Charles Starkweather, his girlfriend Caril Ann Fugate, and their murderous rampage through Nebraska in 1958. Although it’s not exactly a nice part of Nebraska history, it’s one that continues to fascinate us.
All photos were used with permission from Neglected Nebraska.
One of Starkweather’s victims was August Meyer, a 70-year-old farmer who lived in Bennet.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
This is Meyer’s former home, photographed several years ago. The farmhouse itself has since been demolished.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
Meyer was Starkweather’s fifth victim. After killing a gas station attendant and Fugate’s parents and half-sister, young Starkweather and Fugate fled to Meyer’s farm.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
Starkweather quickly dispatched Meyer with a shotgun blast to the head.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
The farmer’s body was later discovered in this washhouse behind the main home.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
Astonishingly, the home was not immediately abandoned following the murder. At least one family lived in the home after Meyer’s death. However, judging from the amount of belongings left behind, it looks like the last residents left in a hurry.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
Today all that remains are a few outbuildings…and an eerie feeling.
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At last report, the barn still stands on the property outside of Bennet, a silent witness to the horror that took place so many years ago.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
The photographer who took these photos was able to gain permission to explore the land and the home. These may be some of the final pictures taken inside of Meyer’s home before it was torn down.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
Please note that we are not revealing the farm’s address or encouraging anyone to seek it out. Neighbors are understandably wary of people poking around on the property, and we strongly advise against visiting the site yourself. Out of respect for the neighbors and the landowner, if you happen to know the location of the site, please do not share it.
Facebook/Neglected Nebraska
The 60th anniversary of the Starkweather/Fugate murder spree was on January 21st, 2018. The spree went on for eight days, finally ending in the arrests of both on January 29th, 1958.
These horrific crimes caught the attention of media nationwide and still continue to fascinate crime buffs to this day. Take a look at some other times the entire country had its eyes on Nebraska.
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Address: Nebraska, USA
