Episode 154: The Haystack Murder

In this week's episode, Kate and Paul take us back to 1920s rural California, where a large fire is reported and ultimately where a body is found. After investigators identify the remains, the suspicious nature of the scene intensifies.

Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4buCoMc

Sources:

Alex Kels Pronounced Sane Following Test By Prison Physician.” Visalia Times-Delta. December 13, 1923: P1.

 “Craving for Sardines Proves Undoing of Clever Schemer.” The Buffalo News. October 3, 1923: P3.

Message of Governor Friend WM. Richardson Regarding Acts of Executive Clemency: Transmitted to the Legislature in Accordance with the Provisions of the Constitution and Statutes of the State of California on January 3, 1927. California State Printing Office, 1927.

“Name of Kels’ Victim Found on Letterhead.” San Francisco Chronicle. October 6, 1923: P4.

“Turns Murderer to Hide Ruin From His Wife And Let Her Collect $100,000 Life Insurance.” Star Weekly. November 10, 1923: P21.

Lea, Ralph and Janice Roth. “The Haystack Murder: Alexander A. Kels.” Lodi Historian 16, no. 2 (2005): 477–484.