Episode
The Villisca Axe Murders: Eight Victims, No Answers Pt. 1
- Podcast
- Crime House 24/7
- Published
- Jul 30, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 801
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
In the summer of 1912, an entire family and two young overnight guests were murdered inside their home in Villisca, Iowa. Eight people, killed with an axe in their sleep, in one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in American history. In Part 1, Vanessa and forensic psychologist Dr. Tristin Engels trace what unfolded that night — the horror the community woke up to the next morning, the bizarre clues the killer left behind, and the two men whose names quickly surfaced as suspects: a wealthy business rival and a traveling minister who couldn't stop talking about the crime. Please note: this episode contains descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and murder. Please listen with care. Serial Killers and Murderous Minds is a Crime House Original, hosted by Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristin Engels. New episodes every Monday and Thursday. If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Crime House 24/7 to never miss a case! For ad-free listening and exclusive bonus episodes, subscribe to Crime House+. Join at crimehouseplus.com or if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, tap “Try Free” at the top of this show’s page. Crime House 24/7 is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios. Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, Murder True Crime Stories, and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social Instagram: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247 TikTok: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247 Facebook: @crimehousestudios X: @crimehousemedia YouTube: @crimehousestudios