Villisca Axe Murders investigation
The unsolved 1912 Villisca Axe Murders, which saw eight people killed in Villisca, Iowa, are receiving renewed attention in 2026 with new investigative approaches and media coverage. As of April 19, 2026, a documentary explores AI handwriting analysis to identify new leads, while Pioneer PBS aired a two-part investigation into the murder house. A YouTube short on March 4, 2026, suggested serial killer Paul Mueller as a potential perpetrator, and a December 2025 podcast discussed applying 2025 DNA technology to the case. The house, now a tourist destination managed by Kelly Mattson, was acquired by US Ghost Adventures in September 2024, and an Iowa couple plans to restore it to its 1912 condition.
Timeline
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April 2026 — 2 developments
A documentary released on April 16, 2026, explores how AI handwriting analysis could potentially identify new leads or suspects in the 1912 Villisca Axe Murders.
A documentary released on April 16, 2026, explores how AI handwriting analysis could potentially identify new leads or suspects in the 1912 Villisca Axe Murders. This modern approach aims to overcome the limitations of the original investigation, which suffered from a compromised crime scene and a lack of forensic evidence.
Pioneer PBS is airing a two-part investigation into the Villisca Axe Murder House as part of its "Hisserie" series.
Pioneer PBS is airing a two-part investigation into the Villisca Axe Murder House as part of its "Hisserie" series. The series examines the crime, suspects, and includes an overnight investigation within the home, also delving into the site's reputation for paranormal activity.
March 2026 — 1 developments
A YouTube short published on March 4, 2026, suggests the Villisca Axe Murders case might be solved i…
A YouTube short published on March 4, 2026, suggests the Villisca Axe Murders case might be solved in 2026, identifying serial killer Paul Mueller as a potential perpetrator based on new evidence. A podcast episode released on December 21, 2025, also discussed potential new evidence and the application of 2025 DNA technology to solve the 1912 crime.
January 2026 — 1 developments
Kelly Mattson has been identified as the historical property manager of the Villisca Axe Murder House.
Kelly Mattson has been identified as the historical property manager of the Villisca Axe Murder House.
October 2025 — 2 developments
Investigators reportedly observed a distinct mark in the ceiling of the Villisca Axe Murder House, believed to have been caused by the butt of the axe.
Investigators reportedly observed a distinct mark in the ceiling of the Villisca Axe Murder House, believed to have been caused by the butt of the axe. Tourists now leave offerings at the house.
An article presented an investigative hypothesis suggesting Frank F.
An article presented an investigative hypothesis suggesting Frank F. Jones orchestrated the Villisca axe murders, carried out by Henry Lee Moore, citing business rivalry as a motive.
June 2025 — 1 developments
An Iowa couple plans to restore the Villisca Axe Murder House to its original 1912 condition to include it in their museum's attractions.
An Iowa couple plans to restore the Villisca Axe Murder House to its original 1912 condition to include it in their museum's attractions. They possess old pictures of the house and victims to aid in the restoration.
September 2024 — 1 developments
US Ghost Adventures, a ghost tour company with operations in Charlotte, has recently acquired the Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa.
US Ghost Adventures, a ghost tour company with operations in Charlotte, has recently acquired the Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa.
January 1994 — 1 developments
The house where the murders occurred was purchased and restored to its 1912 condition.
The house where the murders occurred was purchased and restored to its 1912 condition. It subsequently opened for tours and overnight stays, becoming a tourist destination known as the 'Villisca Axe Murder House.'
February 1918 — 1 developments
Reverend George Kelly was acquitted in his second trial for the murders, and no other individual was ever charged in the case.
Reverend George Kelly was acquitted in his second trial for the murders, and no other individual was ever charged in the case.
November 1917 — 1 developments
Reverend George Kelly's first trial for the Villisca axe murders ended in a hung jury.
Reverend George Kelly's first trial for the Villisca axe murders ended in a hung jury.
September 1917 — 1 developments
Reverend George Kelly, a traveling minister who was in Villisca on the night of the murders, was arrested and confessed to the crimes.
Reverend George Kelly, a traveling minister who was in Villisca on the night of the murders, was arrested and confessed to the crimes. He later recanted his confession.
June 1912 — 3 developments
A coroner's inquest was held, and 13 people were interviewed as potential witnesses.
A coroner's inquest was held, and 13 people were interviewed as potential witnesses.
The eight victims were discovered bludgeoned to death in their beds with an axe, which belonged to Josiah Moore and was found at the scene.
The eight victims were discovered bludgeoned to death in their beds with an axe, which belonged to Josiah Moore and was found at the scene. The murder weapon was partially cleaned, and a slab of bacon was found nearby. All mirrors in the house were covered, and kerosene lamps with their chimneys removed were found at the foot of beds.
Josiah and Sarah Moore, their four children (Herman, Mary, Arthur, and Paul), and two visiting frien…
Josiah and Sarah Moore, their four children (Herman, Mary, Arthur, and Paul), and two visiting friends, Ina and Lena Stillinger, attended a Children's Day Service at the local Presbyterian church. Josiah Moore had called the Stillinger household earlier to ask if the girls could spend the night, as the service would end after dark.