Walter Southard Murder Investigation
Walter Southard, a 69-year-old handyman, was found murdered in the entryway of his Indianapolis, Indiana home on December 14, 1952. He had suffered a single, forceful blow to the head with a sharp-edged weapon, and his pockets were turned inside out. No arrests have ever been made, and the case remains unsolved.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 1 developments
Indiana Man Arrested in 1992 Murder Case
A man identified as Andy was arrested in 2026 in connection with a 1992 murder case in Indiana. Further details regarding the victim and the circumstances of the arrest are pending.
January 2026 — 2 developments
Video recounts Walter Southard murder, notes no signs of forced entry into home
A video recounting the murder of Walter Southard states that there were no signs of forced entry into his home.
Investigators find deep indentations on Walter Southard's doors, believed to be from murder weapon
Investigators noted deep indentations on the locked doors to Walter Southard's upstairs room and kitchen, which were believed to have been made by the murder weapon, though the weapon itself was never found.
December 1952 — 6 developments
Police Suspect Robbery in Walter Southard Murder, Question Two Individuals
Initial police reports from December 1952 indicated that robbery was the suspected motive for Walter Southard's murder, and police were questioning two individuals in connection with the case.
Indianapolis Police Investigate Walter Southard Murder
The Indianapolis police began an investigation into the murder of Walter Southard.
Autopsy reveals Walter Southard died from single blow to head with sharp weapon
An autopsy determined Walter Southard's death was caused by a single, forceful blow from a sharp-edged weapon, such as a small axe or hatchet, resulting in a six-inch laceration on his head. His pockets were found turned inside out.
Edward Cahill confirms Southard deceased before contacting police
Terrified, Maebelle Gordon fled to a friend's house, Edward Cahill, who then went to Southard's home, entered through an unlocked window, and confirmed Southard was deceased before contacting the police.
Maebelle Gordon discovers body of Southard wedged in entryway of Indianapolis home
At approximately 10 AM, Maebelle Gordon arrived at Southard's Indianapolis home to pick him up for yard work. She found his body wedged in the entryway, surrounded by blood.
Maebelle Gordon gave Walter Southard a ride home, observing no suspicious activity
Walter Southard visited a local grocery store and then a nearby tavern. Maebelle Gordon, a friend, offered him a ride home at 6 PM, dropping him off and observing no suspicious activity.