The Murder of Walter Southard - Indiana 1952
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.
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January 2026 — 2 developments
A video recounting the murder of Walter Southard states that there were no signs of forced entry into his home.
A video recounting the murder of Walter Southard states that there were no signs of forced entry into his home.
Investigators noted deep indentations on the locked doors to Walter Southard's upstairs room and kit…
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
Initial police reports from December 1952 indicated that robbery was the suspected motive for Walter…
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.
The Indianapolis police began an investigation into the murder of Walter Southard.
The Indianapolis police began an investigation into the murder of Walter Southard.
An autopsy determined Walter Southard's death was caused by a single, forceful blow from a sharp-edg…
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.
Terrified, Maebelle Gordon fled to a friend's house, Edward Cahill, who then went to Southard's home…
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.
At approximately 10 AM, Maebelle Gordon arrived at Southard's Indianapolis home to pick him up for yard work.
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.
Walter Southard visited a local grocery store and then a nearby tavern.
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.