Iowa Files; Villisca: Living With a Mystery

Schedule

Sun, 17 May, 2026 at 03:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

West Des Moines Public Library | West Des Moines, IA

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On the morning of June 10, 1912, the peaceful town of Villisca, Iowa awoke to horror. Josiah and Sarah Moore, along with their four children (Herman, Katherine, Boyd, and Paul), and two young overnight guests (Lena and Ina Stillinger), were all found brutally murdered in their home. The killer had used an axe, likely Josiah Moore’s own, to bludgeon the victims while they slept.
One of the most chilling unsolved mysteries in the United States, the tragedy has been extensively researched by Dr. Edgar V. Epperly. He has written dozens of articles and blog entries, and appeared on CourtTV and other radio and television programs. He will be joined by filmmakers Kelly & Tammy Rundle, whose 2004 documentary explores the crime's aftermath in a small town.
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Where is it happening?

West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy,West Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

West Des Moines Historical Society

Host or Publisher West Des Moines Historical Society

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