A RUTHLESS CRIMINAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16492, 9 November 1927, Page 7

A RUTHLESS CRIMINAL

REIGN OF TERROR ENDS “DARK STRANGLER’S” CAREER KILLED 10 WOMEN fllloe, Tol. Copyright—United Tress Assn.l (Sydney Sun Cables.) (Received Nov. 9, II a.m.) OTTAWA, Nov. 8. As a result of the death sentence on Earle Nelson the police believe they have ended the career of - the socalled “dark Wrangler,” ono of. the most ruthless criminals in history.

During 1920 the killer’s reign of terror extended throughout a dozen Pacific. Coast cities. Early this year he turned across the Continent eastward. He was an adept at disguise, and was 37 years of age. Usually he carried a suitcase with two changes, of clothing. During the last year it is definitely traced that he killed 10 women, aged from 14 to 60 years, never robbing them, but invariably leaving behind evidence of his gorilla clutch. This year lie killed five, including three near Winnipeg.

The evidence showed that he killed Lola Cowan early in tlie forenoon, walked out of the city, and begged a ride from a passing motorist. A tyre burst opposite a farm house, and while the motorist mended it Nelson walked leisurely in, found a farmer’s wife alone, strangled her, threw the lmdv under the bed, helped himself to dinner, and walked unconcernedly hack to the motor car. Nelson was a married man and employed as a machinist. He had been in an insane asylum, hut escaped. He was kind to his wife, who had no suspicion of his fearful deeds.