Villisca Moore House
Eight people axe-murdered in their beds—six of them children. The killer covered the mirrors and left a bowl of bloody water. 112 years later, the Moore House offers overnight stays where guests hear children playing and closet doors won't stay closed.
On the night of June 9-10, 1912, someone entered the Moore house in Villisca, Iowa, and murdered eight people with an axe. Six of the victims were children. The killer was never found, and the house still holds its victims—and overnight guests experience their presence.
The Victims
The individuals who perished were J.B. Moore, aged 43; Sarah Moore, aged 39; Herman Moore, aged 11; Katherine Moore, aged 10; Boyd Moore, aged 7; Paul Moore, aged 5; Lena Stillinger, aged 12; and Ina Stillinger, aged 8.
The Event
On June 9, 1912, it was Children’s Day at church. The Stillinger girls were sleeping over at the Moore house, and the family returned home after church services. Everyone went to bed, and the killer waited patiently inside.
The Murders
On June 10, in the early morning hours, the killer retrieved an axe from the barn. All eight individuals were killed in their beds. The murders were characterized by brutal overkill and a methodical, deliberate approach.
The Discovery
The following morning, neighbor Mary Peckham noticed an unusual silence and observed that the children were not performing their usual chores. She inquired about it from Ross Moore (J.B.’s brother), and upon investigation, the bodies of the victims were discovered within the house.
The Crime Scene
Investigators found several unsettling details at the scene. Mirrors were covered, a bowl containing bloody water was present, a slab of bacon lay uncovered, a collection of cigarettes was found, and a lingering presence suggested the killer had remained in the house for a significant period.
The Investigation
Despite extensive efforts, justice was never served. Multiple suspects were identified, grand juries were convened, and Rev. Lyn George Kelly was tried. F.F. Jones was also suspected, but no conviction was achieved, leaving the case an enduring mystery.
Rev. Lyn George Kelly
Rev. Lyn George Kelly was a primary suspect, a traveling minister who had been present in Villisca at the time of the murders. He initially confessed to the crime, but later recanted his confession, and was subsequently tried and acquitted, adding another layer to the perplexing narrative.
The House Today
Today, the Villisca Moore House is preserved as a historic site. Darwin Linn purchased the property, and it is now a tour site that offers overnight stays. The house is widely considered to be one of America’s most active haunted houses, and reports of paranormal activity are common.
The Children’s Room
Located upstairs, the four Moore children were tragically killed together within this room. This area is reportedly the site of the most intense activity, with guests frequently reporting hearing laughter and playing sounds, suggesting the children are still present and seemingly engaged in their old games.
The Stillinger Room
Downstairs, the Stillinger room served as a guest room for the two visiting girls. It is theorized that these women may have been the last to be killed, and accounts suggest that they may have witnessed the deaths of the others, adding to the room’s heavy energy.
Overnight Experiences
Numerous overnight guests have reported a variety of unsettling phenomena while staying at the house. These reports include hearing children’s voices, observing running footsteps, witnessing closet doors opening unexpectedly, experiencing cold spots, and sensing that they are being watched.
The Closet Door
A particularly significant phenomenon involves the closet door in the Moore house. This door is said to persistently refuse to stay closed, with multiple individuals attempting to secure it, only to have it repeatedly open throughout the night. This activity is considered a “famous” and consistent feature of the house’s haunting.
The Attic
The theory posits that the killer may have hidden in the attic while waiting for the opportune moment. The space is described as possessing a heavy energy and being an uncomfortable area, with some individuals reporting hearing what they perceive to be breathing. Many people avoid entering the attic altogether.
Ladder Marks
Evidence suggests that the killer was prepared for the attack, as ladder marks were discovered in the attic, consistent with someone having waited there. This suggests a premeditated and carefully planned attack.
Ghost Adventures Investigation
The Villisca Moore House gained further notoriety when Zak Bagans and the team from Ghost Adventures conducted an investigation. Their episode was considered significant, generating compelling evidence of paranormal activity, including reported attacks, and has become a notable chapter in the house’s history.
Staff Experiences
House staff have also reported daily occurrences of unexplained phenomena, including voices, movement, and other disturbances. Despite these events, they maintain a calm and accepting attitude, acknowledging the inexplicable nature of the house’s activity.
Johnny Houser
In 2014, a guest named Johnny Houser sustained a self-inflicted stab wound while staying in the house. The circumstances surrounding this incident are deeply disturbing, raising questions about the potential influence of the house’s haunting.
Anniversary Night
On June 10th, the house hosts special events, with heightened activity and typically sells out completely. This date, commemorating the anniversary of the murders, represents the most intense period of paranormal activity and is an annual, highly anticipated event.
Significance
The unsolved mass murder of eight people, including six children, has created one of America’s most active haunted houses, a site where the echoes of tragedy continue to resonate.
Legacy
The Villisca Axe Murder House preserves horror—the children who died there over a century ago still play in their rooms, unaware or uncaring that their game never ends.
Sources
- Wikipedia search: “Villisca Moore House”
- Society for Psychical Research — SPR proceedings, peer-reviewed psychical research since 1882
- Library of Congress — American Folklife Center — American folklore archive
- Chronicling America — Historic US newspapers (1690–1963)