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Episode 969 · 34 min · Stories Fables Ghostly Tales

The Stranger in the Rafters: The Villisca Axe Murders

Published Mar 22, 2026by Stories Fables Ghostly Tales PodcastHorror · True crime · Folk tales

One candle for every story

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Story 969 of 997. 968 told, 28 still waiting.

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About this episode

The Stranger in the Rafters: The Villisca Axe Murders Locked doors won't save you from the monster already inside. In 1912, eight souls were taken in the middle of the night in Villisca, Iowa. The killer didn't break in—they waited in the attic for hours, watching and listening, before wielding an axe in the pitch black. In this deep-dive episode of Stories Fables Ghostly Tales , we examine the forensic anomalies that have baffled investigators for over a century: The Ritualistic Scene: Why every mirror in the house was covered with cloth. The Mysterious Evidence: The slab of bacon found in the parlor and the basin of bloody water. The Prime Suspects: A detailed look at the erratic Reverend George Kelly and the powerful local figures whose secrets may have died with them. Historical true crime at its most atmospheric! Follow the Show: Patreon: Join the Titans, Warlords, and Enforcers for exclusive deep dives. Socials: Follow us on X for the full Villisca evidence thread.

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