TRUE CRIME: Serial killer’s execution garnered international attention

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In the early 20th century, Winnipeg was a burgeoning city, its growth marked by both progress and the challenges that accompany rapid urbanization. Among the events that punctuated this era was the case of Earle Leonard Nelson, an American serial killer whose crimes extended into Canada, culminating in his arrest and trial in Winnipeg.

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Earle Nelson, born in 1897 in San Francisco, California, led a life marked by instability and criminal behaviour. His early years were tumultuous, and as an adult, he embarked on a series of violent crimes across the United States. Nelson’s modus operandi involved posing as a prospective tenant to gain access to boarding houses, where he would assault and murder landladies. His spree earned him the moniker “The Gorilla Killer,” a reference to the brutality of his attacks.

In June 1927, Nelson’s activities brought him to Winnipeg. On June 8, 14-year-old Lola Cowan disappeared while selling artificial flowers door-to-door. Two days later, Emily Patterson was found murdered in her home, having been assaulted and strangled. The similarities between these crimes and Nelson’s known methods in the United States led authorities to suspect his involvement.

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The Winnipeg Police Service, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, initiated an intensive investigation. Their efforts culminated in Nelson’s arrest on June 16, 1927, in Killarney, Man. He was subsequently transported back to Winnipeg to stand trial for the murders of Cowan and Patterson.

Nelson’s trial commenced on Nov. 1, 1927, at the Winnipeg Law Courts Building. The prosecution presented a compelling case, with more than 60 individuals testifying, many placing Nelson at the scenes of the crimes or linking him to stolen property. After a brief deliberation, the jury found Nelson guilty of murder, and he received a mandatory death sentence. On Jan. 13, 1928, Nelson was executed by hanging at the Vaughan Street Jail in Winnipeg.

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The Earle Nelson case holds a significant place in Winnipeg’s history, not only because of the heinous nature of his crimes but also because of the international attention it garnered. It underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement in an era when communication and coordination between jurisdictions were far more limited than they are today.

The Winnipeg Police Museum offers a wealth of information for those interested in delving deeper into this and other historical cases. Its “True Crime” section provides detailed accounts of notable events in the city’s past, shedding light on the evolution of law enforcement in Winnipeg.

While the city has evolved significantly since Nelson’s crimes, reflecting on such cases serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, community, and the continuous advancement of investigative methods to ensure public safety.

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