The next blog will begin with an introduction to the I-94 Murders. Frank Weber presenting to the National Association of Social Workers in St. Paul. Samantha Benjamin completing a relaxation exercise with Social Workers. 3 Lynched, 1 Legally Executed in Little Falls, and Richard Zaun The first reported murder in Morrison County occurred in 1857. The three suspects, two of whom were Ojibwe and one of whom was Metis, supposedly murdered a German pack peddler by the name of Fritz. (Metis is someone who is part Indian and part European American. In the 1800’s there was a Metis nation along the Red River.) While they were being taken by Sheriff Pugh to St. Paul for prosecution, they were lynched by a group of men from Morrison County. The three men were taken to a tree near what is now the Little Falls Golf Course and hung. The lynching took place on August 17, 1857. In June 1901, the bones of the three lynched men (Charles Gigabish, Jo Shambo, James-- last name unknown) were dug up and given a proper burial. This interference with due process is a sad piece of Morrison County history. The same year, the church was being constructed in Pierz, 1888, Franklin Eich from Buckman was murdered. On November 24, 1888 Franklin "Frank" Eich of Buckman, Minnesota, was found shot in the neck. Frank had been seen in his horse driven wagon with an unknown man, who took off with the horses and wagon after killing Eich. The unknown man was Albert Bulow, who was caught in Verndale and confessed to killing Eich. During his March 1889 trial, Bulow pled guilty and was sentenced by Judge D. B. Searle to be hanged. Bulow was hanged at gallows constructed near the Morrison County Courthouse in Little Falls. On July 19, 1889, Albert Bulow became the only person in Morrison County to have been legally executed. Albert Bulow had a picture taken (below) while he waited for his execution. Another Morrison County murder occurred on July 6, 1921 when an intense argument ensued after a constable and a posse of citizens attempted to disrupt the production of moonshine. The victims (Eugene Lavoy killed, George Lavoy & Dave Lavoy wounded) and suspects (Leon Thompson and Homer Green) were involved in a moonshine-related "melee" with several other men ("a posse of citizens") and a constable (Otto Beckner). The posse and constable were attempting to arrest them. George Lavoy and Leon Thompson were charged with assault with dangerous weapons with intent to kill and later with resisting arrest. Homer Green, part of the posse, was charged with first degree murder for shooting Eugene Lavoy. However, a grand jury failed to indict Homer Green. George Lavoy and Leon Thompson were released on $1,000 bail each. Dave Levoy was charged with first degree assault on an officer for his part in the melee. Dave Lavoy was found guilty of third degree assault and fined $100. Constable Otto Beckner was charged with nonfeasance in office for failing to fulfill his duties during the melee. Evidently Otto allowed the situation to escalate. Otto was released upon providing a $700 bond. Otto Bechner was ultimately indicted on six counts of charging malfeasance in office. The incident was described as “complicated.” On April 10, 1970, Richard Zaun, librarian at Healy Senior High School in Pierz, was charged with first degree murder in the strangulation death of an 18-year-old student, Roger Arkuszewski. Richard Zaun was described as socially awkward, and a little obsessive with keeping the library in order. Even though Roger Arkuszewski was the student, he is reported to have mercilessly picked on Zaun at school. (This by no means excuses Zaun’s behavior.) Roger had a tendency to find trouble in school and there were reports of his bullying students. Roger’s lack of regard for rules and Zaun’s being an awkward and rules-oriented librarian made the two a bad combination. Apparently pushed to the limit, Richard Zaun asked Roger to step in to a back room by the library, where he wrapped his tie around Roger’s neck and strangled him. After killing Roger, Richard Zahn walked across the street and asked the local pharmacist Jim McGuire to go with him to talk to the priest. Jim took Richard to the parochial house (home of the Catholic priest in Pierz) and Richard confessed the murder. After Richard confessed, Jim McGuire prayed with Richard Zahn in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz until the police arrived to arrest Zaun. Richard Zaun pled guilty to first degree manslaughter and was sentenced to up to 15 years in Stillwater State Prison. After he was released from incarceration, Zaun was not arrested for any additional crimes. Quotes: You can’t have everything. Where would you put it? Stephen Wright "My wife and I were happy for 20 years. Then we met." Rodney Dangerfield If everything is going your way, you’re probably in the wrong lane. Stephen Wright An officer came to my house and asked, “Where were you between 5 and 6?” I told him, “Kindergarten.” Thanks for listening, Frank Another summer party! John Tetrault's band Revolution 5 live at Milk and Honey Cidars in St Joseph. Amateur baseball playoffs begin. In my opinion, this is the most entertaining baseball to watch in Minnesota.
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AuthorFrank F. Weber is a forensic psychologist specializing in homicide and sexual and physical assault cases. He uses his unique understanding of how predator’s think, knowledge of victim trauma, actual court cases, and passion for writing true crime thrillers. His Award Winning books include "Murder Book" (2017) "The I-94 Murders" (2018) "Last Call" (2019) and "Lying Close" (September 2020). Archives
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