Dive into the chilling true story of the Bickel Family Massacre, one of the most brutal and mysterious crimes in 19th-century Texas. Join host Jeff Flinn as he interviews authors Richard Tomlinson and Catherine Adam Hurst about their new book, "Murder in Boerne, Texas: The Untold Story of the Bickel Family Massacre." Discover the dark secrets behind John Bickel, the events leading up to the massacre, the investigation, and the lasting impact on the Boerne community. This episode uncovers new evidence, explores local legends, and reveals the real people behind the headlines. Perfect for true crime enthusiasts and Texas history buffs!
00:00 - Introduction & Host Welcome
00:29 - The Bickel Family Massacre: What Happened
00:54 - Community Response and Initial Investigation
01:17 - The Book: "Murder in Boerne, Texas" and Author Introductions
02:11 - The Mass Grave and Mysterious Monuments
02:44 - Discovering New Documents in the Courthouse
03:36 - John Bickel’s Violent Past and Family Secrets
04:33 - The Stabbing of Bickel’s Daughter
05:19 - Theories on Motive and Family Dynamics
06:05 - Bickel and Spangenberg’s Background and Immigration
06:28 - The Fate of the Surviving Family Members
07:24 - The Massacre’s Aftermath: Lynching and Local Justice
08:04 - The Names of the Men Who Lynched the Suspects
09:09 - Book Details and Where to Find It
09:49 - Recounting the Night of the Attack
10:47 - The Escape of the 12-Year-Old Survivor
11:31 - Motives: Robbery or Revenge?
12:20 - Theories on the Real Killers and Business Dealings
13:05 - Lawlessness and Military Involvement in the Aftermath
14:00 - The Role of Newspapers and Early Reporting
14:39 - Research Challenges and Discoveries
15:02 - The Search for George Wilkins Kendall’s Diary
15:51 - Jury Dynamics and the Retrial Request
16:24 - Book Recap and Where to Buy
16:54 - Are There Any Surviving Photos or Drawings?
17:29 - Closing Remarks, Book Signing Details, and Farewell
Original Air Date: December 6, 2025, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=murder%20in%20boerne%20texas
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