August 23, 2023 • 35 mins
Stop number one on our murderous road trip across America is Rhode Island. Summer may nearly be over but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a good old theme park! Frank Sheffield took his five year old daughter Maggie out to enjoy an afternoon at Rocky Point Amusement Park. It would be an afternoon neither would forget. Originally broadcast September 1, 2021.
Written and narrated by Schuyler Fastenau and executive produced by Daniel Jones. Additional voices by Tamara Perry, Jordan Katcher, Janette Zosche, Taylor Shurte, Jeremy Staple, Daniel Jones, Gabriel Rivers, and David DeGraw Shotwell. Cover artwork by Catherine Fastenau. Theme music by Tracy Zales. Editing by Brian Campbell.
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Written and narrated by Schuyler Fastenau and executive produced by Daniel Jones. Additional voices by Tamara Perry, Jordan Katcher, Janette Zosche, Taylor Shurte, Jeremy Staple, Daniel Jones, Gabriel Rivers, and David DeGraw Shotwell. Cover artwork by Catherine Fastenau. Theme music by Tracy Zales. Editing by Brian Campbell.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:07):
Hello, Dead time Storians. Oh, it's so good to be back with
you after our summer vacation. Ihope y'all had a safe, relaxing,
and most importantly fun summer. Perhapshe made a visit to your local amusement
park where you gorged on popcorn andhot dogs before visiting the midway and then
riding a roller coaster or ten.I remember my first theme park. It
(00:31):
was Caesar Point up by Lake Eriein Ohio. Of course, I was
in second grade and I could notwait to visit because my cousins had told
me all about the roller coasters andthe bumper cars, and if you can
believe this, I had never beenon either one of those things. Yeah,
I know, the fasta now familywas unique. Anyway. We get
(00:53):
to the theme park early in themorning and planned on spending the entire day
there. My first roller coaster wasa pretty baby one, but I of
course screamed the entire time. Myaunt and uncle would later ask me how
many bugs did I swallow? AndI wouldn't really get what that meant for
several years. As the day woreinto dusk and the flashing lights started to
(01:17):
come on across the park, thisnew excitement rose inside of me, and
all the exhaustion from the day justtotally dissipated. Even now, I find
something magical about the theme park atnight, and all the wonderful colors flashing
on the rides. On that particularnight, the squeals of delight and bright
red, white and blue light atthe bumper cars called to my cousins and
(01:38):
me. I don't remember quite howit happened, but someway or another three
of my cousins got in line whileI went to the restroom or to grab
a snack, or maybe ask permissionto ride. I don't know, something
stupid like that. Five minutes laterI ran over to the edge of the
line where my cousins called my name, to pop the black fencing and enjoy
(01:59):
them. Using athleticism only seen inchildren, I clamored my way over the
line divider and joined them. Nownobody in lines out a damn thing about
it, because they were also childrenwho had probably done the very same thing
throughout the day. Suddenly I heardmy dad asking me what I was doing,
(02:19):
and I oh so innocently told himthat I was getting on the bumper
cars. To my horror, hereaches over the fencing and pulls me out
of the line. No, no, no, you cut the line and
that's not fair, so you haveto wait at the end. Oh.
I heard a couple of older kidsand lines snicker and could feel my cousin's
(02:40):
shocked faces. As my dad stareddown at me, My face flushed red
and I could feel the tears ofembarrassment threatening to pop out of my eyes.
Oh no, oh, So Iwalked back over to where my mom
and aunt were sitting, hearing veryfaintly as my dad called, after,
(03:00):
where are you going, Skylar?You could still ride. I don't want
to anymore, I mumbled as Itried to disappear from the park. I
don't think the rest of my familyknew what had happened, but they could
send something tragic had just befallen me. And once my cousins got done with
the ride, we went home.You know, still to this day,
(03:20):
I can't pass bumper cars without thinkingof that mortifying moment. But you know,
as awkward as it was, itwas sure as hell better than death.
(03:55):
Welcome to the original Dead Time Storiesof pot Cast where I Skyler fasten.
Now go beyond the crime to investigatehuman psychology and history, so maybe
we won't make the same mistakes ofour ancestors. If you're a fan of
our show and you want to supportus even more, head on over to
patreon dot com slash og dead time. We'll get this chapter started after these
(04:29):
brief messages. Welcome back to ourshow. Picture the silent and dusty attic
of the Pacatuck Congregational Church in Connecticut. It's nineteen seventy and a big day
for the church. Because I can'tbelieve today's are last day in this place.
(04:53):
I can't believe they're tearing it downfor a gas station. But the
Lord has a plan for everything,and we we must follow it. So
what's up here anyway? Some oldhymn books and candles. Perhaps we must
search every nook. WHOA, what'sthat giant bell? The teenager pointed to
(05:17):
the far corner, where a large, dusty, dingy bell quietly sat had
biscuit here. We don't have abelfry. How it got here was like
this. In nineteen thirty eight,the Great New England Hurricane destroyed the belfry
(05:43):
and it was too expensive to replacethe bell that once hung there had actually
been remade because it no longer rangedproperly. This was because it was one
of the only things remaining after alarge fire in nineteen eleven destroyed the abandoned
school that once hung in the causeof the Palmer Street School fire isn't known,
but it did start on the firstfloor and burned all the way up
to the third floor, where FrankSheffield once rang the bell to welcome his
(06:04):
students. Frank Sheffield was the principalof Pacatuck's Palmer Street School, and by
all accounts, he did a bangup job. His staff and students all
seemed to adore him, and everymorning he'd stand by the bell and ring
it to welcome the kids. Bein the eighteen eighties, that's how school
worked. Good morning, John,Happy to have you here with us this
(06:28):
morning. Frank wasn't a bachelor either. He was happily married to a Marianne
Hill since December fifteenth, eighteen seventysix. The couple had a young son
named Mason, who was born ineighteen eighty. Frank, I was wondering
if I could trouble you this afternoon. It's one of my pupils. He
does not retain the information. Nomatter how many times I have him write
(06:51):
it on the blackboard, it doesnot sound like an impossible fix. It's
not so much his education that worriesme. Frank, yesterday he said I
was a flap doodle flap doodle.Ah oh. One morning, tragedy struck
(07:12):
as the giant bell slipped from Frank'sgrip and struck him in the head.
Although he survived, he would sufferfrom severe headaches for the rest of his
life, and some friends claim thathis personality changed. After one evening a
few years later, Frank and Mariannesat in their modest parlor. Frank may
(07:34):
have read a newspaper while Marianne knitted. Frank, Dear, Yes, I
was thinking about how Mason is growingolder and sometimes seems lonely. Do you
think we should give him a brotheror a sister. You want to have
another child, Dolly? You growingold and the baby costs money. Yes,
(08:00):
and things are going tremendously well foryou at the school. Please,
Frank, can we Trystan? Frankmay or may not have wanted another baby,
but his desires didn't really matter becauseMargaret Maggie Sheffield came into the world
(08:24):
on January thirty first, eighteen eightyeight. What is it, doctor,
mister Sheffield? You have a healthybaby girl. If she's healthy, why
do you look so concerned? How'sMaryanne? Is she recovering? I am
afraid she is not as lively asmost women are after given birth. Another
(08:46):
doctor is tending to her, butshe has been in excruciating pain since the
baby arrived. Is there a medicationyou could give her something too? Is
the suffering? The doctor looked downsolemnly. A week later, on February
seventh, Marianne passed away from paratonitis, or a hemorrhage in her pelvic wall.
(09:07):
Over the course of the week,her abdomen became inflamed, and that
inflammation traveled up to her lungs.She was a young thirty three years of
age. The school bell had damagedFrank's skull and the death of Marianne had
broken his heart. Good afternoon,I need to send two telegrams please,
(09:33):
The first to mister Mason Hill,sorry about loss of daughter. Please care
for our son? Will I findnew home? And the second to mister
John Sheffield, Please care for alittle Maggie. Will I find new home?
Frank's in law's and his own parentswillingly took in the children while Frank
worked on his depression. His firststep finding a new job at a school
(09:54):
closer to his new home. Coincidentally, this new home came with a land
lord with a very beautiful, verysingle daughter. Nancy was her name,
and it was approaching two years sincethe death of Mary Anne. Oh,
Frank, I've never felt this nearto anyone in all my life. When
(10:16):
father passed away last year, Iworried that nobody could ever understand how much
my heart ached. It is anunfortunate bond to share the grief of a
lost loved one, But if Ihad to share it with anyone, I'm
glad it is with a woman asbeautiful as you. Nancy, would you
marry me? On November twenty seventh, eighteen eighty nine, Frank was married
(10:39):
for the second time. It seemedlike life was on the up and up,
wow, y'all, And then hedeveloped an infection called erysipolis. I,
(11:01):
Frank, have you been to adoctor for that ghastly rash yet?
Yes, sir, I've been seeingone for a week now. He's trying
to prescribe me something. But Frank, this has been cutting into your work.
You can't focus. You've been agood addition to the team, but
until this disease is gone, wecannot keep you on the staff. With
(11:26):
his employment and education terminated, Frankturned to a railroad company. The railroad
Avenue station also had to fire himbecause his illness led to lapses in his
memory, making him a less thanefficient worker. Frank's options were exhausted and
he started seeing doctor John Morgan.I am in constant pain every day.
I need help. Doctor. Haveyou heard about cocaine? No, sir,
(11:50):
it's a wonder drug. Really,mister Maddiani and France used it several
years ago to make Then Maddiani mixthe coco leaves with some budeau and you
have yourself a potion to restore vitalityand health. You ought to try it,
mister Sheffield. It's the future ofmedicine. It really was. Today
(12:11):
we know cocaine is a highly addictivedrug, but in the eighteen fifties scientists
started experimenting by taking cocaine out ofthe leaves of the coca plant. Coral
Cohler, an optimologist from Austria,started soaking his patient's eyes with the drugs
before performing cataract surgery, fully believingthat cocaine was an effective form of anesthesia.
(12:33):
He quickly learned this wasn't the bestpractice, as several patients died from
accidental overdose. Even the legendary SiegmundFreud believed cocaine would be the future.
He'd later beat his coke addiction,but in the meantime, doctors like John
Morgan would prescribe this miracle medicine totheir patients and the sole help with the
(12:54):
paint. Yes, sir, tryit out and let me know if you
see an h let me out.In a quick note here that sources argue
whether Frank was indeed prescribed cocaine.Some newspapers said he was an addict,
but this could very well have beennothing more than town gossip. With how
popular the drug was at the time, it would not surprise me if Frank
(13:16):
was in fact prescribed cocaine, andfor the sake of the story, we'll
assume he was. Now, isthere anything else you want to discuss?
Why we are together? Just onething. I have been growing more and
more worried about finances. My childrenhave been away with their grandparents for some
(13:37):
time now, and I fear thatif they ever are sent back to me,
I will not be able to carefor them. I do not want
little Maggie to go hungry because ofa father. Your parents are taking good
care of her, correct, yes, But why must I put such a
large burden on them? It isnot right. Sometimes I question whether or
(13:58):
not I should kill Maggie. Howoften do you have that thought? On
occasion I visit my parents, andI think about drowning Maggie while she's bathing,
or placing sleeping powder in a milk. She laughs and tells me how
happy she is, and I tryto enjoy our time together too, But
(14:22):
but then I start thinking about howunhappy she would be if she was starving
in my house. Keep trick ofhow often you think about murdering Maggie,
and we shall discuss it at ournext meeting. I will doctor. As
doctor Morgan led Frank out of hisoffice, he spied Nancy waiting for her
husband and motioned her over. Ifyou could excuse us for one moment,
(14:43):
please, Frank. Is everything allright, doctor, Yes, Nancy.
Frank will heal with time. Butwhile he does, promise me to never
let him out of your sight ofcourse, doctor sometimes wanders off on his
own, but I think that's dueto the confusion Spelcie suffers from that head
(15:03):
injury at his Yes, yes,but Nancy, you mustn't let him wander
off alone, understand, Yes,Doctor, I will keep watch. Doctor
Morgan peered through his curtains and watchedthe couple walk up the street, arm
in arm. He never told NancyWhyatt was so urgent she watched her husband
(15:26):
at all times, a decision hewould regret. Frank awoke on Sunday,
August twenty seventh, eighteen ninety threeand took a deep breath. Nancy may
have been cooking breakfast for the familywhen Frank approached Darling, I need to
go to the market and run someother errands. I'll be back by dusk.
(15:50):
Frank had scarcely been gone for aquarter of an hour before Nancy remembered
doctor Morgan's request. Frank Frank,but Frank was nowhere to be seen.
(16:11):
We'll follow Frank's footsteps after these briefmessages. Welcome back to our show and
(16:37):
to the home of Frank's sister Mary. Charlotte King Me grandfather Kingmy actually moved
Maggie Auntie, Mary, someone's atthe door. That's queer. We weren't
expecting any other guests. Hey,sister, is Maggie here? I'm taking
(17:03):
her home. Goodness, Frankie lookghastly. When did you last comb?
You're here? There? She is? Hello darling, Hello father? Did
you travel far? Frank? You'reshaking like mad? Nah, not far
at all. I took the trainat the town this morning. Come here,
(17:26):
Maggie, sit on my knee.The five year old obeyed, albeit
nervously, and shrank away when Frankran his hands through her hair. Why
are you looking at me like that? Sean, Perhaps you should lie down?
You did not appeal whale. Thatsounds wonderful, As she had a
(17:49):
catagram to Nancy, she must belooking all over town for him. Mary,
Charlotte, convince your brother to stayfor the night so Nancy has time
to come for him. What aboutme, grandfather? You young lady,
keep an eye on this checkerboard andmake sure nobody cheat. The family's plan
(18:15):
worked ish. Unbeknownst to them,their telegram to Nancy was delayed, but
they were able to convince Frank tohave dinner and spend the night. The
next morning, a telegram arrived.Oh, father, Nancy sent us a
telegram. Let's see what she says. Have you seen Frank heart ranting a
(18:38):
wife? Muchmoucy? Mary? Wetold her yesterday he was here. Being
an omniscient narrator, I can tellyou that Nancy sent this telegram before Frank
arrived at Mary Charlotte's home. Butmuch like their telegram to her, Nancy's
was delayed. Do we have tocheck him on to try and off jails
by ship's insanity? You don't mindtraveling, do you? As the family
(19:00):
discussed what to do with Frank,the disheveled man snuck into the parlor where
Maggie was pretending to play the piano. Hello, Dolly, would you like
to go on a morning stroll?Yes? Father, good girls come along.
With the little girl's hand in hisFrank snuck out the front door.
(19:22):
It would be some time before thefamily discovered his escape, and by then
he had traveled from north out ofBorough, Connecticut, to Providence, Rhode
Island. Welcome aboard a big Queen, Sir, and oh young lady.
The captain tipped his hat, butdidn't pay much attention to the little girl's
giggles. He had ten stepped whenhe saw how unkempt Frank was. Are
(19:47):
your ship shape, sir, Yes, seem awful shaky? Yes, yes,
I'm hungry as all are. Wegonna stop at Silver Springs. I
could I could get some seafood.If it's sea, would you be after?
You'll have to choose between Crescent Parkand Rocky Point. I would suggest
the latter. They have the bestclam bake in the wild. Rocky Point.
(20:10):
It is as the Big Queen landedat Rocky Point. Frank once again
took hold of Maggie's hand and ledher into the amusement park. Maggie eagerly
pointed out all the games along themidway and different rides, but Frank didn't
pay her any attention. He hadthat far off look in his eyes again.
(20:33):
Welcome to Shore Dinner Hole, sir. Can I get you a bowl
of our famous chowder for you andthe young lady? Please take a look
at this guy over him. He'soff his chump. His daughter's talking away,
but you can't focus on. I'llfetch us chowder and get him out
right quick. Oh does it seaglejuicy seagle pack bike. I'll look at
(20:57):
the kids on on the prehises andthe cats out. Oh pama, this
has been such an extraordinary day.I adored the boat and seeing all the
bank games in the park. Caninto this again. I suppose we could
take a seat with me, Maggie, and well, look good at the
(21:19):
sea together. Okay, father,that's right, Just look ahead at the
beautiful water. Frank stared ahead blanklyas his hand fumbled around for a large
stone. His fingers grazed the smoothsurface of one, and he started,
Baba cabra, handkerchief. I wantto make a little dollar play with Of
(21:42):
course, darling, here you arefinding the rock again. Frank's fingers tested
it for size and weight. Hedecided it was the perfect fit, and
without uttering a single word, smashedthe rock into his daughter's skull. Five
(22:10):
year old Maggie Sheffield was left bythe cliff edge to die. Perhaps she
listened to the calliope music and thelaughter of the blissfully ignorant parkoers as she
slowly bled out, hoping that ina few moments she'd be somewhere having fun
like they were. I can onlyhope it was quick. Her father didn't
(22:30):
seem to care as much as Ido. He coolly walked back over a
hill, passing a nearby picnicker whowas on his way to investigate who had
screamed. Neither man spoke a wordto the other one. Frank wandered to
the nearby Warwick Club, a placefour businessmen to do whatever rich people do,
(22:55):
and bumped into a newble Belcher andDaniel Remington. Good afternoon. I
want to be turned over to anofficer. I have killed my child.
Why I did it, I don'tknow. I did not know that I
had done anything until I had killedher. I did not know I had
struck her until I saw the blood. Poor gentleman's office. Not look at
(23:19):
how he's shaking like a lunatic.Please, is there a constable around?
I need to be turned in.Let's take him to a Rookie Point park.
They'll take over. And just likethat, Frank was back at the
amusement park, sitting in a cellbefore constable and park manager Randall Augustus Harris.
(23:42):
We took your daughter into the theaterfor a proper examination. Thank heaven,
some picnickers heard her scream when youkilled her. Did you realize she
was still alive when you walked away. I did not. Oh why did
I kill my little Maggie? Whywhy give me a bullet? Officer?
(24:04):
I deserve to be shot. I'llleave that up to the judge. Around
seven that night, two officers arrivedto transfer Frank to the East Greenwich County
Jail. I did it. Idid it. I took the rock in
and I was gonna hit her,and then she says, you want to.
He hasn't stopped shiding since we puthim in here with the hankerchief and
then so what I did was theofficers. You must know I've had years
(24:30):
of madness. I think I mighthave killed Maggie because I was under the
influence of something that I couldn't control. I could not have struck her if
I knew I was hurting her.I do not even remember getting to the
amusement park. I'll send a telegramto his family and inform them of what
happened. Thank you for picking himup. Frank awoke the next morning inside
(24:55):
a new cell. His glossy eyesstared up at the ceiling from his tiny
cot. Maggie, Maggie, FrankSheffield. My name is Michael Lynch.
The deputy sheriff, come with me, please. Frank schlept to the next
room and plopped into a rocking chair. Mister Sheffield, you are being placed
under arrest for willfully, maliciously andfeloniously assaulting and killing Margaret Sheffield. Do
(25:18):
you believe you're guilty? Yes,I killed my little girl. We will
keep your hair and tell your trial. Your wife also sent this telegram she
would like to visit. Oh.When she comes, you must keep me
locked away. I do not wantto hurt her. Next. I can
(25:41):
certainly arrange that. Frank's preliminary hearingopened on September fifth, with Judge Warner
presiding. Nathan Lewis served as Frank'sattorney and didn't flinch as the prosecution laid
before them Maggie's bloody dress and shoes. Your honor, I plead that my
(26:03):
clients is not guilty by reason ofinsanity. What evidence do you have of
this? None yet, your honor. Well, then your client is most
likely guilty of this murder, andwe will go to trial on October ninth.
Come on, Frank, we'll begone back to yourself. Now remove
your hands from me. I don'tneed anyone touching you. Nathan couldn't help,
(26:27):
but grin as officials restrained a suddenlycrazed Frank. I am mistake,
I am out of pay. Proveninsanity easier than I thought, Except it
wouldn't be so easy. In classicAmerican fashion, Nathan had to work his
(26:48):
way down a line of people justto get permission for a psych evaluation.
He finally got in touch with someone. But your client cannot be tried if
he is indeed insane, so wemust to stay in prison. But if
a man is insane, why wouldthe government want to waste time trying it?
Perhaps she Clon has made himself insane. I am not deaf to local
(27:11):
gossip about his condition. You meanhis cocaine addiction. As the opening day
of the trial began, the courtroomquickly filled in with eager spectators. The
twelve men making up the jury tooktheir seats. All but two of them
(27:33):
already knew Frank's story. The RockyPoint incident was so popular that two of
the original jury members were excused forforming an opinion on Frank that they claimed
could not be changed. When Frank'swife, Nancy arrived at eleven fifteen,
her husband didn't so much as glanceher way. Good afternoon, ladies and
(27:53):
gentlemen. Attorney General Willard Tanner willbe representing the state. Mister Tanner,
please begin, Thank you, yourhonor. Willard began by recounting the murderous
events, then brought forth the picnickerswho had found Maggie, the medical examiner
who determined her cause of death,the employees at Shore Dinner Hall, and
others who interacted with the murderer.All of them discussed Frank's odd behavior.
(28:18):
Willard ended his case by eleven fortythat morning. Mister Nathan Lewis, you
may begin your defense. Thank you. There was indeed a murderer at Rocky
Point, and it was at thehands of Frank Sheffield. However, it
takes something beyond the mere physical actof killing to produce murder. If Frank
(28:42):
Sheffield were acquitted and cured today,he could never expect to enjoy life again.
But to his relatives who sit inthe shadows of a great grief,
your verdict, gentleman, means something. Will you add to this sorrow the
tingle of shame by branding the husbandand father a felon. After Nathan's twenty
(29:07):
minute explanation, of the murder wifeNancy took the stand prior to Frank's unexpected
trip Tipte, Maggie. He vanishedfrom my home twice last year. He
headed outside on a freezing winness day, traversing through the snow for hours before
realizing you ha traveled to mystic withno recollection of how he got there.
He did it again the next month. Thank you, missus Sheffield. Doctor
(29:30):
Keane, you are next. Tellus what you found upon examining mister Sheffield.
I examined mister Sheffield while he waslocked away, and my test lead
me to believe he is insane.We must bear in mind the insane can
hurt both their enemies or their onesthey cherish most. Someone pretending to be
(29:52):
insane will purposely make themselves appear unkemptand thank you, doctor Kean. I'm
I'm not sure how doctor Keene thoughtthat last part would be helpful improving Frank
insane, but he decided to sayit. No. I would like to
invite Frank's regular physician, doctor JohnMorgan, to the stand. Doctor Morgan,
(30:15):
can you tell us how your patientwas leading up to the attack.
Frank had shown an impulsed to killMaggie. He told me about it many
times. Because of this, Iinsisted Nancy never let him out of hers
sides. I believe the loss ofFrank's first wife had driven him into a
depression. Days before the Rocky Pointincident, Frank drank laudanum in an attempt
(30:38):
to kill himself. Why this happensin our town? In total, twelve
witnesses testified on behalf of the defense. Most shared how they noticed Frank's mental
state depleting network to the point ofhim being fired, and his incredible fear
(31:00):
of the future slowly taking over hislife. Gentlemen, my client may have
murdered his daughter, but there werenumerous variables playing apart. After developing erysipolis
and witnessing the death of his wife, mary Anne, Frank fell into a
depression. He also adored children.The pupils at his former school will tell
(31:23):
you that, and please remember this. Frank had no motive to kill his
daughter other than what doctor Morgan saidthat Frank wanted to kill Maggie and Casey
fell into financial ruin. But we'llignore that part, and the jury ignored
it too, because eight minutes afterdeliberations they returned with a not guilty by
(31:47):
reason of insanity verdict. Listen,we can at. As the court dispersed,
Nancy went to sit with her husband. She took his hand in hers
and gently kissed his cheek. Thisis wonderful news, darling. Frank,
they say, barely acknowledged her existence, instead staring at the wood floor as
(32:12):
a smile slowly leaked onto his face. Though Frank was found innocent, he
still had to be locked away atthe Rhode Island State Hospital for the Insane
due to the jury's findings. Onceinside, Frank more or less disappeared from
history, but he died on Marchfourteenth, nineteen oh one, from petimal
(32:34):
epilepsy and pulmonore lorengio to berculosis.Nancy never moved out of the home she
shared with her husband, and passedaway on June twenty fifth, nineteen twenty
six. She was not buried byFrank. Rocky Point Amusement Park surprisingly had
its largest turnout of the year exactlyone week after Maggie was murdered. Much
(32:54):
like COVID nineteen, the murder ofa small girl could not deter eager thrill
see from attending the park itself.Remained in operation until nineteen ninety five.
The land had set On became astate park in twenty eleven, where rusted
remains of park ride sit for picnickersand hikers to admire. To my knowledge,
there is no placard recognizing the gruesomemurder a father committed on his daughter
(33:19):
on a humid August day in eighteenninety three. Murder at the Midway was
written and narrated by me Skyler Fastenelland executive produced by Daniel Jones. Our
editor was Brian Campbell. Voice talentwas provided by Taylor Shirty, Daniel Jones,
(33:39):
Jordan Catcher, Tamer Perry, JeremyStaple, Jeanette Sash, and Gabriel
Rivers, with special guest appearance byDavid dugrow shotwell as my father, Fred
Fastenell. Our theme music was writtenand performed by Tracy Zales and our coover
artwork by Catherine Fastenel. Thank youfor coming back for our fourth season premiere.
(34:01):
Let us know what you thought ofthe episode by leaving a five star
review on Apple Podcasts, and thentell your friends where they can listen.
If you want the ultimate fan package, check out Patreon dot com slash og
Deadtime for ad free episodes, merchandise, signs, scripts, and more.
You can also follow us at theOriginal Deadtime Stories on Instagram, Facebook,
(34:22):
Twitter, and TikTok. The linksto all of those are in the episode
description. Alright, folks, ournext stop on the Original Deadtime Stories road
(34:46):
trip across America. It is NewYork, New York. Not only is
it a hell of a town,it also holds the secret to a lesser
known story from September eleven. We'llsee you in a week, but until
then, stay safe out there.I don't want you to become the next
chapter's topic on the Original Dead TimeStories
Hello, Dead time Storians. Oh, it's so good to be back with
you after our summer vacation. Ihope y'all had a safe, relaxing,
and most importantly fun summer. Perhapshe made a visit to your local amusement
park where you gorged on popcorn andhot dogs before visiting the midway and then
riding a roller coaster or ten.I remember my first theme park. It
(00:31):
was Caesar Point up by Lake Eriein Ohio. Of course, I was
in second grade and I could notwait to visit because my cousins had told
me all about the roller coasters andthe bumper cars, and if you can
believe this, I had never beenon either one of those things. Yeah,
I know, the fasta now familywas unique. Anyway. We get
(00:53):
to the theme park early in themorning and planned on spending the entire day
there. My first roller coaster wasa pretty baby one, but I of
course screamed the entire time. Myaunt and uncle would later ask me how
many bugs did I swallow? AndI wouldn't really get what that meant for
several years. As the day woreinto dusk and the flashing lights started to
(01:17):
come on across the park, thisnew excitement rose inside of me, and
all the exhaustion from the day justtotally dissipated. Even now, I find
something magical about the theme park atnight, and all the wonderful colors flashing
on the rides. On that particularnight, the squeals of delight and bright
red, white and blue light atthe bumper cars called to my cousins and
(01:38):
me. I don't remember quite howit happened, but someway or another three
of my cousins got in line whileI went to the restroom or to grab
a snack, or maybe ask permissionto ride. I don't know, something
stupid like that. Five minutes laterI ran over to the edge of the
line where my cousins called my name, to pop the black fencing and enjoy
(01:59):
them. Using athleticism only seen inchildren, I clamored my way over the
line divider and joined them. Nownobody in lines out a damn thing about
it, because they were also childrenwho had probably done the very same thing
throughout the day. Suddenly I heardmy dad asking me what I was doing,
(02:19):
and I oh so innocently told himthat I was getting on the bumper
cars. To my horror, hereaches over the fencing and pulls me out
of the line. No, no, no, you cut the line and
that's not fair, so you haveto wait at the end. Oh.
I heard a couple of older kidsand lines snicker and could feel my cousin's
(02:40):
shocked faces. As my dad stareddown at me, My face flushed red
and I could feel the tears ofembarrassment threatening to pop out of my eyes.
Oh no, oh, So Iwalked back over to where my mom
and aunt were sitting, hearing veryfaintly as my dad called, after,
(03:00):
where are you going, Skylar?You could still ride. I don't want
to anymore, I mumbled as Itried to disappear from the park. I
don't think the rest of my familyknew what had happened, but they could
send something tragic had just befallen me. And once my cousins got done with
the ride, we went home.You know, still to this day,
(03:20):
I can't pass bumper cars without thinkingof that mortifying moment. But you know,
as awkward as it was, itwas sure as hell better than death.
(03:55):
Welcome to the original Dead Time Storiesof pot Cast where I Skyler fasten.
Now go beyond the crime to investigatehuman psychology and history, so maybe
we won't make the same mistakes ofour ancestors. If you're a fan of
our show and you want to supportus even more, head on over to
patreon dot com slash og dead time. We'll get this chapter started after these
(04:29):
brief messages. Welcome back to ourshow. Picture the silent and dusty attic
of the Pacatuck Congregational Church in Connecticut. It's nineteen seventy and a big day
for the church. Because I can'tbelieve today's are last day in this place.
(04:53):
I can't believe they're tearing it downfor a gas station. But the
Lord has a plan for everything,and we we must follow it. So
what's up here anyway? Some oldhymn books and candles. Perhaps we must
search every nook. WHOA, what'sthat giant bell? The teenager pointed to
(05:17):
the far corner, where a large, dusty, dingy bell quietly sat had
biscuit here. We don't have abelfry. How it got here was like
this. In nineteen thirty eight,the Great New England Hurricane destroyed the belfry
(05:43):
and it was too expensive to replacethe bell that once hung there had actually
been remade because it no longer rangedproperly. This was because it was one
of the only things remaining after alarge fire in nineteen eleven destroyed the abandoned
school that once hung in the causeof the Palmer Street School fire isn't known,
but it did start on the firstfloor and burned all the way up
to the third floor, where FrankSheffield once rang the bell to welcome his
(06:04):
students. Frank Sheffield was the principalof Pacatuck's Palmer Street School, and by
all accounts, he did a bangup job. His staff and students all
seemed to adore him, and everymorning he'd stand by the bell and ring
it to welcome the kids. Bein the eighteen eighties, that's how school
worked. Good morning, John,Happy to have you here with us this
(06:28):
morning. Frank wasn't a bachelor either. He was happily married to a Marianne
Hill since December fifteenth, eighteen seventysix. The couple had a young son
named Mason, who was born ineighteen eighty. Frank, I was wondering
if I could trouble you this afternoon. It's one of my pupils. He
does not retain the information. Nomatter how many times I have him write
(06:51):
it on the blackboard, it doesnot sound like an impossible fix. It's
not so much his education that worriesme. Frank, yesterday he said I
was a flap doodle flap doodle.Ah oh. One morning, tragedy struck
(07:12):
as the giant bell slipped from Frank'sgrip and struck him in the head.
Although he survived, he would sufferfrom severe headaches for the rest of his
life, and some friends claim thathis personality changed. After one evening a
few years later, Frank and Mariannesat in their modest parlor. Frank may
(07:34):
have read a newspaper while Marianne knitted. Frank, Dear, Yes, I
was thinking about how Mason is growingolder and sometimes seems lonely. Do you
think we should give him a brotheror a sister. You want to have
another child, Dolly? You growingold and the baby costs money. Yes,
(08:00):
and things are going tremendously well foryou at the school. Please,
Frank, can we Trystan? Frankmay or may not have wanted another baby,
but his desires didn't really matter becauseMargaret Maggie Sheffield came into the world
(08:24):
on January thirty first, eighteen eightyeight. What is it, doctor,
mister Sheffield? You have a healthybaby girl. If she's healthy, why
do you look so concerned? How'sMaryanne? Is she recovering? I am
afraid she is not as lively asmost women are after given birth. Another
(08:46):
doctor is tending to her, butshe has been in excruciating pain since the
baby arrived. Is there a medicationyou could give her something too? Is
the suffering? The doctor looked downsolemnly. A week later, on February
seventh, Marianne passed away from paratonitis, or a hemorrhage in her pelvic wall.
(09:07):
Over the course of the week,her abdomen became inflamed, and that
inflammation traveled up to her lungs.She was a young thirty three years of
age. The school bell had damagedFrank's skull and the death of Marianne had
broken his heart. Good afternoon,I need to send two telegrams please,
(09:33):
The first to mister Mason Hill,sorry about loss of daughter. Please care
for our son? Will I findnew home? And the second to mister
John Sheffield, Please care for alittle Maggie. Will I find new home?
Frank's in law's and his own parentswillingly took in the children while Frank
worked on his depression. His firststep finding a new job at a school
(09:54):
closer to his new home. Coincidentally, this new home came with a land
lord with a very beautiful, verysingle daughter. Nancy was her name,
and it was approaching two years sincethe death of Mary Anne. Oh,
Frank, I've never felt this nearto anyone in all my life. When
(10:16):
father passed away last year, Iworried that nobody could ever understand how much
my heart ached. It is anunfortunate bond to share the grief of a
lost loved one, But if Ihad to share it with anyone, I'm
glad it is with a woman asbeautiful as you. Nancy, would you
marry me? On November twenty seventh, eighteen eighty nine, Frank was married
(10:39):
for the second time. It seemedlike life was on the up and up,
wow, y'all, And then hedeveloped an infection called erysipolis. I,
(11:01):
Frank, have you been to adoctor for that ghastly rash yet?
Yes, sir, I've been seeingone for a week now. He's trying
to prescribe me something. But Frank, this has been cutting into your work.
You can't focus. You've been agood addition to the team, but
until this disease is gone, wecannot keep you on the staff. With
(11:26):
his employment and education terminated, Frankturned to a railroad company. The railroad
Avenue station also had to fire himbecause his illness led to lapses in his
memory, making him a less thanefficient worker. Frank's options were exhausted and
he started seeing doctor John Morgan.I am in constant pain every day.
I need help. Doctor. Haveyou heard about cocaine? No, sir,
(11:50):
it's a wonder drug. Really,mister Maddiani and France used it several
years ago to make Then Maddiani mixthe coco leaves with some budeau and you
have yourself a potion to restore vitalityand health. You ought to try it,
mister Sheffield. It's the future ofmedicine. It really was. Today
(12:11):
we know cocaine is a highly addictivedrug, but in the eighteen fifties scientists
started experimenting by taking cocaine out ofthe leaves of the coca plant. Coral
Cohler, an optimologist from Austria,started soaking his patient's eyes with the drugs
before performing cataract surgery, fully believingthat cocaine was an effective form of anesthesia.
(12:33):
He quickly learned this wasn't the bestpractice, as several patients died from
accidental overdose. Even the legendary SiegmundFreud believed cocaine would be the future.
He'd later beat his coke addiction,but in the meantime, doctors like John
Morgan would prescribe this miracle medicine totheir patients and the sole help with the
(12:54):
paint. Yes, sir, tryit out and let me know if you
see an h let me out.In a quick note here that sources argue
whether Frank was indeed prescribed cocaine.Some newspapers said he was an addict,
but this could very well have beennothing more than town gossip. With how
popular the drug was at the time, it would not surprise me if Frank
(13:16):
was in fact prescribed cocaine, andfor the sake of the story, we'll
assume he was. Now, isthere anything else you want to discuss?
Why we are together? Just onething. I have been growing more and
more worried about finances. My childrenhave been away with their grandparents for some
(13:37):
time now, and I fear thatif they ever are sent back to me,
I will not be able to carefor them. I do not want
little Maggie to go hungry because ofa father. Your parents are taking good
care of her, correct, yes, But why must I put such a
large burden on them? It isnot right. Sometimes I question whether or
(13:58):
not I should kill Maggie. Howoften do you have that thought? On
occasion I visit my parents, andI think about drowning Maggie while she's bathing,
or placing sleeping powder in a milk. She laughs and tells me how
happy she is, and I tryto enjoy our time together too, But
(14:22):
but then I start thinking about howunhappy she would be if she was starving
in my house. Keep trick ofhow often you think about murdering Maggie,
and we shall discuss it at ournext meeting. I will doctor. As
doctor Morgan led Frank out of hisoffice, he spied Nancy waiting for her
husband and motioned her over. Ifyou could excuse us for one moment,
(14:43):
please, Frank. Is everything allright, doctor, Yes, Nancy.
Frank will heal with time. Butwhile he does, promise me to never
let him out of your sight ofcourse, doctor sometimes wanders off on his
own, but I think that's dueto the confusion Spelcie suffers from that head
(15:03):
injury at his Yes, yes,but Nancy, you mustn't let him wander
off alone, understand, Yes,Doctor, I will keep watch. Doctor
Morgan peered through his curtains and watchedthe couple walk up the street, arm
in arm. He never told NancyWhyatt was so urgent she watched her husband
(15:26):
at all times, a decision hewould regret. Frank awoke on Sunday,
August twenty seventh, eighteen ninety threeand took a deep breath. Nancy may
have been cooking breakfast for the familywhen Frank approached Darling, I need to
go to the market and run someother errands. I'll be back by dusk.
(15:50):
Frank had scarcely been gone for aquarter of an hour before Nancy remembered
doctor Morgan's request. Frank Frank,but Frank was nowhere to be seen.
(16:11):
We'll follow Frank's footsteps after these briefmessages. Welcome back to our show and
(16:37):
to the home of Frank's sister Mary. Charlotte King Me grandfather Kingmy actually moved
Maggie Auntie, Mary, someone's atthe door. That's queer. We weren't
expecting any other guests. Hey,sister, is Maggie here? I'm taking
(17:03):
her home. Goodness, Frankie lookghastly. When did you last comb?
You're here? There? She is? Hello darling, Hello father? Did
you travel far? Frank? You'reshaking like mad? Nah, not far
at all. I took the trainat the town this morning. Come here,
(17:26):
Maggie, sit on my knee.The five year old obeyed, albeit
nervously, and shrank away when Frankran his hands through her hair. Why
are you looking at me like that? Sean, Perhaps you should lie down?
You did not appeal whale. Thatsounds wonderful, As she had a
(17:49):
catagram to Nancy, she must belooking all over town for him. Mary,
Charlotte, convince your brother to stayfor the night so Nancy has time
to come for him. What aboutme, grandfather? You young lady,
keep an eye on this checkerboard andmake sure nobody cheat. The family's plan
(18:15):
worked ish. Unbeknownst to them,their telegram to Nancy was delayed, but
they were able to convince Frank tohave dinner and spend the night. The
next morning, a telegram arrived.Oh, father, Nancy sent us a
telegram. Let's see what she says. Have you seen Frank heart ranting a
(18:38):
wife? Muchmoucy? Mary? Wetold her yesterday he was here. Being
an omniscient narrator, I can tellyou that Nancy sent this telegram before Frank
arrived at Mary Charlotte's home. Butmuch like their telegram to her, Nancy's
was delayed. Do we have tocheck him on to try and off jails
by ship's insanity? You don't mindtraveling, do you? As the family
(19:00):
discussed what to do with Frank,the disheveled man snuck into the parlor where
Maggie was pretending to play the piano. Hello, Dolly, would you like
to go on a morning stroll?Yes? Father, good girls come along.
With the little girl's hand in hisFrank snuck out the front door.
(19:22):
It would be some time before thefamily discovered his escape, and by then
he had traveled from north out ofBorough, Connecticut, to Providence, Rhode
Island. Welcome aboard a big Queen, Sir, and oh young lady.
The captain tipped his hat, butdidn't pay much attention to the little girl's
giggles. He had ten stepped whenhe saw how unkempt Frank was. Are
(19:47):
your ship shape, sir, Yes, seem awful shaky? Yes, yes,
I'm hungry as all are. Wegonna stop at Silver Springs. I
could I could get some seafood.If it's sea, would you be after?
You'll have to choose between Crescent Parkand Rocky Point. I would suggest
the latter. They have the bestclam bake in the wild. Rocky Point.
(20:10):
It is as the Big Queen landedat Rocky Point. Frank once again
took hold of Maggie's hand and ledher into the amusement park. Maggie eagerly
pointed out all the games along themidway and different rides, but Frank didn't
pay her any attention. He hadthat far off look in his eyes again.
(20:33):
Welcome to Shore Dinner Hole, sir. Can I get you a bowl
of our famous chowder for you andthe young lady? Please take a look
at this guy over him. He'soff his chump. His daughter's talking away,
but you can't focus on. I'llfetch us chowder and get him out
right quick. Oh does it seaglejuicy seagle pack bike. I'll look at
(20:57):
the kids on on the prehises andthe cats out. Oh pama, this
has been such an extraordinary day.I adored the boat and seeing all the
bank games in the park. Caninto this again. I suppose we could
take a seat with me, Maggie, and well, look good at the
(21:19):
sea together. Okay, father,that's right, Just look ahead at the
beautiful water. Frank stared ahead blanklyas his hand fumbled around for a large
stone. His fingers grazed the smoothsurface of one, and he started,
Baba cabra, handkerchief. I wantto make a little dollar play with Of
(21:42):
course, darling, here you arefinding the rock again. Frank's fingers tested
it for size and weight. Hedecided it was the perfect fit, and
without uttering a single word, smashedthe rock into his daughter's skull. Five
(22:10):
year old Maggie Sheffield was left bythe cliff edge to die. Perhaps she
listened to the calliope music and thelaughter of the blissfully ignorant parkoers as she
slowly bled out, hoping that ina few moments she'd be somewhere having fun
like they were. I can onlyhope it was quick. Her father didn't
(22:30):
seem to care as much as Ido. He coolly walked back over a
hill, passing a nearby picnicker whowas on his way to investigate who had
screamed. Neither man spoke a wordto the other one. Frank wandered to
the nearby Warwick Club, a placefour businessmen to do whatever rich people do,
(22:55):
and bumped into a newble Belcher andDaniel Remington. Good afternoon. I
want to be turned over to anofficer. I have killed my child.
Why I did it, I don'tknow. I did not know that I
had done anything until I had killedher. I did not know I had
struck her until I saw the blood. Poor gentleman's office. Not look at
(23:19):
how he's shaking like a lunatic.Please, is there a constable around?
I need to be turned in.Let's take him to a Rookie Point park.
They'll take over. And just likethat, Frank was back at the
amusement park, sitting in a cellbefore constable and park manager Randall Augustus Harris.
(23:42):
We took your daughter into the theaterfor a proper examination. Thank heaven,
some picnickers heard her scream when youkilled her. Did you realize she
was still alive when you walked away. I did not. Oh why did
I kill my little Maggie? Whywhy give me a bullet? Officer?
(24:04):
I deserve to be shot. I'llleave that up to the judge. Around
seven that night, two officers arrivedto transfer Frank to the East Greenwich County
Jail. I did it. Idid it. I took the rock in
and I was gonna hit her,and then she says, you want to.
He hasn't stopped shiding since we puthim in here with the hankerchief and
then so what I did was theofficers. You must know I've had years
(24:30):
of madness. I think I mighthave killed Maggie because I was under the
influence of something that I couldn't control. I could not have struck her if
I knew I was hurting her.I do not even remember getting to the
amusement park. I'll send a telegramto his family and inform them of what
happened. Thank you for picking himup. Frank awoke the next morning inside
(24:55):
a new cell. His glossy eyesstared up at the ceiling from his tiny
cot. Maggie, Maggie, FrankSheffield. My name is Michael Lynch.
The deputy sheriff, come with me, please. Frank schlept to the next
room and plopped into a rocking chair. Mister Sheffield, you are being placed
under arrest for willfully, maliciously andfeloniously assaulting and killing Margaret Sheffield. Do
(25:18):
you believe you're guilty? Yes,I killed my little girl. We will
keep your hair and tell your trial. Your wife also sent this telegram she
would like to visit. Oh.When she comes, you must keep me
locked away. I do not wantto hurt her. Next. I can
(25:41):
certainly arrange that. Frank's preliminary hearingopened on September fifth, with Judge Warner
presiding. Nathan Lewis served as Frank'sattorney and didn't flinch as the prosecution laid
before them Maggie's bloody dress and shoes. Your honor, I plead that my
(26:03):
clients is not guilty by reason ofinsanity. What evidence do you have of
this? None yet, your honor. Well, then your client is most
likely guilty of this murder, andwe will go to trial on October ninth.
Come on, Frank, we'll begone back to yourself. Now remove
your hands from me. I don'tneed anyone touching you. Nathan couldn't help,
(26:27):
but grin as officials restrained a suddenlycrazed Frank. I am mistake,
I am out of pay. Proveninsanity easier than I thought, Except it
wouldn't be so easy. In classicAmerican fashion, Nathan had to work his
(26:48):
way down a line of people justto get permission for a psych evaluation.
He finally got in touch with someone. But your client cannot be tried if
he is indeed insane, so wemust to stay in prison. But if
a man is insane, why wouldthe government want to waste time trying it?
Perhaps she Clon has made himself insane. I am not deaf to local
(27:11):
gossip about his condition. You meanhis cocaine addiction. As the opening day
of the trial began, the courtroomquickly filled in with eager spectators. The
twelve men making up the jury tooktheir seats. All but two of them
(27:33):
already knew Frank's story. The RockyPoint incident was so popular that two of
the original jury members were excused forforming an opinion on Frank that they claimed
could not be changed. When Frank'swife, Nancy arrived at eleven fifteen,
her husband didn't so much as glanceher way. Good afternoon, ladies and
(27:53):
gentlemen. Attorney General Willard Tanner willbe representing the state. Mister Tanner,
please begin, Thank you, yourhonor. Willard began by recounting the murderous
events, then brought forth the picnickerswho had found Maggie, the medical examiner
who determined her cause of death,the employees at Shore Dinner Hall, and
others who interacted with the murderer.All of them discussed Frank's odd behavior.
(28:18):
Willard ended his case by eleven fortythat morning. Mister Nathan Lewis, you
may begin your defense. Thank you. There was indeed a murderer at Rocky
Point, and it was at thehands of Frank Sheffield. However, it
takes something beyond the mere physical actof killing to produce murder. If Frank
(28:42):
Sheffield were acquitted and cured today,he could never expect to enjoy life again.
But to his relatives who sit inthe shadows of a great grief,
your verdict, gentleman, means something. Will you add to this sorrow the
tingle of shame by branding the husbandand father a felon. After Nathan's twenty
(29:07):
minute explanation, of the murder wifeNancy took the stand prior to Frank's unexpected
trip Tipte, Maggie. He vanishedfrom my home twice last year. He
headed outside on a freezing winness day, traversing through the snow for hours before
realizing you ha traveled to mystic withno recollection of how he got there.
He did it again the next month. Thank you, missus Sheffield. Doctor
(29:30):
Keane, you are next. Tellus what you found upon examining mister Sheffield.
I examined mister Sheffield while he waslocked away, and my test lead
me to believe he is insane.We must bear in mind the insane can
hurt both their enemies or their onesthey cherish most. Someone pretending to be
(29:52):
insane will purposely make themselves appear unkemptand thank you, doctor Kean. I'm
I'm not sure how doctor Keene thoughtthat last part would be helpful improving Frank
insane, but he decided to sayit. No. I would like to
invite Frank's regular physician, doctor JohnMorgan, to the stand. Doctor Morgan,
(30:15):
can you tell us how your patientwas leading up to the attack.
Frank had shown an impulsed to killMaggie. He told me about it many
times. Because of this, Iinsisted Nancy never let him out of hers
sides. I believe the loss ofFrank's first wife had driven him into a
depression. Days before the Rocky Pointincident, Frank drank laudanum in an attempt
(30:38):
to kill himself. Why this happensin our town? In total, twelve
witnesses testified on behalf of the defense. Most shared how they noticed Frank's mental
state depleting network to the point ofhim being fired, and his incredible fear
(31:00):
of the future slowly taking over hislife. Gentlemen, my client may have
murdered his daughter, but there werenumerous variables playing apart. After developing erysipolis
and witnessing the death of his wife, mary Anne, Frank fell into a
depression. He also adored children.The pupils at his former school will tell
(31:23):
you that, and please remember this. Frank had no motive to kill his
daughter other than what doctor Morgan saidthat Frank wanted to kill Maggie and Casey
fell into financial ruin. But we'llignore that part, and the jury ignored
it too, because eight minutes afterdeliberations they returned with a not guilty by
(31:47):
reason of insanity verdict. Listen,we can at. As the court dispersed,
Nancy went to sit with her husband. She took his hand in hers
and gently kissed his cheek. Thisis wonderful news, darling. Frank,
they say, barely acknowledged her existence, instead staring at the wood floor as
(32:12):
a smile slowly leaked onto his face. Though Frank was found innocent, he
still had to be locked away atthe Rhode Island State Hospital for the Insane
due to the jury's findings. Onceinside, Frank more or less disappeared from
history, but he died on Marchfourteenth, nineteen oh one, from petimal
(32:34):
epilepsy and pulmonore lorengio to berculosis.Nancy never moved out of the home she
shared with her husband, and passedaway on June twenty fifth, nineteen twenty
six. She was not buried byFrank. Rocky Point Amusement Park surprisingly had
its largest turnout of the year exactlyone week after Maggie was murdered. Much
(32:54):
like COVID nineteen, the murder ofa small girl could not deter eager thrill
see from attending the park itself.Remained in operation until nineteen ninety five.
The land had set On became astate park in twenty eleven, where rusted
remains of park ride sit for picnickersand hikers to admire. To my knowledge,
there is no placard recognizing the gruesomemurder a father committed on his daughter
(33:19):
on a humid August day in eighteenninety three. Murder at the Midway was
written and narrated by me Skyler Fastenelland executive produced by Daniel Jones. Our
editor was Brian Campbell. Voice talentwas provided by Taylor Shirty, Daniel Jones,
(33:39):
Jordan Catcher, Tamer Perry, JeremyStaple, Jeanette Sash, and Gabriel
Rivers, with special guest appearance byDavid dugrow shotwell as my father, Fred
Fastenell. Our theme music was writtenand performed by Tracy Zales and our coover
artwork by Catherine Fastenel. Thank youfor coming back for our fourth season premiere.
(34:01):
Let us know what you thought ofthe episode by leaving a five star
review on Apple Podcasts, and thentell your friends where they can listen.
If you want the ultimate fan package, check out Patreon dot com slash og
Deadtime for ad free episodes, merchandise, signs, scripts, and more.
You can also follow us at theOriginal Deadtime Stories on Instagram, Facebook,
(34:22):
Twitter, and TikTok. The linksto all of those are in the episode
description. Alright, folks, ournext stop on the Original Deadtime Stories road
(34:46):
trip across America. It is NewYork, New York. Not only is
it a hell of a town,it also holds the secret to a lesser
known story from September eleven. We'llsee you in a week, but until
then, stay safe out there.I don't want you to become the next
chapter's topic on the Original Dead TimeStories
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