Villisca, Iowa – The house at 508 East Second Street, forever marked by the tragic 1912 axe murders of the Moore family and the Stillinger sisters, has become a magnet for both history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts. Property manager Kelly Mattson leads tours that walk visitors through the rooms where the eight victims were found, offering a stark reminder of the town’s darkest night.
History behind the walls
On June 12, 1912, the Moore family—Josiah, his wife Sarah, their four children, and two visiting girls, the Stillinger sisters—were brutally murdered with an axe. The victims were discovered the next morning, their bodies bearing the marks of a savage, methodical killer. The case remains unsolved, and the house has been preserved as a historic site, drawing curiosity about the events that unfolded within its walls.
Paranormal investigations
During a recent tour, Mattson pointed out a distinctive mark on a wall that investigators believe suggests the killer was left‑handed. “This is the way the upswing of it is,” she explained, highlighting how even small details fuel ongoing speculation.
Accompanying the tour was KETV assignment editor and self‑described paranormal investigator Victoria Holley. Holley arrived with a suite of equipment, including a REM (radio‑frequency electromagnetic) pod designed to detect fluctuations that some interpret as spirit activity. “If you hear a word, that might be a ghost trying to pick it out,” Holley said, noting the device’s sensitivity.
According to the team, the REM pod registered activity in several locations, from a baby’s crib to the attic where the murderer is believed to have waited. The investigators then used a handheld device that purportedly translates electromagnetic disturbances into spoken words. The machine responded with fragmented phrases such as “Friday” and “Help,” prompting both intrigue and skepticism among the participants.
Visitor experiences
Tourists report a range of eerie sensations, from unexplained footsteps to disembodied voices. “If you think of haunted, it happens,” Mattson remarked, acknowledging that many visitors leave convinced they felt a presence.
While no definitive visual evidence of ghosts emerged, the combination of historical context and modern investigative tools offers a compelling experience for those drawn to the intersection of tragedy and the supernatural.
Preserving a piece of Iowa history
The Villisca Axe Murder House remains a poignant reminder of a century‑old crime, while also serving as a unique educational site. By opening its doors to the public, the town honors the memory of the victims and provides a space for reflection, curiosity, and, for some, a brush with the unknown.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
