True Crime | Joplin Time Capsule

William Schmulbach

Schmulbach first made headlines in Joplin, Missouri, in 1909, when he shot and killed a police officer, setting off a dramatic manhunt and a murder trial. Though he escaped a life sentence in Missouri, his violent tendencies continued in Oklahoma, where he worked as a merchant policeman in the bustling mining town of Picher. Over the next two decades, Schmulbach was involved in multiple shootings, including the killing of two bank robbery suspects, a prowler in an alley, and a local druggist over a financial dispute. His final arrest and conviction for murder in 1930 led to a life sentence, though he would later regain his freedom.

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Galena’s Notorious Staffleback Family

Explore the dark history of Galena’s notorious Staffleback family, a 19th-century crime syndicate involved in robbery, murder, and deception. Learn about their gruesome crimes, shocking trial, and the controversy surrounding the so-called ‘Murder Bordello’ in Kansas.

Wilbur Underhill Jr

Wilbur Underhill Jr., known as the ‘Tri-State Terror,’ was a notorious outlaw of the 1920s and 1930s. From bank robberies and prison escapes to violent shootouts, his criminal career ended in a deadly confrontation with law enforcement. Explore his life, crimes, and legacy in American history.

William Schmulbach

Learn about William Schmulbach, a key figure in a tragic chapter of Joplin’s history. His involvement in the 1909 shooting of a police officer led to a high-profile manhunt, trial, and lasting impact on the city’s law enforcement efforts.

Billy Cook

Discover the chilling story of Billy Cook, the notorious spree killer from Joplin, Missouri, who murdered six people during a violent cross-country rampage in 1950-1951. Learn about his troubled past, deadly crime spree, trial, execution, and his influence on pop culture.