Wanted for Murder - Official postcard from the Massachusetts State Police offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of serial killer Paul Mueller. Massachusetts, c. 1900. Rare evidence of the appearance of the serial killer whose identity remains unknown to this day.
The back of the postcard was printed:
"Wanted for Murder! A reward of $500 will be paid for information leading to the arrest of Paul Mueller (Miller), about 35 years old, one and a half meters tall, weighing 140 to 150, dark skin, dark mustache, dark hair and eyes. Rather large head, scar on head made by sharp instrument only visible when hat is removed, scar on one hand near wrist. Front teeth small and separated from each other. Wears size 6 shoe. Walks with a rolling gait. Speaks broken English, also German and Polish. May be found among wanderers. When last seen he wore dark clothes, plaid golf cap and felt boots. All information is to be sent to P. F. Murray Police, East Brookneld Mass".
Paul Mueller was a serial killer who operated across North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and murdered at least 59 people, though some believe he killed over 100, but his true identity and linking him to the murders has never been definitively established. His most infamous crime was the axe murder of an entire family in Villisca, Iowa on the night of June 9, 1912. The most comprehensive book about Paul Mueller "The Man from the Train" was written by Bill James and his daughter and published in 2017. Through period newspapers and other findings they argue that many of the murders committed during that era whose perpetrators remain unknown were in fact the horrific acts of Paul Mueller. Bill James' research of period newspapers concluded that Mueller committed dozens of family murders between 1898 to 1912. These crimes occurred in Nova Scotia, Oregon, Kansas, Florida, Arkansas and elsewhere.
Before us is rare evidence from the time describing Mueller's appearance according to information held by local police.
14x9 cm. Very good condition.
