Arthur "Buddy" Schumacher
Child Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
TIME PERIOD
1925
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Arthur Louis "Buddy" Schumacher, an 8-year-old boy from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, was reported missing on July 24, 1925, after leaving home with neighborhood friends. His body was discovered on September 12, 1925, approximately one mile from his home, with evidence indicating suffocation, including a handkerchief found in his throat. Two suspects were identified during the investigation: Edward Vreeland, who was arrested shortly after the disappearance and had been seen chasing Buddy and his friends, and William Brandt, who confessed to the murder while incarcerated for another crime, though his statements contained inconsistencies. The case remains unsolved, with ongoing interest due to its historical significance and the subsequent publication of a book detailing the events.
Edward Vreeland is believed by some to be a key suspect in the case, as he was identified by two of Schumacher's friends as having chased them on the day of the boy's disappearance. Additionally, there are theories that suggest the possibility of a more extensive cover-up or involvement from others in the community, given the lack of progress in the investigation despite several leads. Some speculate that Schumacher's death may have been the result of a tragic accident rather than foul play, although the circumstances of his body being found with a handkerchief shoved down his throat complicate this theory.
The Mysterious Death of Little Buddy Schumacher
Early Life
In the serene town of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a young boy named Arthur Louis "Buddy" Schumacher was born on September 2, 1916. He was the son of Arthur "Art" Schumacher and Florence May Zapp (Armstrong) Schumacher. Buddy, with his bright eyes and youthful energy, grew up alongside his older sister, Jeanette Alice, who had been born just a year earlier on April 11, 1915. The siblings attended Lincoln Elementary School, where Buddy was known for his playful spirit and infectious laughter.
Disappearance
On a warm summer morning, July 24, 1925, Buddy set off on what seemed like an ordinary adventure with his neighborhood friends. The clock had barely struck 9 a.m. when the boys left their homes, eager for a day of fun. They found a thrill in hopping onto a freight train, aiming to reach a nearby swimming hole. But as the day wore on, Buddy did not return home. Panic soon ensued when it became apparent that he was missing.
For the next seven weeks, the community was gripped by fear and hope as they searched tirelessly for the missing eight-year-old. Their efforts ended in heartbreak when, on September 12, 1925, Buddy's lifeless body was discovered a mere mile from his home. His clothes were torn, and a handkerchief was stuffed down his throat, indicating suffocation as the cause of death. The discovery sent shockwaves through Wauwatosa.
Investigation
The investigation into Buddy's disappearance and death began immediately. Two of Buddy's friends recounted a chilling encounter with a man named Edward Vreeland. They claimed Vreeland had chased them on the very day of Buddy's disappearance. While the other boys managed to escape, Buddy remained behind and was never seen alive again. Vreeland, who had been arrested as a vagrant just two days after Buddy vanished, was found in the same woods where Buddy was last seen. Despite being questioned by the police, Vreeland denied any involvement, professing ignorance about the boy's fate.
In a twist of fate, another suspect emerged in November 1925. William Brandt, a 21-year-old inmate at the Minnesota State Prison, confessed to Buddy's murder while serving time for killing another young boy in St. Paul under eerily similar circumstances. However, discrepancies between Brandt's confession and the known facts of Buddy's case cast doubt on his claims.
As detectives continued their investigation, they uncovered a disturbing pattern of attacks in the area. At least four other children had been molested or assaulted near Wauwatosa, raising fears of a serial predator in their midst.
Aftermath
The tragic story of Buddy Schumacher continued to haunt the community long after his death. In 2012, the tale was immortalized in a nonfiction book titled "Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher." Written by Paul J. Hoffman, a former resident of Wauwatosa, the book delves into the chilling details of the case. Hoffman's connection to the story runs deep—his father, Raymond Hoffman, had purchased the Schumacher family home at 8118 Hillcrest Drive in 1969, a property the family had moved into two years following Buddy's death. The Hoffmans owned the house until 2004, preserving a link to the past.
Legacy
Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the community, the murder of Buddy Schumacher remains an unsolved mystery. It finds its place in the annals of unsolved murders and missing person cases, a haunting reminder of a young life cut tragically short. The questions surrounding Buddy's death linger, leaving behind a legacy of grief and unanswered questions.
Sources
- "The 94-Year-Old Unsolved Murder Mystery of Little Buddy Schumacher, Jr." the-line-up.com. July 22, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- "Evangelist To Seek Slaying Confession." Wisconsin State Journal. September 22, 1925. p. 25.
- Tanzilo, Bobby (July 29, 2012). "Murder in Wauwatosa: Hoffman recounts a tragic murder close to home." OnMilwaukee. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
- Hoffman, Paul (June 26, 2012). Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press. ISBN 978-1-61423-572-9.
- "Catt's True Crime Corner The Murder of Buddy Schumacher." Catt's True Crime Corner. November 18, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- "Wauwatosa, Wisconsin: Who Murdered Little Arthur 'Buddy' Schumacher, Jr?" – MadMikesAmerica. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- "Playmates of Slain Youth Identify Inmate as One Who Chased Them." Green Bay Press-Gazette. United Press. September 16, 1925.
- "New Arrest Today In Buddy Schumacher Case." The Capital Times. Associated Press. November 25, 1925. p. 9.
- "Murderer Is Sought By Police." The Sheboygan Press. United Press. September 15, 1925. p. 1.
For more details, visit the Wikipedia page.
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Buddy Goes Missing
Arthur 'Buddy' Schumacher disappears after leaving home with friends.
Body Discovered
Buddy's body is found a mile from his home, showing signs of foul play.
Suspect Identified
Two friends identify Edward Vreeland as a man who chased them on the day Buddy disappeared.
Confession from Inmate
William Brandt confesses to Buddy's murder while serving time for another crime, but details are inconsistent.
New Arrest Made
Police make a new arrest in connection with the Buddy Schumacher case.
Book Published
A nonfiction book titled 'Murder in Wauwatosa' recounts the tragic murder of Buddy Schumacher.
Arthur Louis "Buddy" Schumacher, an 8-year-old boy from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, was reported missing on July 24, 1925, after leaving home with neighborhood friends. His body was discovered on September 12, 1925, approximately one mile from his home, with evidence indicating suffocation, including a handkerchief found in his throat. Two suspects were identified during the investigation: Edward Vreeland, who was arrested shortly after the disappearance and had been seen chasing Buddy and his friends, and William Brandt, who confessed to the murder while incarcerated for another crime, though his statements contained inconsistencies. The case remains unsolved, with ongoing interest due to its historical significance and the subsequent publication of a book detailing the events.
Edward Vreeland is believed by some to be a key suspect in the case, as he was identified by two of Schumacher's friends as having chased them on the day of the boy's disappearance. Additionally, there are theories that suggest the possibility of a more extensive cover-up or involvement from others in the community, given the lack of progress in the investigation despite several leads. Some speculate that Schumacher's death may have been the result of a tragic accident rather than foul play, although the circumstances of his body being found with a handkerchief shoved down his throat complicate this theory.
The Mysterious Death of Little Buddy Schumacher
Early Life
In the serene town of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a young boy named Arthur Louis "Buddy" Schumacher was born on September 2, 1916. He was the son of Arthur "Art" Schumacher and Florence May Zapp (Armstrong) Schumacher. Buddy, with his bright eyes and youthful energy, grew up alongside his older sister, Jeanette Alice, who had been born just a year earlier on April 11, 1915. The siblings attended Lincoln Elementary School, where Buddy was known for his playful spirit and infectious laughter.
Disappearance
On a warm summer morning, July 24, 1925, Buddy set off on what seemed like an ordinary adventure with his neighborhood friends. The clock had barely struck 9 a.m. when the boys left their homes, eager for a day of fun. They found a thrill in hopping onto a freight train, aiming to reach a nearby swimming hole. But as the day wore on, Buddy did not return home. Panic soon ensued when it became apparent that he was missing.
For the next seven weeks, the community was gripped by fear and hope as they searched tirelessly for the missing eight-year-old. Their efforts ended in heartbreak when, on September 12, 1925, Buddy's lifeless body was discovered a mere mile from his home. His clothes were torn, and a handkerchief was stuffed down his throat, indicating suffocation as the cause of death. The discovery sent shockwaves through Wauwatosa.
Investigation
The investigation into Buddy's disappearance and death began immediately. Two of Buddy's friends recounted a chilling encounter with a man named Edward Vreeland. They claimed Vreeland had chased them on the very day of Buddy's disappearance. While the other boys managed to escape, Buddy remained behind and was never seen alive again. Vreeland, who had been arrested as a vagrant just two days after Buddy vanished, was found in the same woods where Buddy was last seen. Despite being questioned by the police, Vreeland denied any involvement, professing ignorance about the boy's fate.
In a twist of fate, another suspect emerged in November 1925. William Brandt, a 21-year-old inmate at the Minnesota State Prison, confessed to Buddy's murder while serving time for killing another young boy in St. Paul under eerily similar circumstances. However, discrepancies between Brandt's confession and the known facts of Buddy's case cast doubt on his claims.
As detectives continued their investigation, they uncovered a disturbing pattern of attacks in the area. At least four other children had been molested or assaulted near Wauwatosa, raising fears of a serial predator in their midst.
Aftermath
The tragic story of Buddy Schumacher continued to haunt the community long after his death. In 2012, the tale was immortalized in a nonfiction book titled "Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher." Written by Paul J. Hoffman, a former resident of Wauwatosa, the book delves into the chilling details of the case. Hoffman's connection to the story runs deep—his father, Raymond Hoffman, had purchased the Schumacher family home at 8118 Hillcrest Drive in 1969, a property the family had moved into two years following Buddy's death. The Hoffmans owned the house until 2004, preserving a link to the past.
Legacy
Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the community, the murder of Buddy Schumacher remains an unsolved mystery. It finds its place in the annals of unsolved murders and missing person cases, a haunting reminder of a young life cut tragically short. The questions surrounding Buddy's death linger, leaving behind a legacy of grief and unanswered questions.
Sources
- "The 94-Year-Old Unsolved Murder Mystery of Little Buddy Schumacher, Jr." the-line-up.com. July 22, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- "Evangelist To Seek Slaying Confession." Wisconsin State Journal. September 22, 1925. p. 25.
- Tanzilo, Bobby (July 29, 2012). "Murder in Wauwatosa: Hoffman recounts a tragic murder close to home." OnMilwaukee. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
- Hoffman, Paul (June 26, 2012). Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press. ISBN 978-1-61423-572-9.
- "Catt's True Crime Corner The Murder of Buddy Schumacher." Catt's True Crime Corner. November 18, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- "Wauwatosa, Wisconsin: Who Murdered Little Arthur 'Buddy' Schumacher, Jr?" – MadMikesAmerica. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
- "Playmates of Slain Youth Identify Inmate as One Who Chased Them." Green Bay Press-Gazette. United Press. September 16, 1925.
- "New Arrest Today In Buddy Schumacher Case." The Capital Times. Associated Press. November 25, 1925. p. 9.
- "Murderer Is Sought By Police." The Sheboygan Press. United Press. September 15, 1925. p. 1.
For more details, visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Buddy Goes Missing
Arthur 'Buddy' Schumacher disappears after leaving home with friends.
Body Discovered
Buddy's body is found a mile from his home, showing signs of foul play.
Suspect Identified
Two friends identify Edward Vreeland as a man who chased them on the day Buddy disappeared.
Confession from Inmate
William Brandt confesses to Buddy's murder while serving time for another crime, but details are inconsistent.
New Arrest Made
Police make a new arrest in connection with the Buddy Schumacher case.
Book Published
A nonfiction book titled 'Murder in Wauwatosa' recounts the tragic murder of Buddy Schumacher.