Babes In The Wood Murders (Pine Grove Furnace)
Child Triple Homicide Case
CLASSIFICATION: Triple Homicide
LOCATION
Pine Grove Furnace, Pennsylvania
TIME PERIOD
November 11-24, 1934
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
On November 24, 1934, the bodies of three young girls—Norma Sedgwick (12), Dewilla Noakes (10), and Cordelia Noakes (8)—were discovered under a blanket in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania, after being reported missing since November 12. The girls had been suffocated, with evidence pointing to Elmo Noakes, the father of Dewilla and Cordelia and stepfather of Norma, as the perpetrator. Following the murders, Noakes shot and killed his 18-year-old niece, Winifred Pierce, before taking his own life the next day in a railroad station near Duncansville, Pennsylvania. The case remains a tragic example of familial violence, with the motive for the murders still undetermined.
Elmo Noakes is believed to have suffocated his three stepdaughters and biological daughter, with motives speculated to include financial gain from life insurance policies taken out shortly before the murders. Some theorize that his actions were influenced by a psychological breakdown, as he was known to have a good reputation prior to the incident. Additionally, the timing of his niece Winifred Pierce's murder the day after the children's bodies were discovered has led to speculation about a possible cover-up or deeper family issues.
The Babes in the Wood Murders: A Chilling Tale from Pine Grove Furnace
On a crisp autumn day, November 24, 1934, the tranquility of Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cooke Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was shattered. Two men, John Clark and Clark Jardine, made a grim discovery along Pennsylvania Route 233. Under a blanket, hidden amidst the rustling leaves, lay the lifeless bodies of three young girls: Norma Sedgwick, age 12; Dewilla Noakes, age 10; and Cordelia Noakes, age 8. This gruesome scene marked the beginning of what became known as the "Babes in the Wood" murders, a case that captivated and horrified the nation.
Prelude to Tragedy
The story of these tragic events began months earlier, in 1934. Elmo Noakes, a man known for his good reputation and non-violent nature, lived a seemingly stable life in Roseville, California. He had a solid job and a comfortable home filled with food. His niece, 18-year-old Winifred Pierce, worked in his home, caring for his children.
In September of that year, Noakes took out life insurance policies for his children, changing the beneficiary of his own policy to his sister, Mrs. Pierce. By October 31, he had purchased a blue sedan, a vehicle that would later be found abandoned near the scene of his suicide.
On November 11 or 12, Elmo departed from his home, accompanied by Winifred and the three girls, leaving behind a paycheck worth $50. Their journey took them to a diner in Philadelphia where they shared a meal, a seemingly ordinary moment that belied the tragedy to come. In the following days, the family ventured into the woods of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where the girls' bodies would eventually be discovered.
The Unraveling
As November unfolded, Noakes and Pierce's journey took a desperate turn. They abandoned their blue sedan in McVeytown, Pennsylvania, opting to hitchhike to Blair County. By November 23, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Winifred had sold her coat, and Noakes used the $2.55 from the sale to purchase a .22 rifle. The following day, the bodies of Norma, Dewilla, and Cordelia were found in the woods, their lives extinguished by suffocation.
Just a day later, the bodies of Elmo Noakes and Winifred Pierce were discovered in a railroad station near Duncansville, Pennsylvania. Pierce had been shot through the heart and head, while Noakes had died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The murder-suicide left many questions unanswered.
The Search for Identity
The discovery of the girls' bodies sparked a nationwide media frenzy. Newspapers across the country published photographs of the children, hoping to uncover their identities. Thousands came to view the bodies, hoping to recognize the young victims. Death masks were created to aid the identification process, but the case was fraught with false leads and dead ends. Labels on their clothing, towels, and books had been torn off, leaving only one clue: the name "Norma" found in a book.
The identification of the bodies relied heavily on the description of the car, the physical features of the girls, and Elmo Noakes' fingerprints from military records. The revelation of their identities added another layer of tragedy to the case.
Theories and Speculations
The mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths led to numerous theories. Some speculated about a cult killing, citing a mystic symbol found on Norma Sedgwick's head, which others believed to be a simple head wound. Chief of Police E.E. York from Roseville, California, doubted Noakes' culpability, suggesting that automobile exhaust might have accidentally killed the children, leading to a panicked suicide by Noakes and Pierce.
Other theories included the possibility of the family being pursued by an armed gang, or that Noakes and Pierce fled to be together, driven by despair and hunger. Some believed Noakes was mentally ill, fleeing an imagined evil, and that the children were killed to protect them from it. Family strife and rumors of a romantic relationship between Noakes and Pierce suggested a murder-suicide pact born out of hopelessness.
Family Turmoil
In the aftermath, Elmo's family was torn apart by conflict. Two of his sisters received suspended sentences for disturbing the peace by harassing Winifred Pierce's mother. Accusations flew, with Ms. Gibbs, one of Elmo's sisters, blaming Winifred's influence for his downfall. Robert Noakes, Elmo's brother, spoke of longstanding family troubles and hinted that these may have driven Elmo to leave.
The Aftermath
The tragedy prompted the Pennsylvania General Assembly to discuss a bill for fingerprinting all school children in the state. In 1968, a sign was installed at the site where the bodies were found, a somber reminder of the events that transpired there. Cumberland County spent nearly $1,000 investigating the deaths, while Noakes family history publications inaccurately reported the deaths as resulting from a car accident.
The memory of the "Babes in the Wood" murders is preserved through numerous web pages and displays at the Pennsylvania State Police Museum in Hershey, PA. The haunting images and stories continue to captivate those who delve into this chilling chapter of true crime history.
Funeral Services
The funeral services for Norma, Dewilla, and Cordelia drew thousands of mourners. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts served as pallbearers, and prayers were offered by local religious leaders. Elmo Noakes and Winifred Pierce were buried in the same cemetery, with Noakes receiving full military honors.
The Noakes Family
Elmo James Noakes, born January 8, 1903, in Springville, Utah, served in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside his brother Robert. He married Mary Isabel Hayford, who had a daughter, Norma, from a previous marriage. Together, they had two daughters, Dewilla and Cordelia. After Mary’s death in 1932, Elmo moved to California, where his sisters assisted him in raising the children.
Winifred Pierce, born September 1, 1916, in Bingham Canyon, Utah, was Elmo's niece and housekeeper. Her life, like those of the children, was tragically cut short in the woods of Pennsylvania.
Sources
This tale of tragedy, mystery, and despair continues to echo through time, a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary lives.
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Life Insurance Policies Acquired
Elmo Noakes acquired life insurance policies on his children, changing beneficiaries.
Blue Sedan Purchased
Elmo Noakes purchased a blue sedan, later found abandoned near his suicide location.
Family Leaves Home
Elmo Noakes left home with his niece and three girls, leaving behind owed pay.
Bodies Discovered
The bodies of Norma Sedgwick, Dewilla, and Cordelia Noakes were found in the woods.
Noakes and Pierce Found Dead
Elmo Noakes and Winifred Pierce were found dead in a railroad station, both shot.
Legislative Discussion
Pennsylvania General Assembly discussed a bill to fingerprint all school children.
Memorial Sign Installed
A memorial sign was installed at the site where the girls' bodies were found.
On November 24, 1934, the bodies of three young girls—Norma Sedgwick (12), Dewilla Noakes (10), and Cordelia Noakes (8)—were discovered under a blanket in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania, after being reported missing since November 12. The girls had been suffocated, with evidence pointing to Elmo Noakes, the father of Dewilla and Cordelia and stepfather of Norma, as the perpetrator. Following the murders, Noakes shot and killed his 18-year-old niece, Winifred Pierce, before taking his own life the next day in a railroad station near Duncansville, Pennsylvania. The case remains a tragic example of familial violence, with the motive for the murders still undetermined.
Elmo Noakes is believed to have suffocated his three stepdaughters and biological daughter, with motives speculated to include financial gain from life insurance policies taken out shortly before the murders. Some theorize that his actions were influenced by a psychological breakdown, as he was known to have a good reputation prior to the incident. Additionally, the timing of his niece Winifred Pierce's murder the day after the children's bodies were discovered has led to speculation about a possible cover-up or deeper family issues.
The Babes in the Wood Murders: A Chilling Tale from Pine Grove Furnace
On a crisp autumn day, November 24, 1934, the tranquility of Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cooke Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was shattered. Two men, John Clark and Clark Jardine, made a grim discovery along Pennsylvania Route 233. Under a blanket, hidden amidst the rustling leaves, lay the lifeless bodies of three young girls: Norma Sedgwick, age 12; Dewilla Noakes, age 10; and Cordelia Noakes, age 8. This gruesome scene marked the beginning of what became known as the "Babes in the Wood" murders, a case that captivated and horrified the nation.
Prelude to Tragedy
The story of these tragic events began months earlier, in 1934. Elmo Noakes, a man known for his good reputation and non-violent nature, lived a seemingly stable life in Roseville, California. He had a solid job and a comfortable home filled with food. His niece, 18-year-old Winifred Pierce, worked in his home, caring for his children.
In September of that year, Noakes took out life insurance policies for his children, changing the beneficiary of his own policy to his sister, Mrs. Pierce. By October 31, he had purchased a blue sedan, a vehicle that would later be found abandoned near the scene of his suicide.
On November 11 or 12, Elmo departed from his home, accompanied by Winifred and the three girls, leaving behind a paycheck worth $50. Their journey took them to a diner in Philadelphia where they shared a meal, a seemingly ordinary moment that belied the tragedy to come. In the following days, the family ventured into the woods of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where the girls' bodies would eventually be discovered.
The Unraveling
As November unfolded, Noakes and Pierce's journey took a desperate turn. They abandoned their blue sedan in McVeytown, Pennsylvania, opting to hitchhike to Blair County. By November 23, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Winifred had sold her coat, and Noakes used the $2.55 from the sale to purchase a .22 rifle. The following day, the bodies of Norma, Dewilla, and Cordelia were found in the woods, their lives extinguished by suffocation.
Just a day later, the bodies of Elmo Noakes and Winifred Pierce were discovered in a railroad station near Duncansville, Pennsylvania. Pierce had been shot through the heart and head, while Noakes had died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The murder-suicide left many questions unanswered.
The Search for Identity
The discovery of the girls' bodies sparked a nationwide media frenzy. Newspapers across the country published photographs of the children, hoping to uncover their identities. Thousands came to view the bodies, hoping to recognize the young victims. Death masks were created to aid the identification process, but the case was fraught with false leads and dead ends. Labels on their clothing, towels, and books had been torn off, leaving only one clue: the name "Norma" found in a book.
The identification of the bodies relied heavily on the description of the car, the physical features of the girls, and Elmo Noakes' fingerprints from military records. The revelation of their identities added another layer of tragedy to the case.
Theories and Speculations
The mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths led to numerous theories. Some speculated about a cult killing, citing a mystic symbol found on Norma Sedgwick's head, which others believed to be a simple head wound. Chief of Police E.E. York from Roseville, California, doubted Noakes' culpability, suggesting that automobile exhaust might have accidentally killed the children, leading to a panicked suicide by Noakes and Pierce.
Other theories included the possibility of the family being pursued by an armed gang, or that Noakes and Pierce fled to be together, driven by despair and hunger. Some believed Noakes was mentally ill, fleeing an imagined evil, and that the children were killed to protect them from it. Family strife and rumors of a romantic relationship between Noakes and Pierce suggested a murder-suicide pact born out of hopelessness.
Family Turmoil
In the aftermath, Elmo's family was torn apart by conflict. Two of his sisters received suspended sentences for disturbing the peace by harassing Winifred Pierce's mother. Accusations flew, with Ms. Gibbs, one of Elmo's sisters, blaming Winifred's influence for his downfall. Robert Noakes, Elmo's brother, spoke of longstanding family troubles and hinted that these may have driven Elmo to leave.
The Aftermath
The tragedy prompted the Pennsylvania General Assembly to discuss a bill for fingerprinting all school children in the state. In 1968, a sign was installed at the site where the bodies were found, a somber reminder of the events that transpired there. Cumberland County spent nearly $1,000 investigating the deaths, while Noakes family history publications inaccurately reported the deaths as resulting from a car accident.
The memory of the "Babes in the Wood" murders is preserved through numerous web pages and displays at the Pennsylvania State Police Museum in Hershey, PA. The haunting images and stories continue to captivate those who delve into this chilling chapter of true crime history.
Funeral Services
The funeral services for Norma, Dewilla, and Cordelia drew thousands of mourners. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts served as pallbearers, and prayers were offered by local religious leaders. Elmo Noakes and Winifred Pierce were buried in the same cemetery, with Noakes receiving full military honors.
The Noakes Family
Elmo James Noakes, born January 8, 1903, in Springville, Utah, served in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside his brother Robert. He married Mary Isabel Hayford, who had a daughter, Norma, from a previous marriage. Together, they had two daughters, Dewilla and Cordelia. After Mary’s death in 1932, Elmo moved to California, where his sisters assisted him in raising the children.
Winifred Pierce, born September 1, 1916, in Bingham Canyon, Utah, was Elmo's niece and housekeeper. Her life, like those of the children, was tragically cut short in the woods of Pennsylvania.
Sources
This tale of tragedy, mystery, and despair continues to echo through time, a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary lives.
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...
Life Insurance Policies Acquired
Elmo Noakes acquired life insurance policies on his children, changing beneficiaries.
Blue Sedan Purchased
Elmo Noakes purchased a blue sedan, later found abandoned near his suicide location.
Family Leaves Home
Elmo Noakes left home with his niece and three girls, leaving behind owed pay.
Bodies Discovered
The bodies of Norma Sedgwick, Dewilla, and Cordelia Noakes were found in the woods.
Noakes and Pierce Found Dead
Elmo Noakes and Winifred Pierce were found dead in a railroad station, both shot.
Legislative Discussion
Pennsylvania General Assembly discussed a bill to fingerprint all school children.
Memorial Sign Installed
A memorial sign was installed at the site where the girls' bodies were found.