Gordon Stewart Northcott
Child Abduction and Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Wineville, California
TIME PERIOD
1926-1928
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Gordon Stewart Northcott, a Canadian serial killer, was apprehended on September 19, 1928, in Canada and later extradited to California, where he was implicated in the abduction, sexual abuse, and murder of multiple young boys at his chicken ranch in Wineville. The crimes occurred between 1926 and 1928, with Northcott ultimately convicted of the murders of three boys: the Winslow brothers, Lewis and Nelson, and an unidentified Mexican boy known as Alvin Gothea. Despite confessing to the murders of nine boys, he was only prosecuted for these three due to insufficient evidence for others. Northcott was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on October 2, 1930, at San Quentin State Prison. Significant evidence included testimonies from his nephew, Sanford Clark, who provided details of the crimes, and the discovery of remains linked to the victims on the ranch property.
Gordon Stewart Northcott is believed to have murdered more than the three boys for which he was convicted, with some estimates suggesting he could be responsible for up to twenty deaths. There is speculation that he may have had accomplices in his crimes, including his mother and nephew, who were both involved in the operations at the chicken ranch. Additionally, theories exist that Northcott's actions were part of a larger network of child exploitation and abduction in the region during that time.
The Dark Legacy of Gordon Stewart Northcott
In the early 20th century, Gordon Stewart Northcott cast a shadow over the sunny landscape of California, leaving a trail of darkness that would become known as the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. Born on November 9, 1906, in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada, Northcott would become infamous as a serial killer, child rapist, and abductor. His heinous crimes led to his execution by hanging at San Quentin State Prison on October 2, 1930.
Early Life and Move to California
Northcott's upbringing in British Columbia was unremarkable until he relocated to Los Angeles with his parents in 1924. Seeking a new start, Northcott convinced his father to purchase land in Wineville, California. On this land, with his father's assistance and the help of his nephew Sanford Clark, Northcott constructed a chicken ranch. This seemingly innocuous venture masked the sinister activities that would soon unfold.
The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders
In the shadow of his chicken ranch, Northcott orchestrated a series of abductions and murders that would haunt the community and captivate the nation. He lured an unknown number of boys to his ranch under various pretexts, subjected them to unspeakable abuse, and, in some cases, murder. Although some victims were released after being driven home, others met a tragic fate at Northcott's hands.
The beginning of the end for Northcott came on September 19, 1928, when he and his mother were apprehended by Canadian authorities. Due to bureaucratic missteps in the extradition process, their return to Los Angeles was delayed until November 30 of that year. Northcott's mother confessed to the murder of a young boy named Walter Collins, which led the state to forgo prosecuting Northcott for that particular crime.
The Trial and Conviction
Northcott was accused of murdering up to 20 boys, but the state of California could only gather evidence sufficient to charge him with three murders. These included the slayings of an unidentified Mexican national, later revealed to be Alvin Gothea, labeled the "Headless Mexican," and the brothers Lewis and Nelson Winslow, aged 12 and 10, who vanished from Pomona on May 16, 1928.
Northcott's trial unfolded in early 1929 under the scrutiny of Judge George R. Freeman in Riverside County. The jury was presented with chilling testimony of kidnapping, molestation, torture, and murder. On February 8, 1929, Northcott was found guilty. Five days later, on February 13, Judge Freeman sentenced him to death.
Execution and Legacy
On October 2, 1930, Gordon Stewart Northcott faced the gallows at San Quentin State Prison. His execution was botched; the rope failed to snap his neck, leading to a prolonged 13-minute death by strangulation. Northcott's grim legacy would later find its way into popular culture.
Popular Culture
The haunting tale of the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders was immortalized in the 2008 film "Changeling," directed by Clint Eastwood. Jason Butler Harner portrayed Northcott, bringing to life the chilling story of his crimes.
See Also
- List of serial killers in the United States
- List of botched executions
Sources
- Wikipedia
- "Murder Farm' Fugitive Held: Young Northcott Arrested by Canadian Police Mother Also Believed to be in Their Custody Blood Found on Suspects' Ranch Called Human." Los Angeles Times, September 20, 1928.
- "Error in Extradition Papers to Delay Northcott's Return: Officers Go On To See Suspect State Aides Discover Flaws in Legal Documents Burying Alive Charge Laid to Sanford Clark Examination Continues of "Death Farm" Clews." Los Angeles Times, September 26, 1928.
- "Youth's Nerves At High Tension: Northcott Embarrassed on Debarking from Train Request for Picture Brings Defiant Refusal Prisoner Lodged in Cell That Housed Hickman." Los Angeles Times, November 30, 1928.
- Paul, James Jeffrey (2008). Nothing is Strange with You: The Life and Crimes of Gordon Stewart Northcott. Bloomington, Indiana: Xlibris.
- "Northcott Convicted of Slaying Three Boys; His Last Dramatic Plea Fails to Move Jury." The New York Times, February 7, 1929.
- Wetsch, Elisabeth (1995). "Chicken Murders." Serial Killer Crime Index.
- "Northcott put in Doomed Row: Slayer Becomes No. 46,597 at San Quentin Meeting With "Mother" May be Arranged Later Youth "Wisecracks" About Forthcoming Hanging." Los Angeles Times, February 13, 1929.
- Kurz, John (1988-12-15). "Mira Loma History, Riverside County, California: Wineville Chicken Murders." Rubidoux Historical Society.
- "Changeling." Universal Studios official website.
- King, Susan (7 September 2008). "Changeling actor reveres his boss: Clint Eastwood." Los Angeles Times.
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...
Crimes Begin
Gordon Stewart Northcott begins abducting and abusing boys at his chicken ranch.
Winslow Brothers Missing
Lewis and Nelson Winslow are reported missing from Pomona, California.
Northcott Arrested
Northcott and his mother are arrested in Canada, linked to the abductions.
Extradition Completed
Northcott is extradited to California after delays in paperwork.
Conviction
Northcott is convicted of the murders of the Winslow brothers and the 'Headless Mexican'.
Sentenced to Death
Northcott is sentenced to death by hanging for his crimes.
Execution
Gordon Stewart Northcott is executed by hanging at San Quentin State Prison.
Gordon Stewart Northcott, a Canadian serial killer, was apprehended on September 19, 1928, in Canada and later extradited to California, where he was implicated in the abduction, sexual abuse, and murder of multiple young boys at his chicken ranch in Wineville. The crimes occurred between 1926 and 1928, with Northcott ultimately convicted of the murders of three boys: the Winslow brothers, Lewis and Nelson, and an unidentified Mexican boy known as Alvin Gothea. Despite confessing to the murders of nine boys, he was only prosecuted for these three due to insufficient evidence for others. Northcott was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on October 2, 1930, at San Quentin State Prison. Significant evidence included testimonies from his nephew, Sanford Clark, who provided details of the crimes, and the discovery of remains linked to the victims on the ranch property.
Gordon Stewart Northcott is believed to have murdered more than the three boys for which he was convicted, with some estimates suggesting he could be responsible for up to twenty deaths. There is speculation that he may have had accomplices in his crimes, including his mother and nephew, who were both involved in the operations at the chicken ranch. Additionally, theories exist that Northcott's actions were part of a larger network of child exploitation and abduction in the region during that time.
The Dark Legacy of Gordon Stewart Northcott
In the early 20th century, Gordon Stewart Northcott cast a shadow over the sunny landscape of California, leaving a trail of darkness that would become known as the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. Born on November 9, 1906, in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada, Northcott would become infamous as a serial killer, child rapist, and abductor. His heinous crimes led to his execution by hanging at San Quentin State Prison on October 2, 1930.
Early Life and Move to California
Northcott's upbringing in British Columbia was unremarkable until he relocated to Los Angeles with his parents in 1924. Seeking a new start, Northcott convinced his father to purchase land in Wineville, California. On this land, with his father's assistance and the help of his nephew Sanford Clark, Northcott constructed a chicken ranch. This seemingly innocuous venture masked the sinister activities that would soon unfold.
The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders
In the shadow of his chicken ranch, Northcott orchestrated a series of abductions and murders that would haunt the community and captivate the nation. He lured an unknown number of boys to his ranch under various pretexts, subjected them to unspeakable abuse, and, in some cases, murder. Although some victims were released after being driven home, others met a tragic fate at Northcott's hands.
The beginning of the end for Northcott came on September 19, 1928, when he and his mother were apprehended by Canadian authorities. Due to bureaucratic missteps in the extradition process, their return to Los Angeles was delayed until November 30 of that year. Northcott's mother confessed to the murder of a young boy named Walter Collins, which led the state to forgo prosecuting Northcott for that particular crime.
The Trial and Conviction
Northcott was accused of murdering up to 20 boys, but the state of California could only gather evidence sufficient to charge him with three murders. These included the slayings of an unidentified Mexican national, later revealed to be Alvin Gothea, labeled the "Headless Mexican," and the brothers Lewis and Nelson Winslow, aged 12 and 10, who vanished from Pomona on May 16, 1928.
Northcott's trial unfolded in early 1929 under the scrutiny of Judge George R. Freeman in Riverside County. The jury was presented with chilling testimony of kidnapping, molestation, torture, and murder. On February 8, 1929, Northcott was found guilty. Five days later, on February 13, Judge Freeman sentenced him to death.
Execution and Legacy
On October 2, 1930, Gordon Stewart Northcott faced the gallows at San Quentin State Prison. His execution was botched; the rope failed to snap his neck, leading to a prolonged 13-minute death by strangulation. Northcott's grim legacy would later find its way into popular culture.
Popular Culture
The haunting tale of the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders was immortalized in the 2008 film "Changeling," directed by Clint Eastwood. Jason Butler Harner portrayed Northcott, bringing to life the chilling story of his crimes.
See Also
- List of serial killers in the United States
- List of botched executions
Sources
- Wikipedia
- "Murder Farm' Fugitive Held: Young Northcott Arrested by Canadian Police Mother Also Believed to be in Their Custody Blood Found on Suspects' Ranch Called Human." Los Angeles Times, September 20, 1928.
- "Error in Extradition Papers to Delay Northcott's Return: Officers Go On To See Suspect State Aides Discover Flaws in Legal Documents Burying Alive Charge Laid to Sanford Clark Examination Continues of "Death Farm" Clews." Los Angeles Times, September 26, 1928.
- "Youth's Nerves At High Tension: Northcott Embarrassed on Debarking from Train Request for Picture Brings Defiant Refusal Prisoner Lodged in Cell That Housed Hickman." Los Angeles Times, November 30, 1928.
- Paul, James Jeffrey (2008). Nothing is Strange with You: The Life and Crimes of Gordon Stewart Northcott. Bloomington, Indiana: Xlibris.
- "Northcott Convicted of Slaying Three Boys; His Last Dramatic Plea Fails to Move Jury." The New York Times, February 7, 1929.
- Wetsch, Elisabeth (1995). "Chicken Murders." Serial Killer Crime Index.
- "Northcott put in Doomed Row: Slayer Becomes No. 46,597 at San Quentin Meeting With "Mother" May be Arranged Later Youth "Wisecracks" About Forthcoming Hanging." Los Angeles Times, February 13, 1929.
- Kurz, John (1988-12-15). "Mira Loma History, Riverside County, California: Wineville Chicken Murders." Rubidoux Historical Society.
- "Changeling." Universal Studios official website.
- King, Susan (7 September 2008). "Changeling actor reveres his boss: Clint Eastwood." Los Angeles Times.
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...
Crimes Begin
Gordon Stewart Northcott begins abducting and abusing boys at his chicken ranch.
Winslow Brothers Missing
Lewis and Nelson Winslow are reported missing from Pomona, California.
Northcott Arrested
Northcott and his mother are arrested in Canada, linked to the abductions.
Extradition Completed
Northcott is extradited to California after delays in paperwork.
Conviction
Northcott is convicted of the murders of the Winslow brothers and the 'Headless Mexican'.
Sentenced to Death
Northcott is sentenced to death by hanging for his crimes.
Execution
Gordon Stewart Northcott is executed by hanging at San Quentin State Prison.