Welcome to True Crime Talk.  This is the story of the Mad Butcher Part 1 – We explore the chilling history of the Mad Butcher of West Virginia, an unidentified serial killer linked to a series of gruesome murders and disappearances in the early 1960s. The hosts discuss various victims, including Esker Ernest Gwynn, Sammy Smith, Michael Rogers, Lou Bennett, Shirley Jean Arthur, and Sergeant James Lee Haynes, exploring the circumstances surrounding their disappearances and the impact on their families. The discussion highlights the confusion and speculation surrounding these cases, as well as the evolution of the Mad Butcher’s story into local folklore.

Takeaways

• The Mad Butcher is an unidentified serial killer from West Virginia.
• Victims included men from various backgrounds, often last seen in Oak Hill.
• Esker Ernest Gwynn was last seen before his remains were found in 1963.
• Sammy Smith disappeared after a night out, remains never found.
• Michael Rogers was dismembered, raising questions about the killer’s identity.
• Lou Bennett’s disappearance remains a mystery, with theories of suicide or foul play.
• Shirley Jean Arthur’s torso was discovered, but identification was complicated.
• Sergeant James Lee Haynes vanished after hitchhiking home from military service.
• Bob Mack Aggie’s case highlights the confusion surrounding missing persons.
• The Mad Butcher’s story has evolved into local folklore.
• Keywords – Mad Butcher, West Virginia, true crime, serial killer, unsolved murders, folklore, victims, disappearances, crime stories, historical crimes