How a Family of Serial Killers Terrorized Travelers

Are you ready to uncover the chilling saga of America's first serial killer family? Meet the Bloody Benders of Kansas, a household that turned their simple homestead into a deadly trap for unsuspecting travelers. Dive into the dark history of their brutal reign and mysterious disappearance.

The Benders' Grisly Crimes

The story of the Bloody Benders begins in 1870, when the Bender family opened a small inn and general store in Osage Township, Kansas. The Benders, consisting of John, his wife Ma, son John Jr., and daughter Kate, appeared to be typical homesteaders. However, their outwardly normal life masked a horrifying reality. Travelers who stopped at the Bender Inn began disappearing, leading to a series of events that would shock the nation.

Investigation and Discovery

It wasn't until 1873 that community suspicions led to a search of the Bender property. What they found was horrifying: a cellar stained with blood and multiple bodies buried in the garden, each with their skulls crushed and throats slit. The discovery revealed that the Benders had been murdering their guests, stealing their belongings, and burying them near their home.

The Escape of the Benders

As investigations deepened, the Benders hastily fled. Despite numerous sightings and several leads over the years, the family was never captured, and their ultimate fate remains a mystery. The case became a media sensation, marking one of the first times a series of serial killings captured national attention in the United States.

The gruesome legacy of the Bloody Benders raises unsettling questions about the nature of evil and the facade of normalcy that can hide deep-seated brutality. Their story is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

References: The Story of the "Bloody Benders," the Serial-Killing Family That Terrorized the Wild West | The Bloody Benders – Serial Killers of Kansas