Warning: long read ahead.
This was a case I recently came upon and found very little coverage here, and given recent developments thought it worthwhile to summarise the key events of the Starved Rock murders of 1960 and recent updates. Whilst Chester Weger was convicted of the crime, accusations of a forced confession, police coercion, contaminated evidence and an alleged deathbed confession have created persistent doubt as to his guilt since. Does Chester Weger have a case to test his innocence? Will new evidence testing yield new leads, or do you think they convicted the right killer?
There’s a fair bit to cover, so in order to manage the length of this piece I have covered only key details, so the below should by no means be considered comprehensive. It’s still turned out quite lengthy, so fair warning.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park became the first recreational park owned by the state of Illinois when it was purchased in 1911, but had been developed privately as a destination for vacationers in the late 19th century. Situated on the bank of the Illinois River and famed for its many canyons, visitors can enjoy 13 miles (21km) of hiking trails, with overlook views and waterfalls, as well as recreational fishing, boating and camping. Only ninety miles (150km) south-west of Chicago, Starved Rock remains the most popular state park in Illinois.
Three friends take a trip
Lillian Oetting, 50, Frances Murphy, 47, and Mildred Lindquist, 50 all resided in the Riverside neighbourhood of Chicago. Wives of prominent businessmen, they planned a four day getaway to Starved Rock State Park and set off on Monday, 14 March 1960. After checking in to the Starved Rock Lodge, they ate lunch before heading out for a hike to St Louis Canyon, an approximately 2 mile (3km) return track with views to a spring-fed waterfall. They took Frances Murphy’s camera and set off through the snowy landscape.
Oetting’s husband George was expecting to hear from his wife that evening – when he received no call from her, he rang the hotel. Staff told him she wasn’t available, and suggested she might call the next morning. Unconcerned, George wondered if perhaps they had gone out for the evening. He called again the next morning, and was told the three women had been at breakfast together that morning, and must have gone out. George was reassured by this, even though the sighting would prove to be mistaken.
A late winter storm hit the area later that night,
... keep reading on reddit ➡It’s a very interesting 3 part documentary that has the feel of Making a Murderer
Anyone watched the new documentary abt Starved Rock murders on HBO? They’re not connected. Just thought there were a few interesting similarities between the two, with one case occurring in 1960 in Illinois and the other more recently case in Indiana. Both cases involve more than one victim. Both involve possible photographic/video evidence of a perpetrator in distance. Both occurred on nature/scenic trails.
Don’t know of any other similarities. There’s doubt on whether Starved Rock murders are solved. I won’t say any more or else give away spoilers for the documentary.
I started watching the documentary about this case on HBO and then I realize the fact sounded really familiar and I had listened to a morbid episode about it. As I continue to watch I started to wonder where Alaina and Ash came down on this particular case but it’s gone. I did some googling. It was episode 26, which has been removed from Apple podcasts. it’s listed on their website but you cannot play it.
Does anyone remember what they had to say about their opinions as to the guilt/innocence of Chester Weger?
Hey everyone, my partner and I are heading to Starved rock this weekend and staying the night in N Utica. The weather is looking preeeeeety shitty. We’re gonna bring rain jackets and try to make the best of it.
I’m wondering if folks might be able to recommend particular sections or trails that are more wooded perhaps for a rainy walk?
Or just other indoor or don’t matter if it’s raining activities?? Hahaha. Any tips would be appreciated!
Is it worth it to drive from Kansas City to Starved Rock over Labor Day weekend?
My husband and I were planning a trip to see Starved Rock and Matthiessen for Labor Day weekend but after reading some online reviews about how crowded it gets and the vandalism, is it worth it to come and will it be crowded? Thanks in advance!
