The murder of the Shue family in 1933

 

The murder of the Shue family in 1933 remains one of the most infamous and unsolved crimes in West Virginia history. On the night of October 31, 1933, the Shue family - Fred, Matilda, and their four children - were found brutally murdered in their home near Alderson, West Virginia.

The crime scene was gruesome and baffling. The Shuies were all found bludgeoned to death, and there was no sign of forced entry. The house had not been ransacked, and nothing appeared to have been stolen. The only clues were a bloody axe found near the bodies and a set of muddy footprints leading away from the scene.

Despite an extensive investigation, no arrests were ever made in the Shue murders. The case has been the subject of much speculation and rumor over the years, and several theories have been proposed, but none have ever been proven.

One theory is that the murders were committed by a local moonshiner who had a feud with Fred Shue. Another theory is that the Shuies were killed by a group of itinerant workers who were passing through the area. Still another theory is that the murders were committed by someone who knew the Shuies well and had access to their home.

Despite the lack of a clear motive or suspect, the Shue murders continue to haunt the people of West Virginia. The case is a reminder of the dark side of human nature and the fragility of life.

Here are some additional details about the Shue murders:

• The Shuies were a well-respected family in their community. Fred Shue was a farmer and a deacon in his church. Matilda Shue was a homemaker and a mother of four children.
• The Shue murders were the most brutal crime in Greenbrier County history at the time.
• The murders were committed on the same night as the Halloween holiday, which has led to some speculation that the killer may have been dressed in a costume.
• The Shue murders have been the subject of several books and articles.

The Shue murders are a tragic and unsolved mystery that continues to captivate the attention of West Virginians and people around the world. The case is a reminder of the importance of justice and the need to hold criminals accountable for their crimes.