United States of America
IRVIN
Leslie
Active from 1955-1956 in Indiana and Kentucky
DID YOU KNOW...
Signature Fact
Irvin left 3 dimes with the bodies of both Holland and Kerr
Editor Fact
The notation -30- was used by journalists to indicate the end of a news story
Job Fact
Irvin was once the editor of a prison newspaper, before the murders
THE DISPATCH
The Beginning
Leslie Irvin was trouble as a young man. Irvin enlisted in the US Army, but in 1943 he went AWOL. For more than a year, he was returned and fled almost a half dozen times from the Army’s various stockades and prisons. While free, he committed minor thefts and burglaries. At one point, Irvin was turned over to military police to face multiple larceny charges. They handed him back to civil authorities 2 weeks later.
Nicknames
No one knew that in 1955, Irvin would earn the nicknames “Mad Dog Killer” and “The Kneeling Killer” for his rampage of robberies and senseless murders. I note that no newspapers at the time referred to Leslie Irvin as “Joe Goebbels” (which is found in his Wikipedia article). This could be a weird mashup of victim Goebel Duncan’s name, made up by someone decades after the murders. I don’t consider it a valid nickname for serial killer Leslie Irvin.
The Murders
Mary Holland
- December 2, 1954
- Evansville, Indiana
Mary Holland, 36 lived in Evansville, Indiana. She worked at a local liquor store. Irvin walked in to rob the store and forced her into the restroom. He demanded the expectant mother kneel. She was shot in the head. Her body was found stuffed between the wall and the toilet bowl. Irvin placed three dimes with her body. The cash register was opened, and an estimated $250-$300 was taken.
Whitney Wesley Kerr
- December 23, 1954
- Evansville, Indiana
Whitney Wesley Kerr was a war veteran, at the age of 29 (some newspapers erroneously report his age as 32 or 36). He was found slumped over the toilet at the gas station where he worked. He had been forced to kneel before being shot in the back of the head with a. 38. Three dimes were placed with his body. Irvin robbed the station and fled.
Wilhelmina Susanna Sailer
- March 21, 1955
- Mount Vernon, Indiana
Wilhelmina Susanna Sailer, 47, lived in Mount Vernon when she crossed paths with Irvin. She was bound with an apron and Irvin tried to sexually assault her. He forced her to kneel before shooting her in the head. She was found lying in a pool of blood by her young son. Irvin robbed the home and fled. Newspapers ran articles suggesting she was a victim of “The Kneeling Killer”.
Duncan Family
- March 28, 1955
- Henderson, Kentucky
On March 28, 1955, Irvin broke into the Duncan family home. Goebel B. Duncan, 51 and his son Raymond Leslie Duncan, 21, were kidnapped and forced to drive to their deaths. The men were found in a flooded bottomland field on their farm in Henderson, Kentucky. They were bound and each was shot in the head.
The killer went to Raymond’s home, which was on the same farmland as his father’s home. There he found Mabel Elizabeth Duncan, 20, and a relative, Mamie Duncan. He kidnapped both women, driving them to Goebel’s home. Both women were attacked.
The Sheriff found the bodies of Goebel and Raymond first, and went to report the murder to the family. That is when he found Mabel Elizabeth and Mamie. Mamie was partially nude on the bed, bound and shot in the head. She survived but was permanently blinded. Mabel Elizabeth was found bound in another bedroom. She was partially nude and shot through the head. She was dead. Her 2 year old daughter was beside her, unharmed and crying. The medical examiner said Mabel Elizabeth had been molested, but not raped.
Arrest & Trial
Irvin Arrested, Indicted
- April 8, 1955
- Evansville, Indiana
Police knew they wanted him after Irvin was involved in a car accident. The other driver paid $5 roadside to Irvin to settle the damages because she was in a hurry. Both cars drove off, with Irvin following the other driver. She noted that he turned into the Duncan family’s driveway as she continued her journey. The driver reported the accident when she heard about the Duncan murders. Irvin was arrested on April 8, 1955.
The next day, Mabel Elizabeth’s daughter picks him out of a line-up. He was indicted for the murders of Kerr and Holland on April 21, the Duncan murders on May 3, and Sailer’s murder on December 8, 1955.
Irvin Guilty of Kerr murder
- December 20, 1955
- Princeton, Indiana
The murder trial began November 14. Irvin was found guilty of the murder of Wesley Kerr on December 20, 1955. The jury recommended death. Irvin got angry, but then did not seem to care. He went back to his cell and began a game of cards with a triple murderer. The judge sentences Irvin to the electric chair on January 8, 1956.
Irvin’s Escape and Appeal
Irvin Escapes Custody
- January 18, 1956
- Princeton, Indiana
Irvin escaped prison with the help of Lawrence Bryant, a triple murderer with whom he liked to play cards. Irvin was reported in Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Kentucky and even Brazil. Irvin used tinfoil and paper-bound thriller pulp novels to fashion jail cell keys, so he could escape. The FBI were called in to help find the killer.
Irvin Recaptured
- February 9, 1956
- San Francisco, California
While Irvin was on the run, more than 100 people unwittingly gave rides to the hitchhiker. Irvin was arrested in San Francisco while trying to sell a “hot” diamond at a pawnshop. He was still in prison garb. Irvin initially told police his name was Victor Davis, and showed identification papers. Inspector John O’Keefe contacted Davis who said a hitchhiker had recently stolen his papers.
When challenged, Irvin got indignant. “Don’t you know who I am?” he reportedly told police before telling them who he was. Authorities eventually confirmed his identity through fingerprints.
Irvin Wins Stay of Execution
- July 8, 1957
- Princeton, Indiana
Irvin and his lawyers launched an appeal of his death sentence for Kerr’s murder. They cited wide media publicity, saying there was no way he could get a fair trial.
Irvin’s head had already been shaved, in preparation for his execution in the electric chair. On July 8, 1957, a federal judge orders a stay of execution after an appeal by Irvin.
Irvin Wins New Trial
- June 5, 1961
- Princeton, Indiana
The killer’s escape was cited as one reason why a new trial would not be granted. But he did not give up. Irvin had appealed to the Supreme Court, saying pre-trial publicity violated his right to a fair trial. In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court agreed, and eventually orders a new trial. The trial location was moved to prevent using a tainted jury pool.
Second Trial and Death
Irvin Convicted in Kerr Murder, Again
- June 13, 1962
- Sullivan, Indiana
The second trial for Kerr’s murder began on May 21, 1962. Irvin was convicted a second time for the death of Kerr on June 13. The jury recommended a life term, which reportedly brought a smile to Irvin’s face.
Irvin Dies
- November 9, 1983
- Michigan City, Indiana
Serial killer Leslie Irvin died of lung cancer in a prison hospital at the age of 59.
BOOKS
Books about or including serial killer Leslie Irvin
Notorious 92: Indiana’s Most Heinous Murders In All 92 Counties by Andrew Stoner
Publisher : Blue River Press; 3rd ed. edition (Oct. 1 2017)
Paperback : 505 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1600080241
With almost one murder every day of the year in Indiana, violent crime is no stranger to the Hoosier state and has not escaped the heartland of America. And while Indiana is the nations sixteenth largest state by population, it has often stolen national headlines with astonishing crimes that defy imagination. It seems it always has been so. Notorious 92 looks back to crimes in each of the states 92 counties as old as the nineteenth century to reveal a side of the states history not taught in fourth grade history classes. Notorious 92 also considers the suffering and the resolve of Indiana families and communities in responding to ugly incidents in their midst that are sometimes just too incredible not to talk about. From marital and financial problems to substance abuse and racial hostilities, generations of Hoosiers are linked by not only the lands they inhabit, but by the demons they face.
The newest edition of Notorious 92 offers updates about many of the more contemporary crimes, including the incredible story of a Decatur County woman who proved her innocence from behind bars, and has been set free.
Tri-State Area Mad Dog Killer by Joyce Hudson
Publisher : Xlibris (April 9 2010)
Language : English
Paperback : 208 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1450047494
A brilliant police officer and a brilliant killer are at odds as the bodies pile up in Vanderburgh, and Posey County in Indiana, and also in Kentucky’s Henderson County. You can get in the minds of both men and feel the frustration as they play cat and mouse throughout the Christmas season of 1954 and into April of 1955. Watch the killer as he is caught, tried, sentenced to die, and escapes from an escape proof jail. He runs to California and the FBI gets involved and joins the chase. It’s a chase to be remembered.
Endorsements “I have truly enjoyed reading this book! Being from Evansville Indiana and presently living and working in Posey County Indiana, I am familiar with the locations, victims, and their families that were involved in this tragic story. I highly recommend this book! It is accurate in its details, and interesting in its content. ” Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Alexander, Posey County, Indiana
“Research has clearly been done on this work. It is a very interesting read, and will hold your attention throughout. I am certain you will appreciate the unique presentation as did I.” Larry A. Dever, Sheriff, Cochise County Arizona
“This book is a great read! I really enjoyed it! I thought it read like a movie script, and should be made into a movie.” Judge David Morales, Cochise County, Arizona.
Law of Mass Communications: Freedom and Control of Print and Broadcast Media by Bill Loving J.D. and Michael T. Martinez Ph.D.
Publisher : Foundation Press; 15th edition (Aug. 10 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 1160 pages
ISBN-10 : 1684676878
ISBN-13 : 978-1684676873
Law of Mass Communications addresses attacks on the media from people who don’t like uncomfortable truths. The book informs readers of the rights that protect the media and explains the value those rights have that are vitally important to our democracy, now more than ever. The text retains “old-school” research and analysis coupled with continuing developments in media law. The authors use footnotes to add context and perspective for many of the cases and principles of media law.
*** make sure you find an edition with the Irvin case referenced
PODCASTS
Podcasts about Leslie Irvin and the murders he committed
THE STATS
Statistical table for Leslie Irvin
| Killer Name | Irvin, Leslie |
| Killer AKA | Mad Dog Killer, The Kneeling Killer |
| Gender | M |
| Arrest Date | April 8, 1955 |
| Conviction Date | December 20, 1955 |
| Sentence | Death. Retried and sentenced to life |
| Birth Location | Evansville, Indiana USA |
| Birth Date | April 2, 1924 |
| Death Date | November 9, 1983 |
| Deceased | Yes |
| Cause of Death | natural causes - lung cancer |
| Height | 180 |
| Military Service | yes |
| Military Service | US Army |
| Job Types | asbestos worker; prison newspaper editor |
| Labour Type | Blue |
| Sexual Preference | straight |
| Marital Status | divorced after his burglary arrest |
| Killer Type | Criminal Enterprise (drugs/robbery), Territorial |
| comment1 | Irvin left 3 dimes at both the Holland and Kerr crime scenes. This was his signal for -30-, a traditional notation for journalists to end their news story. |
| comment2 | Irvin would remove a pane of glass from a window, then unlatch the window and climb into the house |
| Total Dead Victims | 6 |
| Victims (Convicted) | 1 |
| Victims (Misc) | 5 indicated |
| Victim Gender | Various |
| Victim Race | White |
| Victim Age | 51, 21, 32, 36, 47, 20 |
| Victim Type | strangers |
| Method of Killing | shot |
| Weapon | gun |
| Gun Type | 0.38 |
| Abduction | Yes |
| Robbery | Yes |
| Sex Assault | Yes |
| Binding | Yes |
| Washing/Water | Yes |
| Totem-Other | left 3 dimes with Kerr and Holland |
| Body - Left, Not Hidden | Yes |
| Body - Left, Hidden | Yes |
| Previous Crimes | grand larceny, 1944 multiple counts and turned over to military court; burglary |
| Previous Prison Time | 9 years |
| Commit Crimes While Out | Theft |
| Prison Problems | Placed in solitary confinement 7 times during 9 year burglary stint; considered a model prison before his death |
Killer Rating
RESOURCES
- The Alexandria Times-Tribune (Dec 03, 1954)
- Chattanooga Daily Times (Dec 24, 1954)
- The Tribune (Mar 22, 1955)
- The Ottawa Herald (Mar 29, 1955)
- Messenger-Inquirer pt. 1 (Apr 14, 1955)
- Messenger-Inquirer pt. 2 (Apr 14, 1955)
- The Courier-Journal (Apr 16, 1955)
- Messenger-Inquirer (Apr 22, 1955)
- Messenger-Inquirer (May 4, 1955)
- The Tribune (Dec 10, 1955)
- The Indianapolis News (Dec 21, 1955)
- Princeton Daily Clarion (Jan 20, 1956)
- The Indianapolis Star Pt. 1 (Feb 10, 1956)
- The Indianapolis Star Pt. 2 (Feb 10, 1956)
- The Indianapolis Star (Feb 10, 1956)
- Evansville Press (Jun 5, 1961)
- Palladium-Item (Jun 14, 1962)
- Evansville Press (Nov 10, 1983)
E. Kelly Hemingway | Last updated January 7, 2022