TEXARKANA — 1946 · Serial Murder
The Texarkana 'Phantom Killer' Murders
Between 22 February and 3 May 1946, people in isolated lanes and a rural farmhouse were attacked on weekend nights in Texarkana, the twin city straddling the Texas–Arkansas border. Over ten weeks eight people were attacked and five died. The attacker, dubbed the 'Phantom Killer' by the press, caused panic: residents bought up guns and locks, and the streets emptied at dusk. City, state and federal agencies took part in the investigation. Although one suspect drew attention, no one was ever tried for the murders and they officially remain unsolved. In 2020 the FBI released more than 1,100 pages of case files.
- Date
- 1946
- Place
- Texas / Arkansas, USA, Texarkana, US
- Category
- Serial Murder
- Case Status
- Unsolved
- Coordinates
- 33.4418, -94.0477 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 22 February 1946The first attack linked to the series took place.
- March–April 1946Two more fatal attacks followed on the Texas side; panic spread.
- 3 May 1946The final attack took place at a farmhouse on the Arkansas side.
- 1976The case inspired the film 'The Town That Dreaded Sundown'.
- 6 February 2020The FBI released more than 1,100 pages of case files.
Sources
- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — FBI releases archive on Texarkana's Phantom Killer arkansasonline.com ↗
- Wikipedia — Texarkana Moonlight Murders en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- FBI Vault
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.