Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode examines the horrific crimes of George Hassell, an 1800s and early 1900s serial killer known as the family axman. The hosts detail Hassell's life of deception, embezzlement, and brutal domestic violence across multiple states, including the murders of Marie Vogel and her three children in California in 1917, as well as the massacre of his second wife Susan and her children in Farwell, Texas, in December 1926. Throughout the discussion, the hosts analyze Hassell's extensive pattern of blaming his victims, falsifying his background, and manipulating those around him before his eventual arrest, confession, and execution in the electric chair in February 1927.
- George Hassel was convicted of nine counts of murder and executed in the electric chair on February 10, 1927. 59:00
- Investigators exhumed the bodies of Marie Vogel and three children in California after Hassell confessed to the 1917 murders.
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro and Advert
The episode opens with a promotional ad and the hosts introduce themselves before diving into the story.
- 1:39Hosts Introduce the Story
The hosts transition from the ad to setting up the narrative about George Hassel, the infamous family axeman.
- 11:37First Criminal Acts and Prison Experience
Hassel's early thefts, imprisonment, and the harsh conditions he endured are explored.
- 20:00Escalation to Violent Crimes
The narrative shifts to Hassel's repeated violent acts, including murders of family members and others.
- 40:00Final Acts and Aftermath
The hosts recount Hassel's final murders, his motives, and the chilling aftermath of his crimes.
- 47:37Sponsor Message and Closing
A brief sponsor segment follows, and the episode concludes with a final reflection on the story.
- 49:02BetterHelp Mental Health Ad
An advertisement for BetterHelp promotes mental health resources and therapy options for listeners.
- 50:06State Farm Insurance Ad
State Farm promotes its Personal Price Plan, encouraging listeners to consider personalized insurance coverage.
- 50:45First Suspicion of Missing Family
The landlady, Mrs. Hamlin, notices the Hassel family’s absence and questions George, who gives conflicting answers.
- 52:07Auction Day and Rising Tension
George sells his farm assets at an auction, heightening gossip about his family’s disappearance.
- 52:53Sheriff and Attorney Investigation Begins
Sheriff Martin and County Attorney Thomas visit George, probing his family’s whereabouts and religious ties.
Highlights
- 11:37
First Recorded Embezzlementstory
In 1906, George Hassel stole $140 entrusted to him for a bank deposit and a crate of chickens, leading to his first prison sentence.
- 30:12
In June 1917, after arguing with Marie Vogel, Hassel strangled her and the three children, burying them in the cellar.
- 34:08
Suspicious Death of Brother Tomdata
Tom Hassel died after allegedly being kicked by a mule, marking the second time a Hassel sibling was killed by a farm animal.
- 42:06
The Farwell Massacrestory
In December 1926, Hassel attacked his wife Susan with a hammer and strangled her, initiating a multi-victim massacre at their Texas farm.
- 56:18
Discovery of the Mass Gravestory
Following suspicious signs and a self-inflicted knife wound, authorities searched the property and unearthed nine bodies in a trench.
- 57:58
The Full Confessioninsight
Hassel confessed to a total of 13 murders, stating that his impulse to kill was never satisfied until he had slain every family member.
Quotes
“The impulse to kill was not satisfied until I had slain every member of the family.”
Unnamed speaker · 47:16 “He used the sentence to elicit a lot of sympathy, telling anyone who would listen that he was just a, a small boy when it happened.”
Unnamed speaker · 12:55 “He was ready to be shot for the slaying of his wife and eight stepchildren, which had been a poor way to serve the Lord.”
Unnamed speaker · 57:03 “The initial slayings were in a moment of passion and then he just couldn't stop.”
Unnamed speaker · 57:58 “I would like to announce to the world that I am prepared to meet my God. I have made my confession to God and man. Man does not understand it all, but God does.”
Unnamed speaker · 59:54
Sponsored segments
- State Farm 0:19–0:46
- Old Spice 0:55–1:35
- Hatch Sleep Clock 20:01–20:58
- Pantene 21:02–22:15
- Stella Rosa 47:37–48:16
- Stella Rosa 48:21–48:52
- BetterHelp 49:02–49:59
- State Farm 50:06–50:40
- Midas Richmond 1:03:39–1:04:06
- Kraft Mac 1:04:13–1:04:36
About this episode
On the evening of December 24, 1926, a farmer in Farwell, Texas, called the sheriff to report that his neighbor, George Hassell, had been acting very strangely in recent days and he had been telling conflicting stories about the whereabouts of his family, who had been missing for several days. When the sheriff arrived at the Hassell farm, he began questioning George about where his family had gone, but mid conversation, Hassell removed a pocket knife from his pocket and stabbed himself three times in the chest. Hassell was taken to the hospital, where he was not expected to survive, but against the odds, George pulled through. With no option for escape and having given law enforcement good reason to suspect him in the disappearance of his family, George began confessing to multiple murders. At first, it was assumed he had flown into a rage and murdered his family a week earlier, but the more Hassell talked, the clearer it became that George Hassell violent and murderous behavior went well beyond the walls of his home in Farwell.
Transcript
11,720 words · 5 speakers
Topics
- Ask
- Hale County Jail
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