On the night of June 21, 1962, a sense of unease settled over Sarah Street in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. A fire broke out at the home of 40-year-old Edward Howard Maps, an artist and Marine veteran, who lived there with his wife and infant daughter. When firefighters arrived around 10:48 p.m., they discovered a horrific scene inside the burning house. Edward's 22-year-old wife, Christine, was found unconscious, having been severely bludgeoned. Their four-month-old daughter, Julie Louise, was also found, having succumbed to smoke inhalation. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, but Julie Louise was pronounced dead on arrival, and Christine died from her injuries the next day. Amidst the chaos and tragedy, Edward Maps was nowhere to be found.
The investigation into the fire and the two deaths quickly pointed towards a deliberate and violent act. Authorities discovered that approximately 10 separate fires had been set throughout the house.
In the kitchen, the oven had been set to 450 degrees with the door left open, pumping gas into the home. The deaths were ruled murders, with the arson intended to cover up the initial crime. All of Edward's personal belongings, including his wallet and identification, were found inside the house, and both of the family's cars were parked outside. With Maps having vanished, a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of arson and homicide. His disappearance under such suspicious circumstances led to him being added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, where his name would remain for nearly five years.
Over the years, numerous sightings of Edward Maps were reported, but none led to his capture. There was a credible sighting in August 1962, linking him to a bank robbery in Little Falls, New Jersey, not far from his hometown. Despite the intense manhunt, Maps was never apprehended. In 1967, at the request of the Monroe County District Attorney, his name was removed from the FBI's Most Wanted list. A few years later, in 1971, Edward Maps was declared legally dead. However, because his body has never been recovered, his case remains an active missing person investigation. The story of Edward Maps is a complex and sorrowful one, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and the tragic, unsolved murders of a young mother and her infant child.Last Seen: Jun 21, 1962
