James A. Boles, aged 31, tragically died on August 14, 1965, in Crestline, California. The circumstances surrounding his death were both shocking and gruesome. James, along with his wife Darlene and their two sons, Bobby and Tommy, had traveled to their newly built cabin in Crestline for a weekend getaway. The family was last seen alive on the evening of August 14, 1965, strolling through the nearby shopping area.
When they failed to return home as planned, Darlene's brother, Floyd Rice, grew concerned and contacted the authorities. Unable to get a timely response, Floyd decided to visit the cabin himself, where he made the horrifying discovery of the entire family, including their dog, shot to death.
The investigation revealed that James had been shot 15 times, Darlene 13 times, Bobby 8 times, and Tommy 3 times. The family dog was also found dead on the couch. The crime scene indicated that the murders had likely occurred around 8:30 PM on August 14. The killer had used a .22 caliber weapon, and investigators found nearly two dozen empty shells scattered throughout the cabin. Despite the brutality of the crime, no one in the vicinity reported hearing gunshots or screams, leading investigators to speculate that a silencer might have been used.
The investigation into the Boles family's murder was extensive. Authorities interviewed neighbors, family members, and co-workers, but leads were scarce. The family's car, a 1962 red Dodge Polara, was missing from the scene, adding another layer of mystery to the case. A few suspects were considered, but most were eventually eliminated. One suspect, George Robert Stewart, who was wanted in Alabama for a different murder, was closely scrutinized. Stewart allegedly failed a polygraph test, but there was insufficient evidence to charge him with the Boles family's murder. Decades later, a new detective on the case concluded that Stewart had an alibi for the time of the murders, further complicating the investigation.
Despite the passage of time, the case remains unsolved. The lack of concrete evidence and the elimination of key suspects have left the murders of James A. Boles and his family shrouded in mystery. The tragic events of that August weekend in 1965 continue to haunt the community of Crestline, as the search for answers and justice for the Boles family persists.
