Russell Hassell, an 11-year-old boy from Farewell, Texas, met a tragic end on December 5, 1926. His death was part of a horrific mass murder committed by his uncle and stepfather, George Hassell. On that fateful night, George Hassell, who had a history of criminal behavior, engaged in a violent argument with his wife, Susie, over his involvement with her underage daughter, Maudie. The argument escalated, leading George to strike Susie repeatedly with a ballpeen hammer, ultimately killing her.
Following this, George proceeded to murder each member of the family, including Russell, using a straight razor, stockings, a shotgun, and an axe. The victims were killed in order from youngest to oldest, with Russell being one of the unfortunate children to lose his life in this gruesome act.
The bodies of the victims, including Russell, were stored in a newly dug root cellar by the house. George Hassell attempted to cover up the murders by claiming that he and his family were returning to Oklahoma and selling all their belongings in a large yard sale. However, during the auction, a wagon ran over the sinkhole where the bodies were buried, arousing the suspicion of law enforcement. George Hassell's attempt to commit suicide failed, and the subsequent excavation revealed the remains of the victims. George confessed to the murders, leading to a short trial that turned Farewell and its sister city, Texico, New Mexico, into a carnival-like atmosphere. George Hassell was executed by electrocution on February 2, 1928, becoming the 27th man to be executed in the state of Texas.
George Hassell's motive for the murders was rooted in his long history of criminal behavior, including the murder of another family in California, embezzlement, and military desertion. According to his testimony, his initial act was a crime of passion, and he killed the children to protect himself. A psychiatric report at the time characterized him as a sociopath. The tragic death of Russell Hassell and his family members remains a chilling reminder of the horrors that can arise from unchecked criminal behavior and mental illness.
