Margaret Eloise Ault Hittle, a 45-year-old Caucasian woman, was tragically shot to death on April 4, 1973, at her farm home in Motley, Minnesota. She was killed alongside her husband, John Henry Hittle, 46, in what was later determined to be a double homicide. The perpetrator of this crime was their adoptive son, Daniel Joe Hittle, who was 23 years old at the time. The incident occurred between 11 p.m.
and midnight, when Daniel, enraged over a dispute involving the family dog, retrieved a shotgun and fatally shot Margaret and John inside their home.
Daniel Hittle had a history of violent behavior, particularly when intoxicated. Friends and acquaintances described him as a quiet but volatile individual who harbored deep resentment toward his adoptive mother, Margaret, whom he viewed as overly strict and religious. His anger escalated on the night of the murders when he believed the family's dog had scratched his truck. During an argument with Margaret, she allegedly challenged him, saying he would not dare to shoot her. In response, Daniel retrieved his shotgun and killed her instantly. When John attempted to reach for his own firearm, Daniel shot him as well, leaving both victims dead at the entrance of their home.
Authorities were alerted by concerned neighbors, and law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene. Daniel was arrested without resistance and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His bond was set at $15,000. The case was widely covered due to the brutal nature of the crime and the fact that the perpetrator was their own son. Daniel was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murders of Margaret and John Hittle.
After serving time for the killings, Daniel was eventually paroled and relocated to Texas. However, his violent tendencies persisted, and in 1989, he embarked on a killing spree in Dallas and Garland, Texas, murdering five people, including a police officer. He was subsequently convicted of capital murder in Texas and sentenced to death. Daniel Joe Hittle was executed by lethal injection on December 6, 2000.
Margaret Eloise Ault Hittle's death remains a tragic case of familial violence, highlighting the dangers of unchecked rage and deep-seated resentment. Her life was cut short by the very person she had raised, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and unanswered questions about the psychological turmoil that led to such a devastating act.
