Eric E. “Ike” Pearson – 1968 Ironwood, Michigan Shooting Spree
Overview
Eric E. Pearson, a 56-year-old woodcutter and janitor, carried out a deadly shooting rampage on the night of March 16, 1968, in Ironwood Township, Gogebic County, Michigan. Armed with a high-power bolt-action rifle, he attacked multiple victims at two locations, resulting in seven deaths and two serious injuries.
Details of the Crimes
Eric Pearson's rampage began in a residence and ended at a nearby tavern, leaving a scene of unspeakable horror. Blood-soaked furnishings, splattered walls and ceilings, and horrific injuries were reported at the home, while a victim at the tavern was shot at point-blank range. He was charged with first-degree murder and held without bond.
Victims (All names, ages, dates, and locations are from contemporaneous reports)
- Mrs. Vienna L. Gustafson, 41 – Ironwood Township home – March 16, 1968 – shot multiple times.
- Mrs. Sally Mary Johnson, 60 – Gustafson residence – March 16, 1968 – fatally shot.
- Mrs. Joseph P. Rigoni, 59 – Gustafson residence – March 16, 1968 – fatally shot.
- Rudolph Maurin, 56 – Lake Road Tavern, Ironwood Township – March 16, 1968 – shot at the bar.
- Henry Raymond Hautala, 49 – Gustafson residence – March 16, 1968 – fatally shot.
- Mrs. Axel Puisto, 47 – Gustafson residence – March 16, 1968 – fatally shot.
- Dan August Weiss, 67 – Gustafson residence – March 16, 1968 – fatally shot.
- Robin Gustafson, 12 (daughter) – injured (very seriously) at Gustafson residence – March 16, 1968 – shot through the abdomen.
- Mrs. Henry R. Hautala, 61 – injured (very seriously) at Gustafson residence – March 16, 1968 – shot in the lower abdomen.
...Read More
Account
