206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
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Description
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h3>Gordon Stewart Northcott: The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders

Introduction

Gordon Stewart Northcott was a Canadian-American serial killer responsible for the infamous Wineville Chicken Coop Murders in the late 1920s. His crimes, which involved the kidnapping, abuse, and murder of young boys, shocked the nation and led to widespread media coverage. Northcott's actions resulted in one of the most notorious criminal cases in California's history.

The Crimes

Between 1926 and 1928, Northcott lured young boys to his chicken ranch in Wineville, California (now Mira Loma). He subjected them to unspeakable abuse before ultimately murdering them. He was aided by his mother, Sarah Louise Northcott, who participated in covering up the crimes.

Confirmed Victims

  • Walter Collins – A nine-year-old boy who disappeared on March 10, 1928, from Los Angeles. His mother, Christine Collins, relentlessly searched for him, leading to the infamous "Changeling" case. Northcott later admitted to killing him, though his body was never recovered.
  • Lewis and Nelson Winslow – Aged 12 and 10, respectively, these brothers went missing on May 16, 1928, from Pomona, California. Their remains were discovered at Northcott’s ranch.
  • Alvin Gothea – Though not officially confirmed, he is believed to have been another victim. He disappeared in the late 1920s under circumstances similar to the other cases.
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Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (3)
  • Walter Collins Age: (9), Date of Death: 1928-03-10
  •     ...View 2 additional victims
    Suspected Victims:
  • Alvin Gothea
  • Killer's Details

    Gordon Stewart

    Northcott

    November 9, 1906 Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada

    October 2, 1930 (aged 23) San Quentin, California, United States

    Executed by hanging

    Male

    White

    Child abduction, Child rape, Child murder

    Death

    3-20 confirmed (confessed to 9; implicated in 1)

    1926 - 1928

    California

    September 19, 1928

    San Quentin State Prison — San Quentin, California

    07/03/2025