William A. Renfroe

Serial Killer

William A. Renfroe: A Brief Account of His Crimes

Background

William A. Renfroe was born between 1897 and 1898. Little is known about his upbringing. Once he was older, he worked and lived at Simpson Logging Camp No. 3, in upper Skokomish Valley, Washington.

First Incident: 1930

In 1930, Renfroe fatally shot a man named Herman Arnold and wounded another at a dance hall in Brady, Washington. He was charged with first-degree murder but was acquitted with the help of T. W. Grisdale, a friend from the wealthy Reed lumbering family. Grisdale believed the shooting was caused by temporary insanity induced by Renfroe's intoxication from liquor.

Second Incident: May 15, 1931

Fourteen months later, on May 15, 1931, Renfroe armed himself with a pistol at his home, where he lived with his wife and two daughters. There, he fatally shot his 28-year-old wife, Lydia; his 7-year-old daughter, Mary Louise; and critically injured his other daughter, 6-year-old Wanda. Wanda was initially not expected to survive her injuries, but her condition improved. Renfroe then armed himself with a rifle and met his boss, 23-year-old Joseph C. "Joe" Grisdale, just outside of the camp. Joseph was the son of T. W. Grisdale. Joseph asked Renfroe if he was not going to work. Renfroe replied that he didn't feel well, to which Joseph suggested that going to work might make him feel better. Without warning, Renfroe shot him four times, killing him. He then returned to his house, set it on fire, and then fatally shot himself in the head. Before the shooting, Renfroe had been drinking for several days. He had also had recurring headaches for months that caused him severe pain. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Herman Arnold Age: (18+), Date of Death: 1930

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Survivors:

Wanda Renfroe Age: (7), Date of Attack: May 15, 1931

RENFROE William A. | Serial Killer Database Wiki | Fandom

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