William F. Gohl: The Ghoul of Grays Harbor
Introduction
William F. Gohl, often referred to as "Billy Gohl" or "The Ghoul of Grays Harbor," was a German-American labor union official and suspected serial killer. Active in Aberdeen, Washington, during the early 20th century, Gohl is believed to have been responsible for the deaths of numerous sailors and transient workers. While he was convicted of two murders, it is suspected that he may have been involved in over 100 deaths between 1902 and 1910.
Crimes and Modus Operandi
Gohl used his position as a union official at the Sailors' Union of the Pacific to lure sailors into the union building. He would often inquire about their personal circumstances, such as whether they had family nearby or were carrying valuables. If the sailors were isolated and carried significant possessions, Gohl would allegedly murder them, rob them, and dispose of their bodies in the nearby Wishkah River, which flowed behind the union building.
Victims
While the exact number of Gohl's victims remains uncertain, here are some known or suspected cases:
- Charles Hadberg: Murdered in 1910, leading to Gohl's conviction.
- John Hoffman: Another victim whose death contributed to Gohl's conviction.
- Numerous unidentified sailors and transient workers found in the Wishkah River between 1905 and 1910.
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