Wiley Harpe

Serial Killer

Wiley Harpe: The Lesser-Known Half of the Harpe Brothers

Introduction

Wiley Harpe, also known as "Little Harpe," was an American serial killer who, along with his cousin Micajah "Big Harpe," terrorized the frontier during the late 18th century. The Harpe brothers are often considered America’s first documented serial killers, leaving a bloody trail of murder across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois between 1797 and 1799.

The Harpe Brothers' Crimes

Wiley and Micajah Harpe were known for their brutal and indiscriminate killings, targeting men, women, and even children. Their motives were often unclear, as they sometimes killed for robbery but frequently seemed to murder for pleasure. Unlike typical bandits of the time, the Harpes left behind mutilated victims, often disemboweled and filled with rocks before being discarded in rivers.

Notable Victims

• 1797 - Johnson Family - Knoxville, Tennessee: The Harpe brothers murdered an entire family of settlers, leaving their remains scattered in the wilderness.
• May 1798 - Langford (First Name Unknown) - Kentucky: A tavern keeper who made the fatal mistake of offering the Harpes a meal. They murdered him and left his body in a creek.
• June 1798 - A man named Edmonton - Kentucky: Traveling on the road when he encountered the Harpes, who brutally killed him.
• August 1798 - A young boy - Kentucky: The Harpes were reported to have murdered a young child by smashing his head against a tree.
• August 1798 - A girl - Kentucky: The Harpes killed and mutilated a young girl, showing no remorse.
• September 1798 - Major William Love - Kentucky: A respected man who was traveling with his servant. The Harpes killed both and left their bodies in the wilderness.
• 1799 - Maria Davidson - Tennessee: A woman who was slain along with her newborn child.

...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (0)

Harpe brothers - Wikipedia

    ...View 12 additional sources