Kit Kelly: The Lethal Matriarch of the Kelly Family
Background
Kit Kelly was a member of the notorious Kelly Family, a group of serial killers who operated between August and December 1887 in "No Man's Land," an area now known as the Oklahoma Panhandle. The family consisted of:
- William Kelly (55) – Father
- Kate Kelly – Mother
- Bill "Billy" Kelly (20) – Son
- Kit Kelly (18) – Daughter
Originally from Pennsylvania, the family moved to Kansas in 1869 before settling near Oak City, south of the Kansas state border. They initially dealt with cattle but later opened a tavern to accommodate travelers. Despite their illiteracy, they were regarded as an ordinary working family, raising no suspicions among neighbors.
Modus Operandi
The Kellys targeted wealthy travelers who stopped at their tavern. Their method involved:
- Engaging the victim in conversation while preparing a meal.
- Seating the victim over a trapdoor concealed beneath a chair.
- Activating the trapdoor, causing the victim to fall into the cellar.
- Dispatching the victim, often with an axe, if the fall was not fatal.
This calculated approach allowed them to rob and murder unsuspecting guests without arousing immediate suspicion.
Discovery of the Crimes
In December 1887, the Kelly family abruptly left their home, raising concerns among locals. A traveler from St. Louis named S.T. Gregg, familiar with the tavern, decided to investigate. Upon entering the abandoned house, he was overwhelmed by a foul stench emanating from a hidden cellar. Authorities were alerted, leading to the discovery of multiple decomposing bodies both in the cellar and buried near the barn.
...Read More
Account
