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I’ve shared the statistics many times. Alaska repeatedly ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the U.S. for women. This statistic has been accurate since agencies began keeping records, and it was likely true long before anyone started tracking such information. Historically, spousal abuse was often overlooked and considered a private matter between a husband and his wife. However, even in Alaska in the 1950s, surely the authorities and the courts would have arrested, tried, and put a husband in jail for life if he murdered his wife and then confessed. Wouldn’t they? Maybe – or maybe not. Consider the case of Charles Cannon, who confessed in 1955 to killing his wife, Ruth.
Sources
“1953 Inauguration.” n,d, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home.
“Cannon, accused slayer, is freed by grand jury.” December 21, 1955. Anchorage Daily Times.
Hopkins, Kyle. “One woman died on an Alaska mayor’s property. Then another. No one has ever been charged.” November 11, 2023. Anchorage Daily News.
“Jury frees murder suspect.” December 21, 1955. Anchorage Daily News.
“Murderer re-acts crime.” September 19, 1955. Anchorage Daily News.
“Police hunt woman missing since April 1.” July 19, 1955. Anchorage Daily Times.
Reamer, David. “He reenacted his wife’s killing in 1955 and confessed – but a grand jury refused to indict him.” November 26, 2023. Anchorage Daily News.”
“Trapper says he killed wife.” September 28, 1955. Anchorage Daily Times.
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Robin Barefield lives in the wilderness on Kodiak Island, where she and her husband own a remote lodge. She has a master’s degree in fish and wildlife biology and is a wildlife-viewing and fishing guide. Robin has published six novels: Big Game, Murder Over Kodiak, The Fisherman’s Daughter, Karluk Bones, Massacre at Bear Creek Lodge, and The Ultimate Hunt. She has also published two non-fiction books: Kodiak Island Wildlife and Murder and Mystery in the Last Frontier. She draws on her love and appreciation of the Alaska wilderness as well as her scientific background when writing.
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Neighbors suspected Elmer Haab was up to no good, and when his wife, Bonnie, mysteriously disappeared, they feared Elmer had done something to her. Alaska State Troopers also found the disappearance of Bonnie Haab suspicious, but with no body, there was little they could do.
Anderson, Diane. “Man admits he cremated body of his wife.” July 16, 1969. Anchorage Daily Times.
Robin Barefield is the author of five Alaska wilderness mystery novels, 