SOLVED: The Clutter Family, Pt. 2
Digest
This episode delves into the Clutter family murders, exploring the lives of the killers, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, their trial, and their ultimate fate, while also examining the impact of the crime on the small town of Holcomb, Kansas. The episode begins by introducing the two men, Hickock and Smith, and their troubled pasts. Hickock, a skilled marksman, suffered a near-fatal car accident that left him impulsive and irrational, leading him down a path of risky behavior and ultimately to prison. Smith, born into a violent and unstable family, endured a childhood of abuse and instability, culminating in a motorcycle accident that left him permanently disabled. The episode then recounts how the two men met in prison and how Hickock became obsessed with the Clutter family after hearing about them from his cellmate, Floyd Wells. Wells had worked for Herb Clutter and knew about the family's wealth and the safe Herb allegedly kept under his desk. Hickock, driven by greed and a desire for a big score, convinced Smith to join him in robbing the Clutters. The episode then details the events of the night of the murders, describing how Hickock and Smith entered the Clutter home, tied up the family, and ultimately killed them. The episode concludes with the trial of Hickock and Smith, their confessions, and their execution. The episode also explores the impact of the crime on the town of Holcomb, highlighting the fear and suspicion that gripped the community in the aftermath of the murders. The episode also discusses the role of Truman Capote, who wrote the book "In Cold Blood" about the Clutter murders, and his controversial relationship with the killers.
Outlines
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The Clutter Family Murders: Part Two
This Chapter explores the lives of the killers, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, their troubled pasts, and how they came to be involved in the Clutter family murders. It also examines the impact of the crime on the small town of Holcomb, Kansas.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Killers: Dick Hickock and Perry Smith
This Chapter delves into the backgrounds of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, exploring their troubled childhoods, their encounters with violence, and their eventual imprisonment. It also details how they met in prison and how Hickock became obsessed with the Clutter family.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Investigation and Capture
This Chapter recounts the investigation into the Clutter family murders, focusing on the role of Floyd Wells, who provided information about the Clutters to Dick Hickock. It also describes the capture of Hickock and Smith in Las Vegas and their subsequent interrogation.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Trial and Aftermath
This Chapter details the trial of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, their confessions, and their execution. It also explores the impact of the crime on the town of Holcomb and the role of Truman Capote, who wrote the book "In Cold Blood" about the murders.
Keywords
Clutter family murders
The brutal murders of Herb, Bonnie, Nancy, and Kenyon Clutter in Holcomb, Kansas, on November 15, 1959. The case became a national sensation and was the subject of Truman Capote's non-fiction novel "In Cold Blood."
Dick Hickock
One of the two men convicted of the Clutter family murders. Hickock had a troubled past, including a near-fatal car accident that left him impulsive and irrational. He was known for his skills as a marksman and his obsession with the Clutter family.
Perry Smith
One of the two men convicted of the Clutter family murders. Smith had a difficult childhood marked by violence and instability. He was permanently disabled after a motorcycle accident and was known for his unpredictable nature and his tendency to violence.
Holcomb, Kansas
The small town in Kansas where the Clutter family murders took place. The crime had a profound impact on the community, leaving residents feeling fearful and suspicious.
Truman Capote
American author who wrote the non-fiction novel "In Cold Blood" about the Clutter family murders. Capote became deeply involved in the case, befriending the killers and gaining access to the investigation. His book is considered a classic of true crime literature.
In Cold Blood
A non-fiction novel by Truman Capote about the Clutter family murders. The book is considered a masterpiece of true crime literature and is known for its detailed account of the murders, the investigation, and the lives of the killers.
Floyd Wells
A former farmhand who worked for Herb Clutter. Wells provided information about the Clutter family to Dick Hickock, which led to the murders.
River Valley Farm
The farm owned by Herb Clutter in Holcomb, Kansas. The murders took place at the farm, and it became a symbol of the tragedy that befell the Clutter family.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
The state law enforcement agency that investigated the Clutter family murders. The agency was led by Alvin Dewey, who played a key role in capturing the killers.
Q&A
What were the backgrounds of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith?
Both men had troubled pasts. Hickock suffered a near-fatal car accident that left him impulsive and irrational, while Smith endured a childhood of violence and instability. Both men were prone to violence and had been in prison for various crimes.
How did Hickock and Smith become involved in the Clutter family murders?
Hickock became obsessed with the Clutter family after hearing about them from his cellmate, Floyd Wells, who had worked for Herb Clutter. Hickock, driven by greed and a desire for a big score, convinced Smith to join him in robbing the Clutters.
What happened on the night of the murders?
Hickock and Smith entered the Clutter home, tied up the family, and ultimately killed them. They were motivated by greed, but also by a desire to eliminate any witnesses.
What was the impact of the crime on the town of Holcomb?
The murders had a profound impact on the community, leaving residents feeling fearful and suspicious. The crime shattered the sense of safety and security that had previously existed in the town.
What role did Truman Capote play in the Clutter family murders?
Capote wrote the non-fiction novel "In Cold Blood" about the murders. He became deeply involved in the case, befriending the killers and gaining access to the investigation. His book is considered a classic of true crime literature.
Show Notes
After the Clutter family was murdered in November, 1959, everyone in Holcomb, Kansas wanted to find out who killed them -- and why. The answer turned out to be more horrific than anyone imagined. Murder: True Crime Stories is part of Crime House Studios. For more, follow us on Instagram @crimehouse.