Tickets available at Eventbrite. http://www.Tickets available at Eventbrite.
Bus Tour Follows the Footsteps of Infamous Winnie Ruth Judd
and the Phoenix Trunk Murders
Marshall Shore steeps himself in the history of Phoenix that others might overlook: the cultural anomalies, the fads, the dreamers, the artists and the eccentrics that provide a unique window into our city’s past. One such character was the infamous Phoenix trunk murderer, Winnie Ruth Judd.
Back in 1931, the nation was rocked by the grisly details of this gruesome crime. On October 16, 1931, Winnie purportedly killed her two roommates, one of the bodies was cut up, both were stuffed into trunks, and taken by train to Los Angeles. It was a big job for a small woman, and the twisted tale of adultery, jealousy and murder was complicated by rumors, speculation and uncertainty. Bits and pieces of the story continue to come to light, even to this day.
“As I talk with people in my research, the most interesting things come to light, ” said Marshall, “Just recently, my phone rang and someone began telling me about the Winnie Ruth Judd victim that was cut up in their house’s basement.”
Sunday, April 1st, in true Marshall Shore style, he’s hosting a bus tour to commemorate the historical crime. The tour runs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and begins and ends at the historic MacAlpine’s Coffee Shoppe and Soda Fountain Coffee Shop on 7th Street. The bus will travel along the old Brill trolley line, which will give tour-goers an idea of the shape and size of Phoenix back in Winnie’s day. Other stops will include the houses where she lived and where she met Jack Holleran, a well-known Phoenix businessman with whom she had an adulterous affair; the Grunow Clinic (still a medical clinic!) where she worked; the house where the murders took place; the train station where she attempted to board with the oozing trunks; and the old Maricopa County Courthouse where the trial took place.
Marshall promises a few surprise stops along the way and tour participants will be among the first to hear about details in the story that have recently come to light. The tour will cover more information than found in any book, and Marshall will reveal a little known connection to the story that explains why MacApline’s was chosen as the meeting place.
Tickets available at Eventbrite
The Judd Murder bus tour lives up to its name: by the time its over, you wish you were dead. As a former librarian, Marshall has mastered the art of being quiet for long periods of time. The story, as presented by Marshall, is disjointed, vague and leaves the audience wondering "who the hell is he talking about"? The locations the bus stopped at had little relevance to the overall story, and one wonders if there was any actuall preparation on the part of the "guide".
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