February 17, 2025

Episode 159 Unraveling the Mystery of Dr. Death and the York Family

24 minutes

On a sunny May morning in 1947, a doctor from San Antonio ambushed Willard York and his family near New Braunfels, Texas. The doctor's plan to kill the entire family failed when 13-year-old Ann York escaped. Investigators found that both the shooter and Mr. York faced financial troubles, raising questions about whether the attack stemmed from revenge or a mental breakdown, as the doctor claimed he could not remember the incident.

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Episode Sources

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: San Antonio Broker’s Hearing Here April 17, April 11, 1947

Shamokin News-Dispatch: Girl Identifies Texas Physician as Slayer of Four, May 25,1947

Valley Morning Star: Arraignment of Dr. Ross In Killing of W. York Postponed. May 27, 1947

Corpus Christi Caller-Times: SEC Drops Action Against Broker Willard H. York, June 24, 1947

The Tribune: Venue Change Given in York Murder Trial, September 13, 1947

Corsicana Daily Sun: Girl Survivor of Shooting Says Dr. Ross Slayer of 4, October 16, 1947

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: State Rests Its Case at Ross Trial, October 17, 1947

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Ross ‘Scared’ Her, Patient Tells Court, October 18, 1947

The Tyler Courier-Times: Ross’ Claim Money Taken is Revealed, Oct 19, 1947

Corsicana Semi-Weekly Light: Other Doctors Tell Jury Ross “Insane” on Shooting Date, Oct 21, 1947

Lubbock Morning Avalanche: Ross is Given Death Penalty for Slaying, October 24, 1947

The Salem News: Rule Doctor in Murder is Insane, June 17, 1949

The Brownsville Herald: Court Affirms Damages to York Family, June 19, 1950

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Doctor Denied Writ of Error, October 5, 1950

Lubbock Morning Avalanche: Board Allows Death Sentence to Stand for Dr. Lloyd Ross, August 7, 1957

Case Text: Ross v. York, 233 S.W.2d 347 (Tex. Civ. App. 1950)

Daily News: JUSTICE STORY: Betrayal at the hands of Dr. Death, March 21, 2020

History.com: SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission

FindAGrave.com: Dr. Lloyd I. Ross

FindAGrave.com: Gertrude Ann York

Episode Music

Out of the Mines, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina.

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By Shannon Ballard

4.8

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