1940 - Rockland, Maine.

It was Halloween night, and 16-year-old Alzada Pauline Young wanted to go out. Her younger siblings were trick-or-treating, and on their way to a party. Why was she being punished? 

In the height of an argument, she drew a knife in a threat against her step-father, John Phelps, who was the only thing standing in her way. In what he claimed was self defense, he hurled the closet weapon at her—a hammer—killing her instantly. 

What happened next, was one of the most heinous and horrifying attempts at a cover up in Maine history. 

John cut up her body under the cover of darkness, disposed of each part in burlap bags, and made sure all trace of Pauline was removed… The teenager did have a habit of staying away from home. He’ll just tell her mother she ran off to get married… 

But little did he know, somebody had been listening. Neighbors were growing suspicious, and his secret would only stay buried for so long.

Was this a terrible and tragic accident? Or a man who killed his wife’s daughter in a homicidal rage because he wanted her gone?

Episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/alzada-pauline-young

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