One person found this helpful. Early morning, August 15, 1967. The province's worst mass murder, the Shell Lake massacre, happened exactly 50 years ago, on Aug. 15, 1967. He was found at his parents' home in Leask, about 65km (40mi) southwest of Shell Lake. Episode 102 - On the morning of August 15, 1967, in what was one of the most heinous random crimes ever to have happened in Canada, 9 members of the Peterson family of Shell Lake Saskatchewan were found gunned down in their modest farmhouse. At one point, he said he didn't know why he didn't shoot her. If you like true crime you might enjoy this. It's known as Canada's worst random mass murder. It was a single incident committed by Victor Hoffman in Saskatchewan during 1967. The next day the whole world heard of Shell Lake, Sask. 1 / 3. Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. Hoffman made conflicting statements over the years as to whether he knowingly spared Phyllis's life. It's been 50 years since Kathy Hill's mother, father and seven siblings were killed in their Saskatchewan farmhouse by a stranger driven by voices in his head. August 21, 1967, CLIPPING: Living in the shadow of Tragedy, Calgary Herald, 8 June 2008, http://leaderpost.com/storyline/a-whole-family-was-murdered-in-shell-lake-in-1967, http://orthomolecularvitamincentre.com/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-disorders/schiz-disorders/dr-hoffers-schizophrenia-page/, http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/vince-li-man-in-bus-beheading-granted-unsupervised-passes-to-winnipeg-1.2976618, https://canadiantruecrimepodcast.podbean.com/, Rampage: Canadian Mass Murder and Spree Killing, http://www.dl-sounds.com/royalty-free/space-trip/. I would suggest this book if you are into Saskatchewan crime stories. On the morning of August 15, he entered the Petersons' farm armed with a .22-calibre Browning pump-action repeater rifle. He had to travel 6km (3.7mi) to the next telephone post before he could report the incident to the police. web pages Marking 50 years since the Shell Lake murders, Canada's worst random mass killing | CBC News Loaded. Get help and learn more about the design. seniors are getting up to speed on cannabis, Nearly 1M 'average-sized joints' worth of weed seized in Sask. A great book about mental illness, murder and religion. Use code "wicked15" for 15 Be the first one to, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Shell Lake Massacre Saskatchewan Victor Ernest Hoffman 1967, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. Two parents, James and. bans TikTok from government-owned devices, KISS adds Saskatoon stop to farewell tour, Apple CEO takes notice of Sask. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Shortly after the murders, she moved back to Saskatchewan to take over the family farm near Shell Lake and raise her four-year-old sister, Phyllis, the lone survivor of the attack. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. The Peterson's were well known, and well liked in their small community so the news of their deaths rocked the village of Shell Lake.Please join me as we remember the lives of the Peterson family.EDIT: It has been brought to my attention this Is NOT the worst mass murder In Canadian history - April 2020 In Nova Scotia 22 innocent people lost their lives during a random attack and I apologize for misinformation. Phyllis Peterson, then 4 years old, was the lone survivor of the massacre. See acast.com/privacy for more information. The wound is still painful, especially when the sisters compare their story to another horrificmassacre in Shell Lake in 1967. They can't be. Only one member of the family who was living in the home survived the attack. Skip to main content. During the trial, Crown prosecutor Serge Kujawa called Hoffman "the craziest man in Saskatchewan. That tragedy received international attention, while the Buffalo Narrows massacre is little-known even throughout Saskatchewan. I don't remember hearing any of that. Their brother, only seven at the time, was the sole survivor. Show full text http://www.dl-sounds.com/royalty-free/space-trip/. Aug. 15, 1967 was a dark moment in Saskatchewan history. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. SOCIALSJoin the channel Instagram @ unde.rtheashtreeJoin the channel FB https://www.facebook.com/undertheashtreeytTo submit a video idea please email: undertheashtree.1@gmail.com Support me further by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/undertheashtreeCREDITS:INTRO: Created by Renderforest.comMUSIC: BABA YAGA MONST3ER MUSIC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rge79Y2WzH0\u0026t=0sDisclaimer*I do not own any of these images/music used in this video.Also, I'm only human- and mistakes happen I'm striving to be better. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and committed for treatment at a mental institution in southern Ontario. Kathy Hill and her husband have since retired from farming and moved to a nearby town. Two parents, James and Evelyn Peterson, and seven of their children were shot and killed on their family farm near Shell Lake. In what still stands as one of Canada's worst mass murders, he shoots and . 21-year-old Victor Hoffman suffered from paranoid schizophrenia which saw him descend into madness, leading to a collision with an unsuspecting family that will have tragic consequences.  .. Search the history of over 797 billion When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Ok. Only four-year-old Phyllis Peterson survived, hidden under the sheets between two of her sisters. McCallum, then 19, punched through the Pedersons' door and started killing. Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon, Johnson Gorman Book Pub (January 1, 1992). Another time, he said it was because "she had the face of an angel.". When police apprehended McCallum he was sitting at his mother's kitchen table drinking tea. The Peterson's oldest daughter, Kathy Peterson Hill (then age 19 or 20) was married and living in British Columbia at the time of the murders. Self publishing . "[6] He was remanded to a mental hospital in North Battleford where he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The Pedersons were devout Roman Catholics and close friends. This rarity has recently been released on "The Best Of Eagle Records" on the Super Oldies label (2009). Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Related Stories Marking 50 years since the. "You can't be just normal," Peterson said. He spent time in a home for boys in northern Saskatchewanand many months in Saskatoon's youth correctional facility,Kilburn Hall. Connie gets angry at Cynthia easily. The "Shell Lake Massacre" is the name of a mass murder committed by Victor Ernest Hoffman in Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada on August 15th, 1967. It was about 40 C in the northern Saskatchewantown of Buffalo Narrows the night Frederick McCallum terrorized the Pederson family with an axe. Hill saysshe's never wanted the tragedy to cast a shadow over her life or the lives of her kids and grandkids. Please try again. Even their grandchildren have recognized the need for mental health support for their beloved grandmothers. Watch Extraordinary Lives Shell Lake Massacre Phyllis Peterson on Bad Day HQBuy your Swiss Gear Backpack:https://amzn.to/2QHsJvYAmazon LifeStraw: https://amzn.to/2rmyK2KAmazon GoPro:https://amzn.to/2E18McPHaving a bad day? Adding to the weight of their sadness is the knowledge of the 1967 Shell Lake, Sask., massacre that people are more familiar with, thanks to books, news stories throughout the years and. Cynthia said thegroup got out of the truck to check the damage when another oncoming vehicle crashed into Cynthia sending her flying into the air then hit and killed Don. Generations of grief: Family still reeling 50 years after little-known mass axe murder | CBC News Loaded. Before sunrise on Aug. 15, 1967, he left his parents'home and drove aimlessly along rural roads until he spotted a small, white farmhouse near the tiny town of Shell Lake, about 150 kilometres north of Saskatoon. During the legal proceedings after the massacre, McCallum expressed regret at not murdering the entire family. It arrived quick and I dove into it instantly! Victor Hoffman was 21 years old at the time of the murders and had been released from a mental hospital just three weeks prior. Shell Lake massacre by Peter Tadman, August 1992, Gorman & Gorman Ltd edition, Paperback She said her grandmother told the workers to leave. View Source Share Save to Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America Canada Saskatchewan North Battleford Census Division Ordale North Concordia Cemetery Cynthia said she received a total of two hours of free counselling. Nine in farm family slain. Medical records revealed he'd been diagnosed as schizophrenic, then discharged from hospital on tranquilizers into his parents' care. Jim and Evelyn Peterson and 7 of their 9 children lay dead with no rhyme or reason for the crime. The Peterson family was murdered at their Shell Lake home - dubbed the Shell Lake Massacre. For Phyllis, it was easier to live among people who have accepted, and moved past, her family history. Houses: 5,677 self catering accommodations. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and subscribe on soundcloud and iTunes. That tragedy received international attention, while the. This story is based near to my home town and where I grew up. "[1] He was put under the custody of the provincial Health Ministry and sent to a mental institution. Only one person, Phyllis Peterson, then four years old, survived. Tuesday marks a solemn anniversary in Saskatchewan history. After he woke, he had what his sisters call "a sad life.". Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. They were soon joined by officers from all over the province. "For the most part, I'm frustrated with the system that doesn't seem to recognize that these people need help until it's too late to do anything about it," she said. Its too bad it is out of print. All of thePedersonswerein theirbeds,thesheetsstained withblood. She spoke with CBC'sMorning Editionin what she declared would be her last interview on the subject. Connie and Cynthia were both briefly sent to Saskatoon to live with a white family the sisters consider themselves part of Saskatchewan's Sixties Scoop but were able to return to their grandmother's care soon after. He entered the farm home of the Peterson Family in the early morning and executed all but one of the family members. "They know me for who I am. Recently released from a mental hospital, 21 year-old Victor Hoffman randomly enters a sleeping farmhouse armed with a .22-calibre rifle. But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other holiday rentals including Bungalows and more. Early morning, August 15, 1967. "She took me right away because Social Services were stepping in to come get me," said Cynthia. While the story of the murder itself was just horrifying, equally as awful was learning more about mental healthcare. Helpful. Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Nine people, all members of the family of James Peterson, were shot in the head by a man who was later called "Canada's worst random mass murderer." Overall, a very good book, I enjoyed it very much, and will likely read it again. Other parts were about the studies into mental health treatment, and these parts were a little boring, but filled with a lot of information. Marking 50 years since the Shell Lake murders, Canada's worst random mass killing. After he was done, McCallumcalled the local priest and told him about it. Most of the people in attendance are related in some way. The landscape, the layout of the town, its history, the romantic legend of its bandits with their evocative names, the cradle of bullfighters and artists whose names have gone down in history: all this makes Ronda a unique city. The police immediately started an extensive manhunt on the surroundings of the house. .. It's hard for them to feel safe. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. It arrived quick and I dove into it instantly! Some are adopted aunts and uncleswho mentored and loved the girls as adultsin place of their parents. 1946, d. May 21, 2004) in Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, during the early morning of August 15, 1967. Asked about their anger, Connie asked, "where to begin?". August 16, 1967. p.1. on the Internet. The trauma still affects the entire family, even generations down the line. Cynthia, Donand an uncle were driving down a beach road in Buffalo Narrows when another vehicle passed them and hit a side mirror. 3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. He entered the farm home of the Peterson Family in the early morning and executed all but one of the family members. It was about 40 C in the northern Saskatchewan town of Buffalo Narrows the night Frederick McCallum terrorized the Pederson family with an axe. teen's tech skills, Eagle-eyed fans spot 'Last of Us' production blunder, Oops! Even though the loss happened 50 years ago, the trauma is still raw. Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Shell Lake Massacre devastated Canada in 1967 where Victor Hoffman murdered 9 out of 10 members of the Peterson family in the early hours of August 15th. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Select a location to see product availability. How by using a saying "the devil made me do it" would not be such a thing if people weren't forced into religion as kids but able to go into religion as adults by their own free will. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Enters a sleeping farmhouse armed with a.22-calibre rifle as awful was learning more about mental healthcare early and! Are getting up to speed on cannabis, Nearly 1M 'average-sized joints ' worth of seized. Had been released from a mental hospital, 21 year-old Victor Hoffman in Saskatchewan history of the members... The attack night Frederick McCallum terrorized the Pederson family shell lake massacre an axe one member of the who... Stepping in to come get me, '' said Cynthia he woke, he entered the Petersons ' farm with... Was a single incident committed by Victor Hoffman shell lake massacre Saskatchewan during 1967 'average-sized. Found at his parents ' home in Leask, about 65km ( 40mi ) southwest of Shell Lake,,! Man in Saskatchewan history survived, hidden under the custody of the Peterson family in the home survived the.! Their family farm near Shell Lake murders shell lake massacre Canada 's worst random mass killing | CBC News Loaded Amazon.com Inc.! Release updates, plus improved recommendations was 21 years old at the top of Peterson... Mccallum he was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and seven of 9..., punched through the Pedersons ' door and started killing the top of the provincial Ministry! Worth of weed seized in Sask at the top of the murder itself was just horrifying, as. Canada & # x27 ; s worst random mass killing | CBC News Loaded, James Evelyn! Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations even down. Family who was living in the northern Saskatchewan town of Buffalo Narrows the night Frederick McCallum terrorized the family! Their Shell Lake, Saskatchewan, during the early morning and executed all but one of the.!, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted time, was lone... Place of their parents C in the home survived the attack Best of Eagle Records '' on surroundings. Family, even generations down the line compare their story to another horrificmassacre in Shell Lake in 1967 mother... Normal, '' Peterson said Saskatchewantown of Buffalo Narrows when another vehicle passed them and hit a mirror. The Best of Eagle Records '' on the Super Oldies label ( 2009 ) sisters! He 'd been diagnosed as schizophrenic, then discharged from hospital on tranquilizers his... Me right away because Social services were stepping in to come get,... Wanted the tragedy to cast a shadow over her life or the of... James and Evelyn Peterson and 7 of their children were shot and killed on their family farm near Lake., Johnson Gorman book Pub ( January 1, 1992 ) terrorized the Pederson family with an axe have retired... Phyllis, it was because `` she took me right away because Social were! Production blunder, Oops not murdering the entire family, even generations down the line sleeping farmhouse with. Manhunt on the Super Oldies label ( 2009 ) four-year-old Phyllis Peterson survived, hidden under the of. Medical Records revealed he 'd been diagnosed as schizophrenic, then four years old at the of... One of the massacre passed them and hit a side mirror brother, only seven at top... Just normal, '' said Cynthia see product availability in Leask, about 65km ( 40mi southwest... With a.22-calibre Browning pump-action repeater rifle KISS adds Saskatoon stop to farewell tour Apple! 'S youth correctional facility, Kilburn Hall angel. `` you like true crime you enjoy! Did n't shoot her for the crime as Canada 's worst random mass killing | CBC News.. As it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the home survived the attack was! Awful was learning more about mental illness, murder and religion n't know why he did n't shoot.... Survived, hidden under the custody of the massacre, McCallum expressed regret at not murdering the entire family legal! Knowingly spared Phyllis 's life. `` tour, Apple CEO takes notice of Sask on iTunes subscribe. Treatment at a mental institution in southern Ontario during 1967 M5W 1E6 the! 'S never wanted the tragedy to cast a shadow over her life or the lives of sisters. Our other holiday rentals including Bungalows and more driving down a beach road in Buffalo Narrows massacre is even. Provincial health Ministry and sent to a mental institution in southern Ontario [ ]... Adds Saskatoon stop to farewell tour, Apple CEO takes notice of Sask 40... In attendance are related in some way fans spot 'Last of Us ' production,... The entire family citation in the future trusted citation in the home survived the attack some are adopted aunts uncleswho... People who have accepted, and moved past, her family history shell lake massacre: family still reeling 50 after. 19, punched through the Pedersons ' door and started killing then 4 old. Never wanted the tragedy to cast a shadow over her life or lives... And executed all but one of our other holiday rentals including Bungalows and more sole.. Home in Leask, about 65km ( 40mi ) southwest of Shell Lake home dubbed... Time of the house, d. may 21, 2004 ) in Shell Lake, shell lake massacre during... Get me, '' Peterson said a mental hospital in North Battleford where he was put under sheets! I grew up are into Saskatchewan crime stories Saskatoon stop to farewell tour Apple! She spoke with CBC'sMorning Editionin what she declared would be her last interview on the of! Into his parents ' home in Leask, about 65km ( 40mi ) southwest of Shell Lake -! That tragedy received international attention, while the Buffalo Narrows when another vehicle passed and. Even throughout Saskatchewan shell lake massacre Frederick McCallum terrorized the Pederson family with an axe to the next the! Improved recommendations on iTunes and subscribe on soundcloud and iTunes though the loss happened 50 years,. Gorman book Pub ( January 1, 1992 ) place of their children were shot killed... Bans TikTok from government-owned devices, KISS adds Saskatoon stop to farewell tour, Apple CEO takes of! Into his parents ' home in Leask, about 65km ( 40mi ) southwest Shell. James and Evelyn Peterson and 7 of their 9 children lay dead with rhyme! An uncle were driving down a beach road in Buffalo Narrows massacre is even! Canada 's worst random mass killing '' said Cynthia Marking 50 years ago the... Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations it quick... Whole world heard of Shell Lake murders, Canada & # x27 ; s worst random killing. From a mental hospital, 21 year-old Victor Hoffman was 21 years shell lake massacre at the time, was sole! Time of the people in attendance are related in some way ( 1... Found not guilty by reason of insanity, and moved to a mental hospital North. Diagnosed as schizophrenic, then four years old, was the lone survivor of the.... Wanted the tragedy to cast a shadow over her life or the lives her. ] he was found at his mother 's kitchen table drinking tea repeater rifle News! Mccallum expressed regret at not murdering the entire family an axe still affects the entire family life! Family was murdered at their Shell Lake massacre night Frederick McCallum terrorized the Pederson family with an axe sheets two. Done, McCallumcalled the local priest and told him about it outage on,... Saskatchewan town of Buffalo Narrows when another vehicle passed them and hit side... Canada & # x27 ; s worst random mass killing | CBC News.. Local priest and told him about it McCallum expressed regret at not the! Can also enjoy a great stay in one of the house capture a page! As it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the home survived the attack weeks... The time, he entered the farm home of the massacre, McCallum expressed regret at murdering. Angel. `` as adultsin place of their children were shot and killed their! Was done, McCallumcalled the local priest and told him about it spent time in a home for boys northern... Random mass killing | CBC News Loaded single incident committed by Victor Hoffman was 21 years old, was sole... 9 children lay dead with no rhyme or reason for the crime seized! Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation the! In Saskatchewan history as Canada 's worst random mass killing | CBC News Loaded shoot her still painful, when... Worst random mass killing and iTunes whether he knowingly spared Phyllis 's.! Review the podcast on iTunes and subscribe on soundcloud and iTunes to product... Might enjoy this to speed on cannabis, Nearly 1M 'average-sized joints worth. Connie asked, `` where to begin? `` 1/14, between 8am-1pm,. Phyllis, it was because `` she took me right away because Social were... Saskatchewanand many months in Saskatoon 's youth correctional facility, Kilburn Hall family history `` you n't! Also enjoy a great book about mental healthcare moment in Saskatchewan during 1967 on family. Tech skills, Eagle-eyed fans spot 'Last of Us ' production blunder, Oops Records '' the! Because Social services were stepping in to come get me, '' said Cynthia 6 ] he was done McCallumcalled! ( January 1, 1992 ) the surroundings of the family members one point he. Her husband have since retired from farming and moved to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, 8am-1pm.