Iowa's Largely Unknown Pickaxe Murders, the Irwin Family Murders
In Des Moines, Iowa in 1946, a family man named William Irvin killed his whole family (except one son) as he was dealing with severe mental issues. He was committed to an insane aslyum where he ended up dying 3 years after the murders.
If you have any suggestions for any crime locations, infamous crimes or infamous people you want me to cover, (mostly around WA state as that is where I live but any state is fine) send me a message on facebook or instagram @ infamous crime locations.
Thank you for checking out my channel. If you enjoy crime related content and especially seeing me go to where these crimes happen, definitely subscribe and hit the bell to get notified of every new video. And as always, my name is Harmin and thank you for watching.
#infamouscrimelocations #visitingcrimescenes #irwinfamilymurders
Пікірлер: 402
All the news ever talks about are the villisca axe murders but I feel that this one is hardly ever mentioned or even known about. Hope you all enjoyed and RIP to the Irvin family. This was one of the craziest cases I have seen.
@mydyisgod
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve never heard about it at all! TSMFS
@andrewdaley3081
3 жыл бұрын
You will have a hundred thousand subscribers by the end of the year. Andy England 🇬🇧👍
@sarah2.017
3 жыл бұрын
I'm a lifelong Midwesterner and never heard of this one either, on top of the Denison murder/suicide by the battered wife who couldn't live that way any more and didn't want her kids to suffer either.
@sarah2.017
3 жыл бұрын
Plus, the Villisca axe murder is unsolved and that's one of the reasons it's been so heavily discussed over the years.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
@@andrewdaley3081 Bro that would be amazing. Mind would be blown🤯 Thanks for the support man
That is just insane. I have never even seen a pic axe that size. My mind is blown
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Literally the biggest pick axe I have ever seen too. 😲
@chicochi3
3 жыл бұрын
I wonder if he put his own handle on it. Wouldn't be difficult.
@suedesilets5660
3 жыл бұрын
I have seen those for breaking up lake ice for fishing!
@heartmommyinpa
3 жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing
@aliciasimmons8473
2 жыл бұрын
Dam that is insane as big as a person wow
Rest in peace to the mom and her kids
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely Susan. Such a sad outcome for them. Glad the 11 yr old wasn't there at the time.
@Me-to1ue
2 жыл бұрын
@@InfamousCrimeLocations what ended up happening to billy jr?
Holy hell! Lived in Iowa my whole life and had no idea about this one. That’s why you’re so great Harmon😀
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
See that is what is so interesting. I'm glad to shed light on ones like this that are pretty unknown. Again, thanks for watching! P.S. what can I call you as I'm not sure how to say your username
@jamiedoughty6703
3 жыл бұрын
Same here. Never heard about this until now.
@syndi301
3 жыл бұрын
They probably didn't want to tell the home buyers or talk about it for weeks didn't want to spook people
i wonder what happened to the oldest son and how he felt when he heard what happened to his family
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I wish I had an answer to that. Couldn't find anything. I hope he was able to live a positive happy life after.
@JM-cl2ts
3 жыл бұрын
www.findagrave.com/memorial/90426748/william-cornell-irwin
@royalreviews5270
3 жыл бұрын
@@JM-cl2ts thank you I can't believe he died 9 years ago or that he served in the vietnam and another war
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
@@JM-cl2ts thanks! They had another sibling who died 7 yrs before the massacre. I didn't know that either
@lisas8244
3 жыл бұрын
@@JM-cl2ts Thank you for sharing this info with us.
Another well documented and explained story - keep them coming - thank you. RIP Irwin family
I wonder if William committed suicide because under treatment, he finally understood what he had done. He was probably very lonely too because who was left to visit him? Sad situation all around. Thanks for the vlog/video, Eric!
Wow! After he was hit by that car something definitely happened in his head maybe suffering from an aneurysms or something which is quite painful and very hard to detect back in those days! Another great story thank you Harmin stay safe and healthy ❤️🙏
@ijustdidahugeshit
3 жыл бұрын
Please explain in simple English
Wow! I live in Iowa, close to Des Moines and didn't know this. Thanks!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
That's why I enjoy doing ones like this that are not as well known. Thank you again billi!! 👍😃
*Thank you for sharing this.* You are awesome at what you do!
@Jackgritty28
2 жыл бұрын
Killed with an axe in 1946, William Irwin was insane, he was damaged by an accident, he was nervous after that incident, he seems incoherent, ridiculous behaviour of a fool, a bystander caught in the crossfire, officers finally get him, killed in the front yard🚩✅
Man you are so good at this! Thanks for giving us something cool to watch! Better than anything on tv!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Very thankful to hear you say that. At least my content is free. Thanks dee for your kind words!!
Sad!! Crazy for a man to kill his Mom , kids and wife.
@ijustdidahugeshit
3 жыл бұрын
Please explain in simple English
@petet4887
2 жыл бұрын
Sounds like crazy John List
@jasonprice5307
2 жыл бұрын
Neither here nor there but that's the best "handle" u could think of my guy 🤔@@ijustdidahugeshit
Great upload, Harmin. I've binged almost every video lol and i am really enjoying your content! Keep it up and i wish you lots of well deserved success. ✌️from Canada.!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Aww thanks so much. So happy to hear that bailey! Much more to come. :)
The house appears remarkably the same except a built-in porch now. Yes it be hard to enjoy the yard if one knew what happened there. Tragic! Ty Harmin for the story.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I agree baba. I couldn't live in a place like that which had a mass murder happen there. Very sad indeed!!
I often wonder if the people who move into these homes later on know what happened there. Great video!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing. I definitely could not live there if I knew that happened there. Thanks dano!!
You're good at what you do! Iowan who has never heard of this either!👍
That dude was a straight killer bro 😲 thanks for the information that you find and the great vids you put out... Keep up the good work 😎👊 *this is another one I never heard of* My condolences to the deceased families... That's a shame about the lil girl 🙁
This was great as I'm from Iowa. Crazy deaths here. Not just corn country😉🤣🤣. I saw you on my favorite You Tube show, Coffee Talk!! You were amazing. Thank you for sharing. ❤👍
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Debbie!! I was wondering if there would be some people from the show pop on over here. So cool to see that. It will be cool to see the video when he puts it up on his channel. Thanks again Debbie!! :)
@debbiemoeller2169
3 жыл бұрын
@@InfamousCrimeLocations i will tell others to subscribe!!
Hi Eric, be careful saying the S word as a lot of other channels are not saying it no just putting the word on screen or bleeping the uicide part of the word out, it's something to do with yt's community guidelines and you can apparently get demonetised which we obviously don't want to happen. I feel sorry for the victims but I also feel so sorry for the 11yr old who survived as he had to then grow up without his parents, siblings and grandma. The 2 houses were so close, it must have been horrible for anyone in earshot, thank god the police officers were unharmed, William was definitely put in the right place. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💖🙏
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey sue! I realized that after uploading this. That's why I try not to say rape or suicide as those are both words that a video can get flagged. 🤞 this video won't get demonitized.
@SueGirling68
3 жыл бұрын
@@InfamousCrimeLocations I'm crossing fingers too. xx
Also, there was the Love brothers murders down in Green Valley Trailer Park in Mt. Pleasant Iowa. Lived there myself in my teens.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
hey shawn! I don't think I have heard of that case. If I get back to iowa, will try to film that. Thanks man!
Greeting from Honduras Central América, binge on your videos good luck! Blessings!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Wow that is amazing!! I am so honored and thrilled that someone from honduras is watching my videos. Thank you!!
Hi Eric yes this was crazy one they should not have let him out thank you as always another good video 👍
I’ve been binge watching your vids, so I was thrilled when I seen you uploaded again!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
👍💚💚 That's so awesome. Monday and Friday is my schedule but will try to throw in more throughout the week when possible.😃
You know, I have a hard time watching things that involve kids, so what i usually do is look up the story first and if i see the first sign about any kids being hurt or killed, then I won't watch the video..When I saw that you had this one out, I did my usual thing and tried to research it, but there is absolutely NOTHING online about it...other than reference to your video. You are right, the Villisca murders all over the place, but this one is not. I watched your video anyway. Thank you for doing this, and it's awesome that you are keeping the victims remembered. You are the only one from what I can tell who is on this story...You're awesome and as always..another great video with remembrance and respect for the victims...:)
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey kj! I definitely understand what you mean. I feel that these victims need to be remembered as there is really no other videos I have seen on this one. Thanks again!! 😃
Harmin I find it very strange that most family murders all happen in Iowa sooo sad may all the families' rest in peace😢
Do you know if they have a memorial for them? It's so sad. I can't wrap my mind around how someone could murder their own children. Rip little ones.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Becky, I unfortunately didn't see one or hear about one. It would have been nice if they did.
@cheyennewilson4573
2 жыл бұрын
Insane or not god did not tell him to do that satan told him r i p to his wife and children
Your videos are so awesome man keep up the awesome work 👍❤️ rip to the mother and child
Wow! You bring stories I've never heard of. Keep them coming 👍🏽
Hi Harmin! I hope you're having a wonderful day. Thanks for the video. Happy late Valentine's day!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey jasmine! I'm doing pretty good. Was interviewed on a talk show about my channel today so very excited to share that when it comes out. For me it was singles day but one day will have a valentine. 😃👍
@jazy7832
3 жыл бұрын
@@InfamousCrimeLocations Who knows maybe your future valentine is somewhere in the comments lol. That's awesome can't wait to see it.
i live have lived about 2 hours from Des Moines my whole life, and thats quite a few years lol, and my son lives in a suburb of Des Moines and have never heard of this! This story does make me miss nice weather though, 2 feet of snow on the ground and 10 below zero rightnow. I would love it to be that kind of weather again! Thanks for the great video!!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I miss nice weather too. I try to find a good mixture of known and unknown cases. Thanks sherri
Such a wild case! RIP to his family🙏🏼 Thanks for another great video, hope you have a good week!
@ijustdidahugeshit
3 жыл бұрын
Please explain in simple English
Wow..... I can't imagine my neighbor bringing me something and acting completely normal then 15 minutes later see him chasing his mother, wife and kids around the yard with a pickaxe, murdering them! Great video Harmin!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I think that's what makes this one more terrifying was one minute he seemed perfectly fine and then 15 mins later he is out of his mind. Then a little later he is ok again. It was like bi-polar but to the extreme. Thank you leslie for watching. Appreciate your support!
Love your channel Harmin and your narration style in particular the exact and factual research of the topic and the respect and empathy you display towards these tragic cases especially the children. You give us a sense of who they all were as individuals and you are honouring the lives of the innocents. Thanks so much totally addicted!🤩Thanks so much for all your hard work and the time you go to. Love from Sandra in Sydney Australia 🐨🇦🇺
Merry Christmas Harmon. Your vids have helped me through some awful times this year. Praying that you and your family have happiness and success in the new year 🙏
Nice job Harmin! What an unbelievable thing that someone could lose their mind and just do this in broad daylight without thinking twice. NICE editing and storytelling Sir! PS about 100 subscribers came to fishandflwithgus from our collaboration (5,000 views!). You guys are awesome thank you for the incredibly warm reception to that video NZ also for subscribing to my channel!!! It’s been so much fun doing some collaborations with this guy. Stay warm everyone! 🔥Gus
@teamlosi11
3 жыл бұрын
and also*
You are doing so great! I really like your channel and how you tell the story.❤️
I love your channel because you tell the story from the actual location. I appreciate your hard leg work you put in.
@ijustdidahugeshit
3 жыл бұрын
Please explain in simple English
Just discovered your channel! Love it.
Another good one Harmon!
Happy Valentines ❣️🥂 Tranquil place now to walk around ‼️But I still would have been a little spooked out😳 staying tuned in ‼️
Thanks brother love the video.
I wonder if the family living in the house knows what happened their.
@randallgreen6746
3 жыл бұрын
"there"
@christinasanchez588
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@tracywarbritton2811
3 жыл бұрын
If it's a small town, then they probably know. Just a thought.
@oky_890
3 жыл бұрын
They probably don't care as long as they have a roof over their heads and aren't threatened with eviction.
@christinasanchez588
3 жыл бұрын
@@oky_890 true
Harmin I love this channel I can’t wait for Monday’s n Friday keep it going much love
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
So cool to hear lori!! I am glad I can provide at least a few days a week of something for you to watch!
Good job Harmin, you have been popping some great ones out there. There not the same you hear repeated over, and over. This was such a horrible crime, I can just see them all running around trying to get away. This hard to get out of your mind, the fear they must have felt.
I wish you could do the Scott & Laci Peterson case. Your videos are so intriguing!! I love that you tell us about less covered cases, mostly. Thanks for all you do!!❤❤
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Great suggestion Renee! I do plan on getting to california in the summer so will try to get that one done. I do enjoy the ones that are less known though but sometimes will do the well known ones like scott and laci peterson.
@rtatum1
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds great!!! Oh my goodness, I’m sooo glad I found your channel!! Be safe traveling. ❤️❤️
I am hooked on your channel and Lamont at Large😄 thank you guys for taking us to your adventure🙏
I never saw a pickaxe that big, when he bought that he had to think what he was going to do with it, wow I feel bad for the son that survived, he had to go through a lot, I'll make bet he was never the same, and all those people who died that way, senseless murder, thank you for bringing this to us, I never heard of this one, hugs
Thank you for all of your hard work!!!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel Christy!
Thanks for posting! Great story!
New subbie here and loving your video. Will definitely be watching more. Such interesting videos in our insane world. Thank you
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Welcome to the channel. 👍😃
Wow. Never heard about this one. Thanks
Just found your channel and have been binge watching
May they Rest In Peace🙌🙏💐💔🌷
Harmon your doing a fantastic job love your videos
I was quick bro... Watching now 😄😄
Horrific. Thank you Harmin for bringing us their story. May they RIP 🪦
Early again. I'm a new subscriber.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
💚💚 You're on the notification quick. 😃 Thanks Christina, welcome to the channel
@christinasanchez588
3 жыл бұрын
We are experiencing a historic winter storm here in Houston Texas and I'm staying warm and binge watching your videos.
@1Grandma62
3 жыл бұрын
I’m new to your channel
Love your channel and content. You are always respectful of the dead for which I commend you.Great job!
Love your channel!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks eve!! So happy to hear that. The more people share my videos, the more my channel will continue to grow. 😃
Thank you for letting know about this family , this is the first time I ever heard this.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely blaze. I try to find ones that are known and unknown. This one caught me eye.
I like how you break the video up with the section titles. It gives a great story outline. Surprised more videos aren't like this, I've seen it on television hundreds of times.
Hey Harmin...spooky..it is so out there what some people can do such evil evil acts....
Harmin I am so so sorry for what happened to those kids and mom if only his threats were taken seriously but sometimes you never know as always thanks for all the hard work you do
Another really very interesting video and really enjoyed it!
So sad this happen🥺 the devil told him, not God. God is for life not death.
@petmomful2260
3 жыл бұрын
Nonsense. No one knows why this stuff happens. No one even knows if there is a god or a devil. People made that stuff up in ancient times to explain the world around them. Probably just mental illness. Don't make a religious thing about it.
@screamingtima1318
3 жыл бұрын
@@petmomful2260 You are allowed to believe what you want, but then so is everyone else, so no need to spout your shit at people just because you don’t agree! Angel, I agree with you btw. :)
@petmomful2260
3 жыл бұрын
@@screamingtima1318 I can comment on KZread just like anyone else. Whether you agree with me or not.
@susan7090
3 жыл бұрын
@@petmomful2260 okay “petmom ful”. Riddle me this: how did you get here? Okay, how did they get here? Your parents that is. Okay, how did your grandparents get here? Okay, how did your great grandparents get here? Okay...... you keep going. Let me know when you reach the end. If you get to the “Big Bang theory” what started the Big Bang? Blah blah blah .... you’ll never get to the end. This should keep you busy so you don’t have time to devalue other people’s beliefs without empathy.
@petmomful2260
3 жыл бұрын
@@susan7090 We just don't know for sure yet. But that does not mean that we should make up a god. I have lots of empathy, I just think religion is nonsense. There simply is no proof for it. I always just get told I am going to hell when I try to point that out. Riddle me this. How come there are so many gods, which one is the real god?
Wow, what a crazy case!
Good story Harmin.
You amazing guy… thanks for sharing this
Thanks Harmin very interesting and very tragic RIP to the Irwin family 🇬🇧
Good video man
Thanks for the video. Interesting and sad! Greetings from South Africa.
Thanks, great video! 😮
Never heard of this case before. Horrifying as it is your presentation was excellent. Cheers.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I know this totally went under the radar. Thanks lossie for watching!
great video! very sad story!
This is heartbreaking, I can't believe William did this.
Thank you for sharing. Please take care of yourself.
Harmin your video ain't going to do that house sale any good 😂😂 nice video
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Haha. Good point paul. Well I feel that it's part of the story and part of history so it should be documented. Thanks paul and see you on the next one man!
Hi harmon do great work
I’m new here.. 💕Love your channel. 🥰Your doing a great job. Are you acting at all anymore? Your so talented honey! Keep it up! Be safe!!!✨Much love to you from Richmond Maine 💕✌🏻🦋
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Judy! Welcome to the channel. Are you saying that because I resemble freddie highmore? lol. Thanks very much. I have always wanted to visit maine. One day I will.
New sub! Stumbled upon your channel a few days ago and have been binge watching. Turned my neighbor onto your channel too. I've been a true crime fan for years and I'm really enjoying the variety of cases you present...both well known and the more obscure cases. I appreciate the research, your travels to the actual locations and the respectful manner you approach each case with. Much success to you! P.S. I have to say it...every video I watch I think the same thing...your eyebrow game is on point!! Lol! You have the most expressive eyebrows and I love it! 😍🙃😉
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey welcome erica to the channel! Thanks for the support and sharing my channel with others. I never thought about my own eyebrows. Lol. But thanks for the nice compliment. 😃👍
@ericaveillette6388
3 жыл бұрын
@@InfamousCrimeLocations Haha! Meant as a compliment. Truly enjoy your work. Wondering how you started on this journey...possible Livestream topic one day? 🤔
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
@@ericaveillette6388 I do plan on doing some livestreams soon. 👍😃
Nice video to wake up to! Thanks as always! Namaste, God Speed 💚
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey michelle! I am so glad to hear that. Much appreciated as always. 👍😀💙
Excellent detective work.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you nadia!!😃
Nice story, Eric. I think spending some time in a 1930s "Insane asylum" would turn anybody into a (pick) axe murderer 😉😅
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, as asylums were not designed very well in how they treated their patients, I agree frank. I'm wondering if that stint there did him any good or just simply made it worse. But the question is, what would have helped William from committing this terrible act?
If you're ever in Illinois you could do a video about Simon peter Nelson. He killed his 6 children in the mid 70's. It was heartbreaking.
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Hey candice! I will see if I can make it back out that direction. Will put it on my list. Thanks for the suggestion!!
I always wonder if the people who currently live in these murder houses have any idea of the crime or history of their home. Another interesting video, Harmon. Thank you.
😱😱 that must have been scene..shocking
I love your channel Harmon!! I have a question about this case. The one part of your video it has a picture of police at the scene and the address is 2309 and the house your showing is 2307. It looks like the same house but I wonder if it changed numbers over the years. Keep up the great content!! Your channel is the best!!!👍
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah they must have altered the address by a few numbers maybe to change the horrible history of the house. Thanks rob!!
Wow, this is wild!
Aunt Edith was my great grandfather's youngest sister. For the most part, BIll Irwin is remembered by the family as an otherwise very nice guy. Except, of course, for him having ended up killing my grandma's namesake aunt and two of her cousins. The sad dangers of unmedicated paranoid schizophrenia.
Harmin after viewing several of your videos, the thought has come to my mind: Have you ever been approached or even threatened when you film the properties where crimes happened? I know you’re very respectful and would never trespass, thus what you do is perfectly legal. I’m just saying if I thought someone was filming my house and I saw them, I might respectfully ask them what they were doing and why. Again, you’re very respectful but you know how nowadays somebody might try to attack you or something! Be safe!
@danielhartin7680
3 жыл бұрын
I was wondering the same thing, especially since he's giving out the exact addresses. That, I would not appreciate.
Harmin, you need to do some lives so I can donate to your channel! You are amazing and I love everything you do 💖
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I plan on doing some livestreams a few times a month coming up. 👍💚
@twistednerd23
3 жыл бұрын
Wohoo lives. Yes please.
@pharmgirlupinhere6459
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah!!! I'm so excited!!
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
@@pharmgirlupinhere6459 😃👍 Yes!! Will shoot for a week or so from now
Awesome vid Harmin! Thanks! Everybody stay warm! And safe!
Wow. Running around chasing folks with THAT??????!!!!! WTF. CRAZED. RIP
Wow just wow
I'll have to remember never to vacation anywhere in Iowa
Thanks Harman, great video. Did the little girl die? Now days they'd of blown him away before he could take a swing at the little boy while he was saying. "What are you guys doing here?". Think of the time it took to dial the police. You either had to go through the operator or dial 7 numbers, plus back then many people had Party Lines. (You shared your line with someone else. So if you picked up, you may hear someone else talking.). Since there was no 911 back then. I was surprised you didn't show thief graves. Still, another great video. 👍
Enjoy your channel. Once again, what’s up with Iowa murders?
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
There have been so many family murders there that I filmed. It is interesting considering that Iowa has a way smaller population than a good chunk of all other states.
Hello harmin... Hi everyone..
@teamlosi11
3 жыл бұрын
Hello hello!!
Holy cow. Never heard of this one either. Do you know what happened to the son that was away?
@InfamousCrimeLocations
3 жыл бұрын
I will keep looking but couldn't find any articles mentioning that. If he is still alive today, he would be about 85. Hope he had a great, positive life after this
Wow 😮