Arkansans Are Still Haunted By The Ghastly Halloween Murders That Will Never Be Forgotten

Markle was a 46-year old man living with his wife and two kids in Little Rock. He worked as an investor for Stephens, Inc. He was successful at work, rapidly earning promotions and well-performing accounts.

On Nov. 13th, 1987, Markle was put on medical leave by the company and three days after that Markle would snap.

Markle was the son of Academy Award-winning Mercedes McCambridge. Her most famous role was the voice of the demon from the classic 1973 film, The Exorcist. It may not be a significant connection but it is worth noting the entire crew of the movie has suffered tremendous bad luck ever since the film's release. The Markle Murders are just one more bullet point on a long list of misfortunes. Let's return to John though.

Unfortunately the house pictured isn't a set piece from a horror film, it's the Markles' home and final resting place. John Markle drugged the family (including himself) with an antidepressant that caused drowsiness. Late in the night he shot his wife Christina and two daughters, Amy (13) and Suzanne (9). Besides the drugs, other clues were recovered to prove Markle had planned the murders in advance.

Some days before the shootings, Markle had voided his previous will and replaced it with a handwritten one left at the scene. The updated will left nothing for his wife nor children. Another note was also found addressed to Markle's mother. In the lengthy note Markle details his mother's failings and casts her as a neglectful and uncaring parent. He also makes it clear that she had no previous knowledge of his plans, business or criminal. Keep this in mind as we press forward with the story.

The house is still standing (although we don't recommend any visiting other than a quick drive-by), the old Victorian home is located in the historic Quapaw District in Little Rock.

The only reason the neighbors didn't call police after the first gun shot was because of a freak thunderstorm. The storm broke a fall dry spell and muted the 14 shots that were fired by Markle.

After the initial investigation, police discovered why Markle had been placed on leave. The company was actually reviewing Markle's seemingly stellar accounts (including some tied to his mother's fortune) because they suspected embezzlement. Markle realized he was about to lose it all and be imprisoned in a matter of time, so he decided to end it all.

Mercedes McCambridge refused to comment on any of the happenings, even up until her death in 2004. Her and other account holders were stuck in litigation well into the nineties.