Sometimes no matter how calm and beautiful a state is, it can have a bloody past. This disturbing event is another red spot on the history of Kansas, but don’t let that keep you from loving it here — the perpetrators were taken care of long ago.

Can you imagine waking up one morning to an entire family’s death? In the small town of Holcomb, they still remember the events that transpired on November the 15th, 1959. For those who weren’t there to hear of this disturbing event, it went a little something like this:

Two men, by the names of Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith, were told of a great fortune that they couldn’t resist, by word of a fellow inmate. A large sum of $10,000 was allegedly kept in a safe, and it was their mission to get it. Hickock was released in November of 1959 but asked Smith to violate parole and come to Kansas to help with the crime. Together, they hatched their plan to steal the fortune.

However, once they entered the home that night, they found no safe and no money. In a fit of rage, they slaughtered all four members of the Clutter family, for seemingly no reason. They were both arrested in Vegas that December and were brought to court to be found guilty. During the trial, they both refused to testify, though it was found that Smith himself committed the murders. Hickock’s last words were only to the KBI agents, telling them he had “no hard feelings” before saying goodbye. Smith, however, used his last words to say that, “Capital punishment is legally and morally wrong.” That night, on April 14, 1965, they were both hanged for their crimes.

These murders inspired writer Truman Capote, and he visited with both criminals for details to include in his novel. Because of this book and the movie following it, the town of Holcomb doesn’t get any rest when it comes to this dark deed. You can learn more about the impact of this event in the video below.

The book and movie were inspired by the events of that day, but the town will remember them more vividly than any film can capture. Do you remember the events of that November day in 1959? Tell us about your experience in the comments, of you or your relatives during this terrifying event. Afterwards, check out this list of 11 of the deadliest Kansans to ever live.

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