Posted in Idaho Creepy, History December 27, 2022 by

The Story Of Idaho’s Jack The Ripper Is A Disturbing Tale You Won’t Forget

With so much focus on true crime and scary stories out of Idaho as of recently, there’s no better time to learn about Idaho’s most notorious murderer (well, up until the horrifying Moscow, ID murder of four college students in their own beds in 2022). Although his crime (or crimes, we don’t really know) occurred more than half a century ago, this murderer’s wicked legacy will never be forgotten. Often referred to as “Idaho’s Jack the Ripper”, Raymond Snowden is considered the most infamous killer in our state’s history. He killed an innocent woman in cold blood in the most brutal of ways and paid for his crime with the death penalty, but some people say he still haunts our state to this very day. Have you heard of him before? If not, keep reading. If so, well, maybe you’ll learn something new:

Idaho may boast a reputation for low crime today, but that doesn't mean some terrible things haven't happened here.
Anthony/Findagrave
One of the most infamous crimes that took place in the Gem State was a murder - at least one, though it's unusual for a person who hasn't committed murder before to go all-out on their first time - by a man dubbed "Idaho's Jack the Ripper". His story is bound to send some chills down your spine, so buckle up.
Raymond Allen Snowden may be known as our state's Jack the Ripper, but he was only convicted of one murder. It's the utter brutality of it that garners the comparison, we think, as it was particularly brutal and incredibly heinous.
David M. habben/Findagrave
On September 23, 1956, Snowden violently murdered a mother of two - a woman by the name of Cora Dean - by stabbing her more than 30 times. It's believed that the murder took place during a scuffle after a long night of drinking. They may have been on a date, but it's thought that she rejected sexual advances by Snowden before he killed her. Snowden claimed that he hit Cora Dean and she, in turn, kicked him. Snowden then snapped and stabbed her multiple times with a 2.25-inch pocket knife.

That's ... a bit excessive if you ask us. Or, well, any sane person.
The murder took place in Garden City and Cora's body was discovered by a paperboy the next day.
Jeff Hitchcock/Flickr
Snowden was arrested shortly afterward at Hannifin's Cigar Store in Boise. He entered the store after disposing of the murder weapon in a gutter in front of the shop. It's believed that he came into the place to use the restroom and perhaps clean the blood off of his hands. Hannifin's is still open to this day and you can visit it yourself, walking on the same floorboards that Idaho's most notorious killer walked upon being arrested.
Snowden was sentenced to death for the murder of Cora Dean.
Old Idaho Penitentiary/Google
He was then taken to the Old Idaho Penitentiary to serve his time until the sentence could be carried out. In prison, Snowden bragged of killing at least two other women, although he was never convicted of these claims and they have never been proven.
On October 18, 1957, Snowden's sentence was carried out.
frostygoth/TripAdvisor
His execution would be the last one to occur at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. His hanging took place in a newly constructed gallows room. However, it did not go according to plan.

The officers pulled the lever and the trap doors underneath Snowden opened up. Snowden's neck didn't snap right away, as it was supposed to. This means that Snowden ended up hanging for around 15 minutes, struggling to breathe, while the family of his victim watched in horror. The Old Idaho Penitentiary has since been turned into a museum that visitors are allowed to tour. Some visitors have reported stepping into the gallows room and hearing the sounds of Snowden struggling for his last breath.
Currently, Snowden lies in an unmarked grave in the prison's cemetery.
crazy4mickeyinVaca /TripAdvisor
His horrendous crime may have taken place long ago, but it seems like his spirit will continue to haunt the Gem State forever. His legacy is an ugliness that can't simply be forgotten; it's a thing of horror that we hope we'll never have to relive.

Idaho is such a friendly, low-crime state that it’s hard to imagine such terrible things could’ve happened here. For instance, did you know that the first female serial killer in the United States terrorized a small Idaho town? Yeah… that’s one we’re not too thrilled to call ours, that’s for sure.

If you can’t get enough of Idaho’s darker side, check out the seven places you should avoid in Idaho after dark. If you need something a little more positive, check out Boise, the safest city in Idaho.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Raymond Snowden

January 02, 2023
Tori Jane
  1. Who was Raymond Allen Snowden?  

Raymond Allen Snowden was known as the “Idaho Jack the Ripper,” as he was convicted of an utterly brutal slaying of a woman in 1956. Believe it or not, though, Snowden was far from the only notorious criminal to come out of Idaho.  

2. What are some of the most notorious murders in Idaho? 

There have been several notable crimes and murders in Idaho worthy of mentioning, with eerie cases such as:  

  • 2022: The brutal slayings of four University of Idaho students in their own beds 
  • 1996/1997/2005: Joseph Edward Duncan III 
  • 1985/1987: Paul Rhoades 
  • 1918: James B Watson 

 

3. How many serial killers have lived in Idaho?  

Believe it or not... more than you’d probably think. Some notable serial killers (or killers in general) that have called Idaho home include:  

  • Lyda Southard (Twin Falls) 
  • Paul Rhoades (Idaho Falls) 
  • The Snake River Killer (various) 
  • Joseph Edward Duncan (Coeur d’Alene)