The Story Of Idaho’s Jack The Ripper Is A Disturbing Tale You Won’t Forget
With Halloween descending quickly upon us, there’s no better time to learn about Idaho’s most notorious murderer. Although his crime (or crimes) 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 Allen Snowden is considered the most infamous killer in our state’s history. He killed an innocent woman in cold blood 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.
Idaho may boast a reputation for low crime today, but that doesn't mean some terrible things haven't happened here. One of the most infamous crimes that took place in the Gem State was a murder 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. On September 23, 1956, Snowden violentally murdered a mother of two, Cora Dean, by stabbing her a total of 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. 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.
The murder took place in Garden City and Cora's body was discovered by a paperboy the next day. Snowden was arrested shortly afterward at Hannifin's Cigar Store in Boise.
Snowden entered the store after disposing of the murder weapon in a gutter in front of the shop. It's believed that he entered the store 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. 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.
On October 18, 1957, Snowden's sentence was carried out. 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 breath, while the family of his victim watched in horror. The Old Idaho Penitentiary has since been turned into a museum which 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. His horrendous crime may have taken place long ago, but it seems like his spirit will continue to haunt the Gem State forever.
