28 - The Murder of Mabel Mayer

A 1927 California murder, once called "California's worst crime," but now little-remembered.  A 15-year-old girl is slain at a vacant house amidst a series of other attacks possibly by the same offender.

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“2 women hear girl's scream,” Oakland Tribune, July 5, 1927.
“Actions of radium man are sifted,” Woodland Daily Democrat, July 14, 1927.
“Barnett is cleared in Mayer girl death quiz,” Oakland Tribune, March 22, 1929.
“Barnett is described as Santa Claus,” Oakland Tribune, March 20, 1929.
“Barnett is given 20 years,” Oakland Tribune, March 21, 1929.
“Brother of dead girl mystified; had no enemies, he is certain,” Oakland Tribune, July 4, 1927.
“Employee of Barnett knew girl,” Oakland Tribune, March 20, 1929.
“Girl seen in auto on eve of murder,” Oakland Tribune, July 8, 1927.
“Here are clues in girl killing,” Oakland Tribune, July 5, 1927.
“Human wolf sought in Oakland murder,” Modesto News-Herald, July 8, 1927.
“Kidnapper involves boy friend of girl in Mabel Mayer murder mystery,” Oakland Tribune, March 20, 1929.
“Live clue in Oakland girl murder case spurs police,” Modesto News-Herald, July 5, 1927.
Logan, Guy B.H.  Great Murder Mysteries.  London: Stanley Paul, 1931.
“Man, 35, accused of assaulting girl, 13,” Modesto News-Herald, July 30, 1927.
“Man accused of kidnapping held in jail,” Oakland Tribune, February 15, 1929.
“Man linked to victim of mystery,” Oakland Tribune, March 20, 1929.
Marshall, Donald L. “Who killed 'Sunshine Mabel'?” True Detective Mysteries 12:3 (December 1929).
“Mother not to look on slain girl,” Oakland Tribune, July 4, 1927.
“Murder of girl baffles police,” Modesto News-Herald, July 7, 1927.
“Murder of girl denied by prisoner,” Oakland Tribune, March 20, 1929.
“Plane hunt for Salinas jail breakers” Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, September 10, 1927/
“Oakland girl murdered by maniac, say authorities,” Modesto News-Herald, July 6, 1927.
“Raving youth is suspect in girl murder,” Oakland Tribune, July 14, 1927.
“Rich man faces felony charge,” Oakland Tribune, January 22, 1929.
"The horrible experience of Mr. John Smith,” Modesto New-Herald, July 7, 1927.
“Trunk is new clue in girl murder case,” Oakland Tribune, July 4, 1927.
“Two 'auto sheiks,' named by former suspect, now hunted in girl murder,” Oakland Tribune, July 7, 1927.
“Woman is hunted as murderer,” Oakland Tribune, July 5, 1927.
“Woman with grudge, new murder clue,” Oakland Tribune, July 6, 1927.
“Youth cleared in murder case,” Oakland Tribune, July 15, 1927.

Opening music by Kevin MacLeod.
Closing music by Soma.