True Crime Author shares the story of Earle Nelson and his Killarney Capture

Killarney's Lakeland Regional Library is partnering with the local arts council to share the story of Earle Leanard Nelson, one of the very first serial killers in North America.

San Fransiscan Nelson had a long list of victims in the United States and ducked American law enforcement by travelling to Winnipeg. He was caught and jailed in Killarney, but escaped, and then captured again south of Killarney, near Lena, in an attempt to skip the border back to the U.S. His capture is quite remarkable as it took community effort when communication and technology wasn't what it is today back in 1927.

A local group of performers, The Storytellers, will be bringing the story to the stage October 4-6 at the Killarney United Church. The one-act play was written by Betty Winterhall who now lives in Winnipeg, but grew up in Killarney as was very intrigued by the story of Earle Nelson, known as the Gorilla Man (for his huge hands).

Killarney library administrator, Krista Law, says they've invited the author of two books that delves into the history of the Gorilla Man Strangler to join them at the library on the Saturday of that weekend.

"We are lucky enough to have, Alvin Esau, the author of two books of Earle Nelson do an Author's Event for us on Saturday, October 5th," shares Law. "So, he'll be out and talking about his research on this nefarious character and selling his books. And this is to coincide with the play that is going to be performed on that weekend."

Alvin A.J. Esau has written 'The Gorilla Man Strangler Case' and '31 Murders' that shares the story and the research behind the process of writing these two true-crime books of unique Manitoba history.

"31 Murders' which is new is about following the trail of serial killer Earle Nelson and follows the murders that happened on the other side of the border as he committed most of the crimes south of us and then ran the border and was apprehended here," explains Law. "The Gorilla Man Strangler Case' is about being apprehended here in Killarney."

"So, we have both books available to borrow by Alvin Esau and he'll be coming to Killarney in October for that," she adds. "And we're really looking forward to that Author Event on Saturday, October 5th taking place at 2:00 pm."

Tickets to the stage performance are $15 and include a display as well as refreshments. Tickets can be purchased at the Heritage Home for the Arts in Killarney or at Lewis and Jones on Broadway.