The Salacious Murders of Alfred Wells

The true crime story involving a deformed man who had an an illicit affair with his sister, murdered most of his relatives, and left San Bernardino shook

Heather Monroe

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California, U.S., Prison and Correctional Records, 1851–1950

Around 8 PM on May 7, 1941, Lester Bellah and his wife drove to a Devore Heights party, rural San Bernardino County, California. Lester thought he heard a muffled voice yelling for help, but his wife didn’t hear a thing. Lester was rattled, but the couple continued to the party. They left the party at 10 PM for their nearby home. As Lester walked toward their porch steps, he heard the voice again, “Help! Help! Help…” He couldn’t tell if the voice was male or female, only that it was weaker than before. Lester decided to investigate with his friend, Lars Bjorkman.

The two men drove towards the end of the road, and the voice became louder.

“Who’s there?” Lester yelled in no particular direction.

“I’m here!” said a female. They walked into a wash towards the sound of her cries. On the rocky ground, they spotted a bleeding and distressed young woman.

“What happened to you?” Lester inquired.

The girl’s answer broke his heart. “I’ve been shot. Don’t bother with me; I’m done for. Go and find the baby. I tried…

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Heather Monroe

Welcome readers! Heather Monroe is a genealogist and writer who resides in California with her partner and their nine children. •True Crime• History• Memoir•