John List Murders: The Westfield Family Tragedy
Discover the chilling story of John List, who killed his family in 1971 and vanished for decades, leaving a New Jersey town haunted by fear.
The John List murders shocked a quiet New Jersey suburb in December 1971. Police discovered five bodies in a Westfield mansion a mother, a wife, and three children all victims of a calculated killing. John List, a Sunday school teacher and accountant, left a note justifying his actions before disappearing for nearly 20 years. His crime left Westfield gripped by grief and fear, a stark reminder that even serene suburbs can hide unimaginable darkness.
The John List Family Murders
In December 1971, John List systematically murdered his family in their Westfield home. Police later discovered a confession letter explaining his motives, shocking the community and sparking a national manhunt.
The Impact on Westfield and Beyond
The murders left Westfield scarred, instilling fear and grief. The case highlighted how ordinary suburban life can conceal extreme violence and influenced law enforcement approaches to family-related homicides.
Confession Letter, Escape, and Investigation
List’s careful planning, escape, and two-decade evasion of authorities make this case a study in criminal psychology and investigative persistence, drawing attention from media and true crime enthusiasts alike.
Infamous Cold Cases and Suburban Crime
The John List case reflects larger patterns of cold cases and high-profile family murders in suburban America, showing how such crimes captivate national attention and influence public perception of safety.
This article is based on reporting from NJ.com and The Star-Ledger.
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Tags: john-list, westfield-nj, true-crime, serial-murders, father-wants-us-dead, cold-cases
