They were killed with bullets from a .22 caliber rifle, which has never been found. Ladonna Mathis was shot twice in the head at point-blank range inside the family's metal shed serving as their makeshift home. This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. 'Horror In The Heartland' | Community | yankton.net South Dakota's Mathis Murders: Horror in the Heartland (True Crime) Wikimedia Commons. The brutality of the killings shocked the state and . Hamiel did something no other reporter has done for decades: He obtained comments from John Mathis. Lyle Swenson, then sheriff of Davison County, told the Republic 10 years ago that there was a possibility that Mathis had ditched the weapon in Lake Mitchell, or that an accomplice had helped him dispose of the rifle to cover up the crime. It was perhaps the most infamous murder case in state history. When a 30th anniversary article about the case was published, Duane agreed to be interviewed and was adamant that his father did not commit the murders. Mathis murders: 30 years later some authorities remain convinced of Was able to read it quickly though, I guess. South Dakota's Mathis Family Murders brought death and deception to the heartland. Hamiel wrote the book, 'South Dakota Mathis Murders: Horror in the. Of special note, ostensibly due to the case, South Dakota was one of the first states with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements. Hamiel's book is the most definitive single accounting of the Mathis case to date. "History Talks" Presentation on Mathis Murders FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon. Hamiel said it wouldve cost thousands of dollars for the notes to be found and transcribed.
