The Massacre
Horror Industries
The History of The Massacre
On a hot afternoon in August 1986 an elderly couple residing at 1966 Three Springs Rd. in Bowling Green KY was startled by a frail young woman named Deanna Keezel beating at their door and pleading for help. She was bruised, beaten, and wearing only the remnants of a bloody and tattered shirt. The macabre tale she told police would leave investigators and the community in shock.Otis Schaefer had moved to Bowling Green in February of the previous year. He had leased an apartment for the first three months of his stay but soon became interested in the home of Ian Lake at 1960 Three Springs Rd. He was also interested in his wife; Jennifer and three children: Carol age 11, John Michael age 9, and Leona age 3.Otis had met and befriended Ian at a job site and soon became infatuated with his comfortable family life. Otis began stalking Ian and ultimately invaded the home; savagely murdered the family and took up residence in the three story dwelling. Within a matter of months Schaefers thirst for blood had returned and he kidnapped and began torturing the young Deanna Keezel. Keezel had been walking alone at a nearby park when accosted by the maniacal killer and taken back to his newfound sanctuary. She was chained up in the kitchen and subjected to untold horrors for three weeks. When Deanna escaped from the home in late August the truth about the monster living in their community came out. Otis Schaefer was arrested later that evening and the sickening details emerged as police searched the residence. According to the story told by the killer he had entered the home late at night and killed the entire family, sparing only the youngest because he "did not have the heart to kill the child right away". Realizing he could not care for the child Schaefer killed the youngster soon thereafter. While Schaefer lived upstairs in the childrens bedroom and feasted on the flesh of the family, Deanna refused to partake in the macabre affair. Starving herself and accepting Schaefer's torture in place of death Deanna became so emaciated that she was able to loosen herself from her bindings and fled in search of help.While authorities searched the home Schaefer was taken into custody and questioned. During the interview Schaefer confessed and revealed the location of 2 other bodies on the premises. He later recanted this confession stating that these bodies and the remains of the Lake family were already in this state when he moved in. Although the official total stopped at 7 murders it is believed that Otis Schaefer may have killed up to 18 men, women, & children. Unfortunately for the victims families Schaefer was never convicted of any crime; he hanged himself in the Warren County Regional Jail while awaiting trial.The grisly incident has been largely swept under the rug by the community; but those who remember the discoveries made during the investigation in the fall of 1986 will forever remember the Lake family home on Three Springs Rd. as the site of: The Massacre.
HOME
ABOUT US
MASSACRE STORY
ATTRACTIONS
MEDIA
DIRECTIONS
TIMES AND DATES
CONTACT US
LINKS
SPONSORS
HOME
ABOUT US AND FAQ
ATTRACTIONS
MEDIA
DIRECTIONS
TIMES AND DATES
CONTACT US
LINKS
