1922

Wilfred “Wilf” Leland James writes a letter “to whom it may concern” dated April 11, 1930, from a hotel room in Omaha, Nebraska (1). He recalls a time in the spring and summer of 1922 when he killed his wife, Arlette Christina Winters James. He enlisted the help of his 14-year-old son, Henry, manipulating him to believe that his mother’s death was a necessity. Wilf expresses his regret over this fact, more so than the actual murder.

Wilf and his wife lived on an 80-acre farm near Hemingford Home, Nebraska. When Arlette’s father passed away, he left his 100 acres to her. Wilf wants to add that land to his own farm, believing that he will only be happy as a farmer. However, Arlette wants to sell their entire 180 acres and move to Omaha to open a dress shop. She contacts a company, Farrington Livestock, and they express interest in buying her land.

Wilf notes how the “Conniving Man,” something he believes is found within everyone, came out when he realized that Arlette would not back down from selling the land. During an argument with her, he decides that he has no choice but to kill her to stop her.