Bill Cook Faces Long Life Behind Bars in Mosser Massacre
Joplin-born Bill Cook, 23, convicted of the brutal Mosser family killings near Atwood, receives five consecutive 60 year sentences totaling up to 300 years. U S District Judge Stephen Chandler calls for societal reform, while Cook contemplates decades in prison rather than a quick death by electric chair. The Mossers traveled from near Atwood to Albuquerque for New Year’s, leaving behind a community shaken by the murders.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill Cook
Mosser Family
Carl Mosser
Atwood
Joplin
Thelma
Ronald Dean
Gary Carl
Pamela Sue
U. S
Stephen Chandler
Oklahoma City
Cook
Three Days of Terror For Mosser Family
A mass murder linked to Bill Cook is described with the Mosser family’s three day ordeal across Oklahoma Texas New Mexico Arkansas and Missouri. Cook allegedly abducted the family in Oklahoma City then forced travel before killing five in a Joplin area mine shaft after attempts to escape. Witnesses in Joplin add potential sightings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill Cook
Cook
Mosser
Oklahoma City
Carl Mosser
Oklahoma
Texas
New Mexico
Arkansas
Missouri
Joplin
Atwood
Reformatory
Cook Killed Again During His Escape
A fragmented report traces Cook fleeing after murdering the Mosser family. He abandons a mudbound Mosser car near Tulsa, rides a bus toward Blythe California, abducts a deputy, and steals his car and badge. In California he shoots Seattle salesman Robert Dewey, then heads toward Mexico.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cook
Mosser
Tulsa
Blythe
Calif
Ripley
Robert Dewey
Seattle
Dewey
Yuma
Mexico
Iff
Homer Waldrip
Robert H. Dewey
Forest Damron
James Burke
Bill Cook case examined as cowardice theory by reporter
Neely Martin assesses the Bill Cook case arguing psychiatrists differ on his mental state while tracing Cook’s life from adolescence in Joplin to a withering pattern of fear and avoidance. The piece notes Cook’s cowardice contrasts with moments of violence as he eludes danger yet yields when arrested.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Neely Martin
Bill Cook
Martin
John Dillinger
Cook
New Trial Ordered for Cook in Oklahoma City
A sprawling AP report details killer Bill Cook Jr facing new state charges of kidnapping and robbery after a prior 300 year sentence for the Mosser family murder. Federal and state authorities debate custody as Cook’s long crime map unfolds from Oklahoma to Texas New Mexico California and back toward potential death penalty if deemed sane in El Centro.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill Cook, Jr
Alcatraz
Clarence Mills
Cook
Justice Department
Washington
Carl Mosser
Atwood
el Centro
Confession Suggests Start in Joplin In Cook Case
In a Cook confession, investigators note the suspect said he began his actions in Joplin before proceeding. Authorities seek to corroborate timeline details as the case unfolds.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cook
Above Bill Cook Reaches End of Murderous Spree
The confessed slayer of six is shown as he was lifted from a courtroom scene after his arrest. The report notes the number of victims and outlines the case against Bill Cook, highlighting the public interest in the outcome of his trial.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Francisco Morales
Tijuana
Cook
Santa Rosalia
Bill Cook
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J. Neely Martin
The
Southern Illinoisan Staff
Mossers
Albuquerque
N. M
Mr. Mosser
Chris
Wichita Falls
el Paso
Houston
de Queen
Fort Smith
Ark
Charles Daubin
Connor Hotel
Carl E. Nutt
Clara Neil
Little King’s Court
Chief Nutt
Mexicali
Forrest Damron
E! Centro Prospectors
California
Rex Hawks
San Francisco Bay
Desperado
Carlsbad
Murdeteer
Messers
Chandler
Joplin, Mo
Mrs
Cale
Menada
Utah
Colorado
Kansas
OKLA
Teras
FT. Smith