The Case of the Ragged Stranger

In the early 1920’s, Chicago reporters Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht encountered and sensationalized the highly unusual murder of a young mother-to-be, Ruth Wanderer.  These two reporters, who  went on to become decorated Hollywood screenwriters, called Ruth Wanderer’s tragic story, The Case of the Ragged Stranger!  Listen carefully because it’s tricky to know which parts of the story are Fact or Fiction.  Ready to play?

Carl and Ruth Wanderer. Shinnick, William. “Wanderer Mystery.” Chicago Tribune, 6 October 1935, p. 85. [left] Carl Wanderer with young Julia Schmidt. “When Justice Triumphed.” The Daily News, 18 May 1924, p. 8-9. [right]

 

The home where Ruth Wanderer and “The Ragged Stranger” were shot. [left] Carl Wanderer’s place of employment, his father’s butcher shop. [right] “When Justice Triumphed.” The Daily News, 18 May 1924, p. 8-9.

Citations

“Action Express.” Chicago Tribune, 26 May 1970, p. 17.

“Attorney to Ask for New Trial Today.” The Des Moines Register, 4 April 1921, p. 1.

“Charles MacArthur of the 149th Shoots Down Plane.” Chicago Tribune, 3 August 1918, p. 3.

Collins, Charles. “Mystery of the Ragged Stranger!” Chicago Tribune, 11 May 1952, p. 93.

“Diamond Shooting Very Similar to Wanderer’s Case.” The Courier, 16 February 1923, p.1.

“Duel in Dark.” Chicago Tribune, 22 June 1920, p. 1.

“Husband Ins Slain Woman Being Held.” The Pantagraph, 8 July 1920, p. 1.

“Kill Bride at Her Door.” The Daily Chronicle, 22 June 1920, p. 1.

“Man Who Solved ‘Ragged Stranger’ Murder Case Dies.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 29 January 1950, p. 32.

Marriage Announcement “Ruth Johnson to Sergt. Carl O. Wanderer.” Chicago Tribune, 24 March 1918, p. 37.

“Motive Still Puzzles Police in Bride Murder.” Chicago Tribune, 23 June 1920, p. 16.

Shinnick, William. “Wanderer Mystery.” Chicago Tribune, 6 October 1935, p. 85.

“Slayer Again Faces Noose.” The Menash Record, 10 January 1921, p. 1.

“When Justice Triumphed.” The Daily News, 18 May 1924, p. 8-9.

“Wife’s Kin Aid Man Police Hold For Her Death.” Chicago Tribune, 8 July 1920, p. 9.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hechthttps://thescreamonline.com/ben-hecht/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/ben-hecht-is-buried-in-nyack-near-charles-macarthur-grave.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Wandererhttp://www.crimemagazine.com/carl-wanderer-and-%E2%80%9Ccase-ragged-stranger%E2%80%9Dhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/jun/26/mrs-parker-and-the-vicious-circle-dorothy-parker-reel-historyhttps://scotchwhisky.com/magazine/famous-whisky-drinkers/18453/dorothy-parker/https://www.independent.ie/incoming/incoming_dailyfeed/lost-dorothy-parker-poem-reveals-pain-of-rejection-26574523.htmlhttps://www.chicagonow.com/the-ragged-stranger/2018/09/carl-wanderers-lover-julia-or-james/https://spartacus-educational.com/Acharles_Macarthur.htmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_MacArthurhttps://newyorkerstateofmind.com/tag/charles-macarthur/

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