This is the actual location of the Crater Lake murders—lost to time for more than 70 years. Beneath this fir tree split down the middle, Jones and Culhane’s bodies were found on July 21, 1952–two days after their “disappearance”.
Finding this exact spot took many hours comparing scene photographs, plotting data points for the oldest, largest trees in the pictures then comparing it to Google Earth satellite images. Finally, the tree had to be exactly 190 feet from the adjacent Powerline Road, which it was—also determined by measurements taken from the computer application.
What I did not know until I found the tree in March 2020 was that it was split into two trees. This was actually confirmed in one scene photograph, though I did not notice it until that day standing beside the tree and comparing it with original crime scene photos I brought with me.
This particular image (a clip from my GoPro camera) represents my satisfaction and wonder that all my research actually worked! It was captured immediately after I realized I’d found the place, finally, after 70 years.
Tilting down to the base of the tree, you can see the “blaze mark” carved into it on July 21, 1952—marking the place for investigators returning the next day. (It’s the long green patch of pine sap with animal footprints in it.)
Learn more here - The Crater Lake Murders by Monty Orrick
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