This is a major new exhibit, developed after requests from and conversations with the Finney County CVB staff, and it will occupy a 525 square foot dedicated gallery.
Expected to remain on display three years, it includes evidence that led to convictions and executions of the infamous Fleagle gang, nationally known bank robbers and murderers in the 1920’s, who hailed from Finney County; and which led tot he convictions of Richard Hickock and Perry Smith in the 1959 Clutter family murders, prompting author Truman Capote to produce the acclaimed novel, “In Cold Blood.” The display will also include objects and artifacts representing the lives of the Fleagle family and the Clutter family, as well as accounts are artifacts linked to at least three additional Southwest Kansas crimes of times past.
Major components of the true crime exhibit include: The finger-printed car window that led to the Fleagle convictions, and the boot whose print in blood led to the Hickock and Smith convictions; plus many other items ranging from clothing and small family possessions to a large local evidence safe and at least one firearm used to guard against bank robberies in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
