Joe Ball

Joseph D. (Joe) Ball (January 7, 1896 - September 23, 1938) was an American serial killer, nicknamed Elmendorf's butcher. He confessed to having killed at least 20 women in the 1930s. His existence has always been considered a mere legend, although he is a regular figure in Texas folklore. Biography

After serving in Europe during World War I, Ball began his career as a liquor dealer in full bloom. After the end of the ban, he opened a room called Sociable Inn in Elmendorf (Texas). He built a lake containing five alligators and invited people to see them at the time of the meal, a delicacy that consisted mainly of living dogs and cats.

Shortly afterwards, a young woman from the area was reported missing. Later came employees of the bar and two of their wives. In September 1937, Minnie Gotthardt's relatives warned the Elmendorf police authorities. The missing girl of 22 years had worked for Ball, but the murderer stated that the girl had gone to work elsewhere.

One explanation left satisfied to the authorities although the disappearance of another waitress (Julia Turner) put again on alert to the sheriffs of the county. Ball's response was the same, although this time did not count that the policemen found the clothes of the disappeared. Even so, Joe was still happy to argue that Julia's departure was so hasty that he could not even collect his luggage.

The crimes took place and, two months later, two new girls disappeared. One of them, Hazel Brown, had opened an account before disappearing. It was the time when the Texas Rangers went into court, registering Ball's "missing" employees. Some were safe and sound, but a dozen of them were still missing, including the bar owner's second and third wife. To this, he was joined by Ball's neighbor's statement that he had seen Ball dismember the body of a woman, throwing fragments at her hungry pets.

This was enough to prosecute Ball. On September 24, 1938, the Rangers entered the Sociable Inn to examine Joe's Lake. While they were checking in, Ball picked up a gun and shot himself in the head. The alligators were donated to the San Antonio Zoo.

There are many writings on Ball's crimes. Thus, it would be journalist Michael Hall who would thoroughly investigate the story in 2002, and wrote the events in the Texas Monthly newspaper.

Tobe Hooper's Eaten Alive is inspired by Joe Ball's crimes.

Joe Ball is mentioned in Chapter 5 of Season 8 of Bones.

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