Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes Into the Woods
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Oct 1, 2025 Travel back to 1843 Rhode Island, where the rich Amasa Sprague is found dead in the woods, setting off a whirlwind of intrigue. Discover the surprising motives behind his murder, including rumors of affairs and political rivalries. Explore fascinating forensic analyses, including the crime scene's bloody trail and the significance of a shattered musket. Witness the chaos of mass arrests that even ensnared family pets. Reflect on the case's impact, revealing long-term consequences and how modern forensics could have changed its outcome.
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Patterned Blunt Force Trauma
- The coroner found patterned, one- to one-and-a-half-inch metal-edged wounds and severe skull fractures.
- The injuries suggested repeated, forceful blows likely from a metal part of a firearm.
Two Weapons, One Killing
- Amasa also sustained a pistol wound to his forearm, indicating defensive posture during attack.
- Presence of two weapons complicated the theory: a pistol misfired and a musket inflicted fatal blows.
Political Tension And Suspect Motive
- Anti-immigrant politics and a dispute over a tavern license made Nicholas Gordon a prime target.
- The Gordons became suspects amid strong local nativist sentiment and economic conflict with the Spragues.
