Murder and Mayhem in Norfolk County

Episode 357: On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, 21 June 1950, the tranquil tobacco farming community of Langton, of Langton, Ontario, was shattered by a violent crime that would leave an indelible mark on Canadian history. Joseph Herbert McAuliffe, a World War II veteran turned counterfeiter, walked into the Imperial Bank of Canada with robbery on his mind. In less than half an hour, two innocent men lay dead at the robber’s hands, Arthur Lierman and William Goddyn, their bodies riddled with bullets, and a community was gripped by fear.For three harrowing days, Norfolk County held its breath as McAuliffe, armed and desperate, evaded capture in the surrounding woods. The manhunt that ensued would reveal a tale of tragic childhood, wartime heroism, and a descent into criminality that culminated in a botched robbery and senseless killings. As the story unfolded, it exposed the raw nerves of a nation grappling with questions of justice, redemption, and the ultimate price of crime.Sources:Langton, OntarioJohn Langton 1808-1894The History of Norfolk CountyThe Archives of Ontario Celebrates Our Agricultural Past: Settling the LandPhone History: All About Party LinesMurder Remembered - Norfolk County 1950 — YouTubeMurder Remembered - Norfolk County 1950 — NFBDe Boer’s treasures: Herbert McAuliffe hangingSSGT Joseph Herbert McAuliffe (1918-1950) - Find...Wrong Side of the Law: True Stories of Crime by Ed ButtsBook revisits bloody Langton bank robberyHerbert McAuliffe | Saint John Coin Clubhttps://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/canada.htmlJun 22, 1950, page 7 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.comJun 22, 1950, page 8 - The Hamilton Spectator at Newspapers.comJun 22, 1950, page 1 - The Sun Times at Newspapers.comJun 22, 1950, page 1 - The Expositor at Newspapers.comJun 22, 1950, page 2 - The Expositor at Newspapers.comJun 22, 1950, page 3 - The Expositor at Newspapers.comJun 22, 1950, page 1 - The Ottawa Journal at Newspapers.comJul 08, 1950, page 5 - The Expositor at Newspapers.comJul 17