Buzzfeed Unsolved: The Creepy Death of Roland T. Owen

Introduction

• Discusses the unsettling case of Roland T. Owen
• Personal reactions of the hosts to the case

Background of the Case

• Date: January 2, 1935
• Location: Hotel President, Kansas City, Room 1046
• Description of Roland T. Owen:
  • Aged 20-35
  • Brown hair, scar on scalp, cauliflower ear
  • Nicely dressed in a black coat

Check-In and Initial Observations

• Owen checked in with minimal belongings (brush, comb, toothpaste)
• Bellboy Randolph Propst noted Owen seemed peculiar
• Maid Mary Soptic allowed to clean while Owen was present; he asked her to leave the door unlocked
• Owen kept shades drawn and lights off except for a dim lamp

Strange Incidents

• Maid Soptic returned to find Owen in the dark again, with a note stating "Don, I will be back in 15 minutes, wait."
• Owen was locked in the room but there was a voice heard telling the maid they didn’t need towels
• Night noises reported by another guest, indicating a possible party or altercation

Discovery of the Body

• January 4, 7 a.m.: Phone operator noticed phone off the hook; bellboy sent to check
• Upon entry, Owen was found in a horrific state, covered in blood, injuries indicating possible torture
• Owen had been tied up and showed signs of extensive trauma (skull fracture, stab wounds)
• Despite severe injuries, he was still alive but unresponsive to questions about others in the room

Investigation and Autopsy

• Owen dies in the hospital on January 5, 1935
• No identification found; Los Angeles authorities couldn't find record of Roland T. Owen
• An anonymous caller paid for Owen's funeral; flowers sent with card signed "love forever, Louise"

Identity Reveal

• In 1936, identified as Artemus Ogletree, 17 years old, from Birmingham
• Ogletree’s mother received suspicious letters after his death
• Prior stay at St. Regis Hotel with a man potentially named Don

Theories Surrounding the Case

1. Single Suspect Theory: Don acted alone in the murder

   • Eyewitness accounts but no identification of Don

2. Accomplice Theory: Possible involvement of a "commercial woman" seen the night of the murder

   • Elevator operator reported seeing a woman looking for a man on the night of the murder

3. Jealousy or Revenge Theory: Suggested that Ogletree may have been killed due to infidelity

   • Mysterious callers mentioned he had jilted a girl and implied a violent confrontation

Conclusion

• The case remains unsolved; theories abound but no definitive answers
• The eerie nature of the events and the unknown identity of Don contribute to the mystery
• Reflection on the strange occurrences surrounding the case and its lasting impact.