The Legend of the Bunny Man: Urban Myth or Reality?

October 20, 2024November 9, 2024 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

When I first moved to Northern Virginia, the story that intrigued me most was the legend of Bunny Man Bridge. It didn’t take long to realize how this eerie tale had taken on a life of its own. As I researched for my book, Haunted Northern Virginia, it seemed like everyone I spoke to had the same advice: “Make sure you include Bunny Man Bridge!”

But who exactly is the Bunny Man? Where did this legend come from? And is Bunny Man Bridge really haunted?

The Bunny Man Legend

The original story of the Bunny Man dates back to 1904. As the legend goes, a bus transporting patients from a local asylum to Lorton Reformatory crashed. This caused all the patients on board to escape. All but two inmates, Douglas Griffin and Marcus Wallster, were found.

When authorities searched for the two men, they found the remains of rabbits strewn around the area. They also found the body of Marcus Wallster. The story claims Griffin was using the rabbits for food—and perhaps more disturbingly—for clothing. Griffin had been convicted of killing his family. Soon, the terrifying figure of a man in a bunny suit began to stalk the area around Colchester Overpass in Clifton. This earned the area its title; Bunny Man Bridge.

Also according to legend, a group of teenagers were hanging out at Bunny Man Bridge on Halloween night. When they didn’t return the next morning, a search party was sent out. The teens were found strung up under the tunnel of Bunny Man Bridge. It looked like they were mutilated with a hatchet.

*Source: The World Coos Bay, Oregon • Sat, Oct 31, 1970 Page 16*

How the Legend Grew

Over the years, the Bunny Man’s tale became even darker. The story transformed into one of an axe-wielding madman who skins his victims. He leaves their remains hanging from Bunny Man Bridge. Some versions claim that on Halloween night, anyone daring to visit the bridge risks being killed by the Bunny Man.

These gruesome details don’t appear in any historical records, but they continue to fuel the legend. Could belief in the Bunny Man have given life to something more? Despite these reports, no further incidents occurred, and the case was never solved. However, the Bunny Man legend was born—and it quickly snowballed into something far more sinister.

After 1970, countless stories and urban legends stemmed about Bunny Man. One could say he turned into a Grimm’s fairy tale about Northern Virginia.

Uncovering the Truth: Was the Bunny Man Real?

Despite the legend’s persistence, there’s no historical evidence to support it. Fairfax County never had an asylum, and Lorton Prison didn’t even exist in 1904, it opened in 1910. Douglas Griffin’s name doesn’t appear in any court records.

So where did this story come from? As I often say, “There’s truth in fairy tales.” In this case, the truth may lie in two incidents from the 1970s.

In October 1970, two reports emerged of a man in a bunny suit terrorizing local residents. The first incident involved a couple parked near a relative’s house on October 19th, 1970. The gentleman was an Air Force cadet named Robert Bennett. He and his fiancée saw a figure in a white suit with long bunny ears in their rearview mirror. Before the couple could go investigate, the man hurled a hatchet at their car, screaming at them for trespassing. The hatchet went through their window.

On October 29th, 1970, a security guard spotted a man in a bunny suit. This man was also wielding an axe and shouting similar threats at a construction site saying that he was tired of people trespassing.

*Credit: The Washington Daily News Washington, District of Columbia Wed, Nov 11, 1970 · Page 3*

Can Collective Belief Create a Paranormal Entity?

One theory I have surrounding the Bunny Man is the idea that he may be a thoughtform. This is a being created through the power of collective belief. In the 1970s, a group of parapsychologists in Toronto conducted The Philip Experiment. They attempted to manifest a spirit through their collective imagination and belief.

Could the Bunny Man be a similar phenomenon? As more people told the story and believed in his existence, is it possible that they collectively created the Bunny Man? If so, perhaps the most terrifying thing about this legend isn’t that the Bunny Man was ever real—but that he has become real through the fear and fascination of those who keep the story alive.

The Bunny Man Bridge Today

Despite the lack of historical evidence, Bunny Man Bridge continues to attract visitors every Halloween, daring to test the legend’s power. Whether you believe in ghosts, cryptids, or thoughtforms, the tale of the Bunny Man endures as a chilling reminder of how urban legends can shape our reality.

If you want to dive deeper into the haunted histories and ghostly mysteries of Northern Virginia, be sure to check out my book Haunted Northern Virginia, available now.

Sources

https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/local-history/bunnyman

https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/northern-virginia-ghosts-spirits-witches-and-the-bunny-man/article_164fb91c-60b5-11e4-a99d-3b8c50270542.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2003/10/31/boo-its-the-bunny-man/75237ae1-2bdf-4e1a-9c91-c0f2f0ed0191

The True Story Of The Bunnyman, Northern Virginia’s Most Gruesome Urban Legend

Haunted Northern Virginia: The Stone House of the Manassas Battlefield

October 18, 2024November 9, 2024 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

The Stone House at Manassas National Battlefield Park is a historic landmark with a haunting past. The horrors of war seem to have left the Stone House with layers of trauma, with reports of a dark, foreboding presence haunting the building to this day. Despite its reputation, the resilient structure remains a popular site for history enthusiasts and ghost hunters, bearing witness to the suffering of the past and the restless spirits that refuse to let its legacy be forgotten.

A Storied History

The history of the Stone House are a bit mysterious. Early tax records suggest that the house may have been built in 1828 by a man named John Lee. But recently discovered records suggest that the Stone House may have been built in 1848 by Thomas Otway Clarke. It initially served as a tavern and inn, catering to travelers along the Warrenton Turnpike. Over the years, the building also functioned as a private residence and a school. By 1850, the Stone House and the surrounding land was purchased by Henry P. Matthews and his wife, Jane Matilda Clarke.

The Civil War

But the Stone House’s story took a dramatic turn during the American Civil War. During the First Battle of Manassas in 1861, the house found itself directly in the line of fire, weathering barrages of bullets and cannon blasts. Confederates used the house to take cover as the battle raged towards Henry Hill over near the Henry House. Rather than crumbling, the resilient building remained standing. The Stone House was quickly converted into a makeshift hospital to tend to the flood of wounded soldiers. As the Union was retreating, Confederates used the Stone House to retain captured soldiers.

*The Stone House circa 1862. Credit: Library of Congress*

During the Second Battle of Manassas, the Stone House was once again in a prime area for artillery fire, but it miraculously withstood the bombardment. Just like before, the house was used to house wounded soldiers.

In addition to battle damages, two wounded soldiers of the 5^th New York Infantry carved their names into the wooden floor in the upstairs bedrooms. Privates Charles E. Brehm, aged 21, and Eugene P. Geer, aged 17, left their marks. Brehm survived the war while Geer didn’t survive the year. This brings a morbid perspective on the impact of the war.

After the War

In the aftermath of the war, the building fell into disrepair. Henry Matthews and his wife were left devastated after the Civil War and all of the work they put into the house and land was for nothing. The Stone House was heavily damaged and the land was decimated from being an agricultural resource. In 1866, the Matthews sold the home to Gideon and Mary Starbuck.

The Starbucks sold the house in 1879 to a relative by the name of George E. Starbuck. He only kept the house for a few years before he sold it to Benson and Ellen Pridmore in 1881. Benson passed away in 1902. After that, the house was sold to Henry J. and Elvira Ayers, his heirs.

The Ayers made several modifications to the house as well as made minor additions. There were also commercial structures that were going up on the lot. When Henry died, he left the house to his son, George.

*The Stone House and surrounding land circa 1930s. Credit: National Park Service*

The Stone House was acquired by the National Park Service in 1949. After that, NPS started doing stabilization work on the house. In 1961, NPS started a full restoration of the Stone House and bringing it (and the land) back to how the house looked during the Civil War.

Today, the Stone House is a prominent feature of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, educating visitors about the pivotal role it played during the Civil War.

Paranormal Reports

The horrors of war seemed to leave their mark on the Stone House. In 1866, just a year after the conflict ended, the building was already being referred to as the “Haunted House” by locals. A curse is also tied to the Stone House. According to Mark Nesbitt, it is believed that George may have placed artillery shells in the walls where they would have struck during the Battle. It is unknown why he would have done this, but it’s believed it was to attract tourists. After doing that, six members of the Ayers family died within a short amount of time. The conclusion was that because George had placed the artillery shells within the walls, a curse was placed on the family.

Accounts speak of a dark, foreboding presence that lingers within its walls, disturbing visitors and park rangers alike. The house is known for having cold spots as well. One gentleman reported that after passing one of those cold spots, he went to exit the house. As he was going out the door, he was hit so hard that he injured his knee. He could hear voices of men making fun of the fact that he was thrown out of the tavern.

Nesbitt also recounted another story told by fellow park rangers. A group of rangers had entered the house and locked the door behind them (very important ranger rule). After they went down into the basement, they heard footsteps above them. When the rangers went up to investigate, they found that no one was there.

The Disappearing House

Another story, retold by L.B. Taylor in his infamous books about haunted places of Virginia, includes people driving through the battlefield at night. While driving, they see ghostly lights where houses once stood. In a different story, one woman was driving through the battlefield for an appointment and was shocked to see that the Stone House was not standing. After her appointment, the woman drove the same route and was once again shocked. Why? The Stone House was now standing in its spot.

To this day, the Stone House remains a site of fascination for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. Park rangers, though hesitant to publicly validate the paranormal rumors, have their own stories of unexplained phenomena – strange footsteps, unexplained presences, and a building that seems to resist all efforts to tame its haunted past.

*Stone House information marker. Credit: Alex Matsuo*

The Stone House Today

The Stone House stands as a testament to the horrors of war, a silent witness to the suffering that took place within its walls. And for those brave enough to venture inside, it may also serve as a portal to the restless spirits that refuse to let its history be forgotten.

To learn more about this chilling story and other hauntings in the area, pick up a copy of my book, Haunted Northern Virginia, published by The History Press. Immerse yourself in the ghostly lore and history that still lingers in the region. Available now for purchase on Amazon. (Note: This is an affiliate link. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, at no additional cost to you.)

Sources

https://home.nps.gov/mana/learn/historyculture/the-stone-house.htm

https://scenicusa.net/112008.html

https://www.nps.gov/places/stone-house.htm

Stone House, Manassas, Virginia

Ghosts of Gettysburg Haunted Daytrips: Manassas

Haunted Northern Virginia: The Chilling Echoes of the Henry House

October 17, 2024October 17, 2024 Alex Matsuo2 Comments

The American Civil War left an indelible mark on the landscape of Northern Virginia, with countless battlefields and historic sites forever scarred by the ravages of that bloody conflict. But among the most haunting of these places is the Henry House, originally known as Spring Hill Farm, a modest 19th-century structure that stands on land that that stood as a somber witness to the horrors of war.

The Tragedy of Judith Henry

Few tales are as harrowing and heartbreaking as the tragic demise of Judith Henry. Her story, once confined to the dusty pages of history, has taken on a far more sinister and supernatural edge in the years since. The original Henry House, was a modest 19th-century structure on what is now the Manassas Battlefield.

*The Henry House after the First Battle of Bull Run*

On July 21st, 1861, Judith Carter Henry, an 85-year-old widow, met her untimely and gruesome end. As the Battle of Bull Run raged around her, the bedridden Judith was unable to heed the calls to evacuate, nor did she want to leave her home. Her children attempted to take her out of the home on a mattress. But as the smoke and gunfire raged, Judith begged to be taken home.

Federal artillerary fired at the house as a strategy to drive away Confederate sharpshooters, unaware that there were civilians inside. Her daughter, Ellen, was forced to take refuge in the home’s chimney, her screams drowned out by the thunderous roar of artillery. The volume of the fire caused Ellen to temporarily lose her hearing because it was so loud. Judith’s enslaved teenager, Lucy Griffith, was seeking refuge under the bed and suffered an injury to her heel.

Caught in the crossfire, Judith was struck by cannon fire, sustaining horrific injuries that would ultimately claim her life. She was wounded in the neck and on her side. Plus, Judith’s foot was partially blown off. Judith died later that afternoon.

She was the only civilian casualty that day, and she was the first known civilian casualty of the Civil War.

The house was completely destroyed. The Henry family built a new home near the site of the original house in 1870 and an addition was included in 1884. Judith’s grave stands in front of the house. The house stayed in the Henry family until the 1920s when it was given to the Manassas Battlefield Park.

The Haunting of the Henry House

But Judith’s tragic demise was not the only darkness to haunt the Henry House. Reports include the sightings of a spectral Union soldier. His ghostly form has been seen roaming the halls of the current structure, eternally seeking retribution for the wounds that claimed his life. And then there are the sightings of the women themselves – Judith and Ellen, their ethereal forms glimpsed through the windows, their faces etched with an eternal sadness.

*The reconstructed Henry House with Judith’s grave. Credit: Alex Matsuo*

The most chilling of these apparitions, however, is that of a woman in a white nightgown and bonnet, gliding silently along the path surrounding the Henry House. Is this Judith, forever tethered to the home she loved so dearly? Or is it the spirit of her daughter, Ellen, forever searching for the solace that eluded her in life?

The Enduring Mystery

The answers lie shrouded in the shadows of the past. They are lost to the ravages of time and the unspeakable tragedies of war. What is certain is that the Henry House stands as a haunting testament to the cost of conflict. It is a place where the echoes of the past refuse to be silenced.

Those who dare to venture near the Henry House report an overwhelming sense of unease, a palpable chill that seems to seep into the very bones. Some have even spoken of the feeling of being watched, of unseen eyes that follow their every move. Also, in the quiet of the night, mournful wails of the departed can be heard. It is chilling reminder that the dead may not yet found their final rest.

A Haunting Legacy

If you find yourself drawn to the Henry House, tread carefully. For in its shadows, the past still lingers, a testament to the fragility of life and the enduring power of the human spirit, even in the face of the most unimaginable horrors. The ghosts of Judith and Ellen, and the nameless soldier, still walk these grounds, their stories forever etched into the fabric of this haunted place.

*The ruins after the Henry House was demolished. Credit: Library of Congress*

Sources

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-civil-wars-first-civilian-casualty-was-an-elderly-widow-from-virginia-180980434

https://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2008/06/judith-carter-henry.html

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/henry-house.htm

History of Judith Henry and Her House

Haunted Northern Virginia: The Tragic Haunting of Eva Roy

October 16, 2024October 16, 2024 Alex Matsuo2 Comments

Many drive down Lee Chapel Road in Burke, Virginia, unaware of the tragic event that took place over a century ago. The echoes of a young girl named Eva Roy, who lost her life in a brutal way, still haunt the area. Her ghost, pleading for help, has been sighted by many who have heard her say, “Help me please” and “I am Eva” before she vanishes into the woods. This case is not only one of Northern Virginia’s most disturbing cold cases but also one of its most well-known ghost stories, filled with a painful legacy of injustice.

A Life Stolen

In the final months of World War I, 14-year-old Eva Roy lived with her father, Peter, along with her sister and brother-in-law, in a small farmhouse in Burke’s Station, Fairfax County, Virginia. The community was small and rural, dependent on farming for its livelihood. Eva, a beloved figure in the town, was known for her kindness and beauty. She even taught Sunday school at Lee Chapel Church, where her father would occasionally preach.

On August 6, 1918, Peter went into town for business, leaving Eva to gather the cows. When he returned, he realized Eva hadn’t come back, prompting a search party. Tragically, the next morning, her body was found near an empty house, known as the Hanse House. She had been violated, murdered, and tied to a tree, her body covered in scratches and cuts.

A Botched Investigation

Before a proper investigation could take place, well-meaning neighbors moved Eva’s body, destroyed her clothing, and washed her, resulting in the loss of crucial evidence. With the investigation already compromised, multiple suspects were brought forward, including neighbors, an escaped convict, and even soldiers, but no one was ever definitively proven guilty. The case was marred by false confessions, planted evidence, and questionable tactics by the police, leaving the crime unsolved.

A Ghost That Won’t Rest

The tragic story of Eva Roy left a deep scar on the small community of Burke, Virginia. But as the years passed and the mystery of her death remained unsolved, the story took on a supernatural element. Local legends say that Eva’s spirit has never left the woods where her life was so brutally taken. The trauma of her story seems to have bound her to the land, where she still roams in search of peace—and perhaps justice.

*Lee Chapel Cemetery. Credit: Alex Matsuo*

A Cry for Help in the Darkness

One of the most commonly reported encounters with Eva’s ghost is hearing her voice in the woods near Lee Chapel Cemetery. Witnesses describe a heart-wrenching cry, as if from a young girl, pleading for help. Some say they’ve heard her say, “Help me please,” while others have distinctly heard the chilling words, “I am Eva.” These phantom cries often lead curious ghost hunters and locals alike deeper into the dense, shadowy forest, but as they approach, the voice fades away, leaving an eerie silence behind.

The Vanishing Figure

Many who have traveled down Lee Chapel Road at night report seeing the fleeting figure of a girl in a long white or blue gown, standing by the edge of the road or within the tree line. Drivers have said she appears suddenly, causing them to slow down, only for her to disappear before their eyes. Some describe her as having long, dark hair, her eyes filled with sadness. She is often seen looking toward the old Hanse House or wandering toward the cemetery, as if searching for something—or someone.

In other instances, drivers claim they’ve seen her running into the road, her figure illuminated briefly by their headlights before vanishing into thin air. This has caused more than a few near-accidents, with drivers slamming on their brakes, only to find there’s no one there.

*Eva Roy’s grave at Lee Chapel Cemetery. Credit: Alex Matsuo*

Halloween and Birthday Visits

An annual tradition today has people gathering at Eva’s grave on the night of Halloween as well as her birthday. This is all in hopes of getting a glimpse of her ghost. Visitors to the cemetery and the surrounding woods often report sudden drops in temperature, even on the hottest summer nights. Cold spots seem to envelop certain areas, giving those who enter them an overwhelming sense of dread or sadness. Some have even reported feeling a cold breeze blow past them, despite no wind in the area. This is often followed by a feeling of being watched.

The area has also become known for strange, glowing lights. These orbs of light—usually described as bluish or white—float through the woods, flickering in and out of sight. While skeptics may brush them off as reflections from passing cars, those who believe in the paranormal say these lights are tied to Eva’s restless spirit.

The Legacy of Eva’s Spirit

The ghost of Eva Roy has become one of the most famous spirits in Northern Virginia, and her haunting is deeply tied to the injustice she suffered in life. Many believe that her spirit remains because her killer was never brought to justice, leaving her in a state of unrest. Others think that she is searching for her father or for peace, forever trapped in the place where her life ended so violently.

While some encounters are brief, leaving witnesses startled but unharmed, others have reported a profound sense of grief and sorrow after encountering her spirit. Paranormal investigators who have explored the area claim to have recorded EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of a young girl’s voice, matching the description of those who have heard her in the woods. These recordings often include cries for help, along with faint whispers that are difficult to decipher.

For ghost hunters, thrill-seekers, and locals alike, Eva Roy’s story serves as a tragic reminder of a life cut short, with her restless spirit forever wandering the woods in search of the justice that never came.

The True Story of The Burning Bride of Alexandria

January 6, 2024January 5, 2024 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

This Alexandria legend is one of the most popular ghost stories in the town. Alexandria is noted for its plethora of ghost stories, many of which feature women at the forefront. As with many legends and lore, they often deviate from the truth for the sake of a good scare. But sometimes, at least in the case of Laura M. Schafer, famously known as the Burning Bride of Alexandria, truth is more horrifying than fiction.

One Fateful Night

In June of 1868, Laura M. Schafer lived with her family at their home on N. Fairfax Street. On the bottom floor was a confectionary ran by her father Mr. Christian Schafer, who was a prominent citizen of Alexandria. The second and third floor would be the residence in which the Schafer family lived.

On one fateful night in late June, Laura was getting dressed for bed on the third floor of the house, with her grandmother, named Mrs. Ballenger, in the room with her. According to an article from the The Alexandria Gazette, Laura went to father’s room to wish him goodnight. She wasn’t even halfway into her father’s room when she heard the glass of her kerosene lamp crack. The burning oil from the lamp landed on her dress. Laura frantically threw the lamp into the hearth in her father’s room and ran out of the room, screaming and crying for help.

Unfortunately, the wind from Laura’s running only added fuel to the fire. By the time she reached the bottom, the flames had reached above her head. Her brother-in-law, William Phillips, had been at the stairs in front of the house when he heard her cries. Her mother also heard the cries and tried to help her. Phillips removed his coat and wrapped Laura, which extinguished the flames. Laura’ grandmother had used a blanket to extinguish the flames that had been going in Laura’s father’s room.

*Clip from The Alexandria Gazette recounting the tragedy from June 29, 1848.*

Sadly, Laura had severe burns, parts of which The Alexandria Gazette described as “to a crisp.” By 11:00am the next morning, Laura passed away, with her companion, Mr. Charles Tenneson by her side.

It was rumored that Laura and Charles were engaged to be married, but not confirmed. They were friends for years and Laura wouldn’t take another man as a friend.

A Broken Heart

Charles took Laura’s death rather hard. The day of her death, he took to drinking. His friend, a Mr. Henry Green, walked with Charles to the local wholesale liquor store and bar. Mr. Green didn’t have the key to the back door, so Charles waited for him in Ramsey Alley, which was right next to the Schafer House. Mr. Green let Charles in through the back door and he offered to buy Charles any drink on his bill. As the two men said cheers, Charles said, “Here’s to you and I – God save us.” As Mr. Green took an empty glass back to the bar, he heard a gunshot and Charles on the floor. The heartbroken Charles took a pistol to his head. Even though he was unconscious, he passed away around 3:20pm.

While not specific, local churches took care of the final arrangements for the young couple. Laura is buried at Washington Street United Methodist Church in Alexandria, and it’s believed that Charles is buried not too far from her.

*The staircase of the Schafer House. Credit: Alex Matsuo*

The Schafer House went through a few different identities after it was a confectionery with the Schafer family. It has been a real estate agency, a Christmas trinket store called the Christmas Attic, once again a candy store, and currently, at the time this piece was written, it is a coffee house and gelato shop with an AirBnB on the third floor. According to Michael Lee Pope, author of Ghosts of Alexandria, tenants who have owned and worked in the building know something is different and not quite right.

Echoes of a Traumatic Past

One local ghost tour guide shared that she felt lightheaded and dizzy when she visited the house while it was the Christmas Attic. Employees of the Christmas Attic also shared that Christmas trees and other holiday props would be knocked down the next morning after the store closed.

When a woman named Candida Kreb opened Candi’s Candies in the house in 2007, she never knew the story of Laura Schafer until a ghost tour was outside one evening. Kreb told the group that she doesn’t believe in ghosts before closing the window. But then she had an experience that changed her mind.

*Front of the Schafer House. Credit: Alex Matsuo*

Kreb was working alone one evening while closing the shop when she smelled something burning. She went to the hallway to search for the source but didn’t find anything. Using her nose, Kreb followed the smell upstairs, but once again, found nothing. Kreb decided it must have been a neighbor smoking. So, she closed the shop for the night. The next day, the smell came back. As Kreb went to investigate once more, she went to the same staircase that Laura ran down for her life and it was then Kreb remembered the story of Laura.

This wouldn’t be Kreb’s only experience. One night, she was cleaning the store when she had this overwhelming feeling of being watched. She heard a voice in her head say, “Enough. Leave.” Kreb didn’t stick around and quickly took the cash register and left. She believes that this was Laura telling her that she overstayed her welcome and it was time to go. Kreb also reported feeling an overwhelming presence in the basement as well and described it as a male.

Kreb kept a receipt signed by Laura M. Schaefer behind the cash register. It is unknown if the coffee and gelato shop still have it, but it’s a nice reminder that there are real people behind these stories.

Legends & Lore Emerge

Variations of Laura Schafer’s tragic end and the paranormal experiences following have become widely popular. The story I heard on the ghost tour described Laura as a bride and the wedding was taking place at the confectionery and the town square right next door. Laura the Bride had gone upstairs when the kerosene lamp broke and the burning oil spilled onto her wedding dress. Like the real account, Laura the Bride ran downstairs while engulfed in flames. But this time, she ran outside to the wedding reception and was ablaze in front of her wedding guests. Other variations will state that Laura was just trying on her wedding dress for the ceremony that would take place a week later. Hence, this is why Laura became known as the Burning Bride of Alexandria.

*The Schafer House as a coffee and gelato shop. Credit: Alex Matsuo*

Similar outcome as well as the death of Charles Tenneson, with stories sometimes pinning his death in Ramsey Alley instead of the bar. Other bastardizations of the story even have Charles as a stalker throwing stones at Laura’s window and setting her on fire himself.

Given the horrific tragedy of Laura’s death, no embellishment or exaggerations are needed. Laura certainly had her own identity and agency, which seems to be reduced to a burning bride. But, there are people who are dedicated to sharing the true story of Laura’s passing, thus giving her her identity back.