34. End of the Road for America’s First Serial Killers
The depravities in the Stegall household led to the formation of a posse that included Moses Stegall, whose wife and baby the Harpe brothers had murdered. They caught up with the deadly siblings on August 24th, 1799, just as they were preparing to murder yet another victim. They tried to flee, but Micajah “Big” Harpe was shot in the leg and back. While still conscious, Moses Stegall slowly cut off his head, which was later spiked on a pole.
Wiley “Little” Harpe escaped and rejoined Samuel Mason’s river pirate crew. Four years later, the Cave-In-Rock was raided, and Little Harpe escaped with Mason, who was wounded. Harpe, who was using an alias, killed Mason, cut off his head, and along with another escaped pirate, tried to claim a reward. While presenting Mason’s head, Harpe and his companion were recognized as outlaws, and arrested. They were tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. The Harpe depravities ended in January, 1804, when Little Harpe was hanged.
