In September 1921, a young, prominent Alliance doctor was called out in the middle of the night under the pretense of delivering a baby, but it was all a set up.
As he was leaving his home to make the house call, he was gunned down in cold blood in his driveway.
Early on in the investigation, Alliance police and Stark County authorities believed the killers who had lured Dr. O.C. Walker to his death would be caught and brought to swift justice. However, 100 years later, the murder remains unsolved.
“Ambushed In Alliance: Who Killed Dr. O.C. Walker,” presented by Jack R. Weber Jr., will delve into the century old mystery in two sessions – one at 11 a.m. and another at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25. The 11 a.m. lecture will also be streamed live on Facebook and will remain on the Rodman Public Library page to view for those who are unable to attend.
“We will explore the investigation from 100 years ago, the theories as to who did it, the major suspects in the case and the gossip of the day surrounding the major players in the tragedy,” said Weber, community relations specialist at Rodman Public Library. “There were so many rumors and suppositions flying around that it was no wonder the case was never solved.”
One man was indicted for the murder just months after it happened, but was soon let go. Two more grand juries were convened to go over the mountain of testimony and statements given by people from all walks of life in and around Alliance concerning the murder. It seems that nearly everyone had an idea as to who did it. After some suggested that city officials were covering for the murderer three years after it took place, the governor got involved, a fourth grand jury was summoned and an investigation into the lawlessness of Alliance and Stark County was launched.
“The murder seemed to be on the minds of many people for a long time,” explained Weber, who was affiliated with The Alliance Review for 27 years and wrote the daily “Past In Review” column from 2017 to November 2020. “Many seemed to want justice for Dr. Walker and some seemed to want to stir things up by spreading rumors.. It’s a very interesting case and I think people will enjoy getting a glimpse at Alliance a century ago.”
Due to the nature of the subject and some of the information that will be presented, the lecture is intended for mature audiences only.
Registration is required for both sessions by calling 330-821-2665, ext. 107, or on our online calendar.