Bio: Chankin, Esther - Murder #1 (24 Mar 1931)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Barkdoll, Chankin, Goeddert, Hartwig, Nystrum, Shepard

----Source: The Sheboygan Press (Sheboygan, WI) 03/24/1931

West Bend Man Murders Woman

Slays His Victim As She Sleeps

Garage Man Goes To Home Near Medford, Enters Room And Begins Firing

Medford, Wis. - Mrs. Esther Chankin, 30, auburn-headed married sweetheart of David Barkdoll, 35, Milwaukee and West Bend garage employee, was shot to death in her farm home near here early today. Barkdoll was held in jail without charge while authorities investigated.

Her two children, Joyce, 5, and Wayne, 2, asleep by her side, were uninjured. Ward Shepard, the woman’s uncle, was shot in the leg as Barkdoll escaped. His wound was not serious.

Confess Shooting

Undersheriff Edward Goeddert said Barkdoll surrendered and confessed shooting Mrs. Chankin because she refused to return to West Bend to live with him. Authorities said he came to Abbotsford by bus last night and after taking several drinks in a roadhouse, went to the Shepard farm, crawled through a kitchen window, entered her bedroom, and shot her through the head and neck with a revolver.

The slain woman married Charles Chankin, Milwaukee taxi driver, 3 years ago, but lived with him only a short time. A divorce action was pending. Only last week, Chankin’s lawyer obtained a court order to show cause why Mrs. Chankin’s lawyers should not

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Slays His Victim As She Sleeps

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proceed with the case despite her absence.

Employed In Milwaukee

Barkdoll had been employed in Milwaukee as a car washer but left sometime ago for West Bend where he was employed in a similar capacity. His neighbors said he and his “pretty red-headed wife appeared quite devoted.”

Mrs. Chankin returned to Medford a few weeks ago.

The sounds of shots aroused Shepard who rushed into the bedroom to find Mrs. Chankin dead; her children vainly trying to arouse her. Ne notified the authorities at once.

Meet Barkdoll On Road

The undersheriff, accompanied by Coroner Ted Hartwig and Dr. Lester Nystrum, started by automobile for the Shepard farm. Outside Medford, they met Barkdoll walking along the highway. He surrendered, and confessed, the sheriff said.