Artemus Ogletree Bizarre Hotel Room Murder in Kansas City Missouri

The brutal and perplexing murder of Artemus Ogletree is one of the most bizarre unsolved cases in American crime history. Found bound, beaten, and barely alive in Room 1046 of the Hotel President in Kansas City, Missouri, Ogletree’s case quickly spiraled into a tangled web of mystery. Who was he? Why was he staying in a hotel under an alias? Who were the strange callers linked to his room? And most disturbingly, who was the mysterious “Don” he mentioned before he died?

Despite police efforts, numerous theories, and strange developments—including a cryptic funeral arrangement made by an anonymous donor—his murder remains unsolved to this day.

Artemus Ogletree: A Man Shrouded in Mystery

Very little is known about Artemus Ogletree before his death. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1915, he was only 20 years old when he met his tragic fate. He had reportedly left his home in early 1934, traveling across the country for unknown reasons.

Some reports suggest he was involved in illegal activities, while others speculate he was simply a young drifter searching for opportunities. His mother, Ruby Ogletree, later played a key role in confirming his identity—but the details of his life before Kansas City remain scarce.

The Ominous Stay at Hotel President

On January 2, 1935, Artemus Ogletree checked into Room 1046 at the Hotel President in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. However, he did not use his real name—he checked in under the alias “Roland T. Owen.”

Hotel staff and guests later recalled his unusual demeanor:

• He had minimal luggage, only carrying a comb, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
• He appeared nervous and secretive.
• His room was almost always dark, with the shades drawn.

A hotel maid, Mary Soptic, later reported that multiple men had visited his room during his stay, and that Ogletree had expressed fear of something—or someone.

The Fateful Night: The Attack on January 4, 1935

On the morning of January 4, 1935, a hotel employee noticed that Room 1046’s phone was off the hook, which led staff to check on Ogletree.

What they found was horrific.

• Ogletree was found naked, tied up, and covered in blood.
• He had suffered stab wounds, head trauma, and had his wrists bound with a cord.
• Despite his injuries, he was still alive—but barely.

When asked who did this to him, he muttered a single name:
“Don.”

The police were called immediately, but by the time investigators arrived, Ogletree was incoherent. He was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after due to his severe wounds.

The Investigation: A Trail of Strange Clues

The police investigation quickly hit roadblocks, as nothing about Ogletree’s stay or identity made sense.

Unusual Details at the Crime Scene

1. The Room Was Locked From the Outside
   • This suggested someone else locked the door after the attack.
2. No Wallet, No Identification, No Money
   • All personal belongings were missing—suggesting a possible robbery, but his expensive watch was left behind.
3. Mysterious Phone Calls & Visitors
   • Several hotel employees reported he received numerous phone calls from a man named Don.
   • The maid, Mary Soptic, had seen a shadowy male visitor enter Ogletree’s room the day before.
4. A Mysterious Woman’s Voice
   • Some guests reported hearing a woman arguing in his room on the night of the attack.

Theories About the Murder

Several theories emerged about what happened in Room 1046.

1. The “Don” Theory

Since Ogletree himself named “Don” before dying, it is widely believed this was the attacker.

• Was Don a friend?
• Was he a criminal associate?
• Or was Don a hired killer?

2. A Romantic Dispute?

Some believed Ogletree was involved in a love triangle, possibly with a married woman.

• The female voice heard arguing with him suggests a jealous lover or a conflict.
• The brutal nature of his attack suggests a crime of passion.

3. Organized Crime Connection

Ogletree was traveling without clear purpose and using aliases.

• Was he mixed up in illegal activities?
• Did he owe someone money?

The Bizarre Post-Mortem Mystery

Even after Ogletree’s death, the case took an even stranger turn.

The Anonymous Funeral Payment

• A mystery person paid for his funeral expenses at a Kansas City cemetery.
• The funeral home received anonymous calls from a mystery donor who requested a proper burial.

The Cryptic Letter to His Mother

• A year later, Ogletree’s mother received a typewritten letter from someone claiming to be her son, saying he was alive and well.
• This was impossible—he had been dead for months.

This raised the question:
Who knew about his identity, and why were they covering it up?

Why Was the Case Never Solved?

Despite numerous leads, the case faded into obscurity due to:

• Lack of forensic technology in the 1930s.
• No witnesses willing to come forward.
• No clear suspects—other than the cryptic “Don.”

Modern Speculations & Unsolved Mysteries

Even decades later, true crime enthusiasts and investigators continue to speculate:

• Was Don a real person, or was Ogletree using an alias to protect himself?
• Why was his true identity concealed for so long?
• Who paid for the funeral?
• Was he involved in organized crime or something more sinister?

Conclusion

The murder of Artemus Ogletree remains one of the strangest mysteries in American crime history. Despite extensive investigations, newspaper coverage, and speculation, no concrete answers have ever surfaced.

Over 80 years later, Room 1046 of the Hotel President remains a symbol of one of Kansas City’s most bizarre cold cases. The question remains:
Who was “Don”—and why did he want Artemus Ogletree dead?