MN MN - Richard John ‘Dickie’ Huerkamp, 15, Mapleton, 2 Oct 1965

[Pressureandheat]

The Mapleton Police Department Chief stated to me that they knew of Dickie's disappearance, but never had jurisdiction in the case, and that it was officially handled by the Blue Earth County Sheriff Office.

However, news articles mention that Chief Moore in 1965 and 1966 was very interested and involved in the search efforts.

 

[Pressureandheat]

Ok, so if Blue Earth doesn’t have the investigation file, Mapleton doesn’t have it and BCA doesn’t have it… who does then??

 

[Brightchaser47]

I have mentioned several times in posts to this thread that the original investigation file probably contains information vital to this case.

The current Sheriff of Blue Earth County told me that he could not locate a record of investigation on Dickie's disappearance in his department files. He suggested that the case might have been transferred to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) at some time in the past.

I spoke with an investigator at the Minnesota BCA and provided him with information on this case. He said that BCA had not previously been tasked with the investigation, and that the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office should still have jurisdiction - but that he would coordinate closely with them.

Beginning in October 1965, the Blue Earth Sheriff (Muerer), the Mapleton Chief of Police (Moore), and the Pastor (Rev. William Schimek) of St. Teresa Catholic church were each personally involved in the ongoing search for Dickie. A newspaper article written a year later, mentioned that they were still searching. Could it be that one of them had custody of the official file?

Ok, so if Blue Earth doesn’t have the investigation file, Mapleton doesn’t have it and BCA doesn’t have it… who does then??

I hope it's not in someone's attic or basement, forgotten. Sounds like the current Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office might want to inquire with the families/associates of the three gentlemen  Richard mentioned who followed the case.

 

[Richard]

When looking for answers in very old cold cases, it is sometimes useful to make comparisons to other similar cases.

There are some similarities (perhaps only coincidental) between the 1965 disappearance of 15 year-old Dickie Huerkamp and the 1972 abduction/rape/murder of 15 year-old Julie Ann Hanson.

Besides the same ages at the time, both were last known to be riding a bicycle borrowed from a sibling on rural roads, Dickie in Mapleton, MN, and Julie in Naperville, IL.

Julie's brother's bicycle was found dumped at the side of a gravel road and a day later, her body was found in a nearby field. She had been raped and stabbed 39 times.

Julie's case remained unsolved and open for 49 years until 2021, when DNA testing identified a suspect in her murder as Barry Lee Whelpley of St. Paul. Minnesota. He had lived in Naperville, IL at the time of the murder and was then 27 years old. He was arrested in Minnesota and extradited to Illinois where he died at age 79 last year while awaiting trial on first degree murder charges.

I cannot say where Whelpley was in October 1965. He would have been 20 years old at the time. He had a number of different home addresses - 4 of them in different Minnesota locations. Until his arrest for the Hanson murder, he had no known criminal record.

While an abduction seems unlikely in Dickie's case, it is a remote possibility to consider.

 

[Richard]

Mapleton, Minnesota.

Below is a link to a 1962 Plat Map of Mapleton Township in Blue Earth County. It lists the property owners and shows where their farms were located.

Dickie rode his sister's bicycle out of town and headed south on County Road 7, which is the center street passing through Mapleton. It is not clear from Newspaper articles exactly where the abandoned bicycle was found, but it was stated that the search for Dickie focused on the fields between the bike's location beside the road, and the Maple River. The land around the Maple River where County Road 7 crosses it is owned by the Archie L. McGregor family.

Note also the location of the Stanley Healy farm down in the lower righthand (southeast) area.

When you click on the link, the Plat Map will appear very small, but click on the map and you can expand it to read the small print.

LINK:
https://historicmapworks.com/Map/US...++Lura+Lake/Blue+Earth+County+1962/Minnesota/

 

[Pressureandheat]

Maybe Hiwayman can help us with where the bike was found as he was part of the search party. I always thought it was found on 7, just after the turn to Lura Lake. There is a small field road by the river. But he can probably give us an answer.

 

[Fldrew]

I'm originally from Mapleton and this case has always bothered me. Something is totally off with the idea he drowned. My intuition points me to believe his father killed him. We were just talking about this last night and my Dad said that he heard someone witnessed Dickey and his father outside the bar in some sort of verbal altercation Friday night. There is also someone who can attest to the fact that his bike and other items were not out by the River on Saturday. Most likely staged. I believe his Dad was a grave digger as well. My thoughts only, he's on their property, possible buried in the basement or was put in a dug grave.

 

[Richard]

I'm originally from Mapleton and this case has always bothered me. Something is totally off with the idea he drowned. My intuition points me to believe his father killed him. We were just talking about this last night and my Dad said that he heard someone witnessed Dickey and his father outside the bar in some sort of verbal altercation Friday night. There is also someone who can attest to the fact that his bike and other items were not out by the River on Saturday. Most likely staged. I believe his Dad was a grave digger as well. My thoughts only, he's on their property, possible buried in the basement or was put in a dug grave.

Certainly a theory for investigators to consider.

It was mentioned in early news articles that Dickie's parents were upset with him when he showed up later than expected at their tavern that Friday evening. Dickie's mother was quoted as saying that she "gave him a licking" for it, but that he took it and understood why.

Some inconsistencies or questions with the thought that his father killed him and then staged the bicycle/ditched items:

- what became of the shotgun that Dickie borrowed from Mr. Schultz? To keep it would be very incriminating. To bury it with the body would require a lot of forsight and planning to try to arrange a drowning scenario.

- the parents would also have had to know minute details of Dickie's hunting plans to have staged everything, details later confirmed by others.

- the inclusion of his sister Ann and her bicycle in the story told by the parents would be a potential mistake if the parents wanted to stage a hunting trip gone wrong. If she were to deny that Dickie asked to use her bike, the parents' "made up" story would fall under suspicion. What would she say today?

- all of Dickie's hunting clothes - as described by his parents - would also have to have been collected and permanently destroyed or hidden. It is doubtful that he was wearing that outfit after school and hanging out or working in town. Certainly, it might be expected that investigators would want to see his room and go through his belongings.

As I have mentioned before, a reinvestigation, starting with a thorough reading of the case file (wherever it might be), might resolve some questions and lead to new initiatives.

The total lack of any items or forensic evidence found in the search near the bicycle and river lends support to the conclusion that the bicycle, lunch, and shotgun shells were planted - either to lead investigators to conclude that he fell into the river and drowned, or simply to mislead search efforts away from a possible crime scene.

Speaking of the items found with rhe bike; a question that comes to mind is "were the lunch, box of shells, and gun case loose in a bicycle basket?" OR were in a knapsack or canvas shoulder bag? Anyone going into the field to hunt would have been prepared to carry his gear, along with his shotgun.

In short, although there are questions to be resolved, there seem too many details which would preclude murder by his parents, and point to a more likely scenario - one which would incorporate those details into a logical flow of tragic events.

 

[Pressureandheat]

Certainly a theory for investigators to consider.

It was mentioned in early news articles that Dickie's parents were upset with him when he showed up later than expected at their tavern that Friday evening. Dickie's mother was quoted as saying that she "gave him a licking" for it, but that he took it and understood why.

Some inconsistencies or questions with the thought that his father killed him and then staged the bicycle/ditched items:

- what became of the shotgun that Dickie borrowed from Mr. Schultz? To keep it would be very incriminating. To bury it with the body would require a lot of forsight and planning to try to arrange a drowning scenario.

- the parents would also have had to know minute details of Dickie's hunting plans to have staged everything, details later confirmed by others.

- the inclusion of his sister Ann and her bicycle in the story told by the parents would be a potential mistake if the parents wanted to stage a hunting trip gone wrong. If she were to deny that Dickie asked to use her bike, the parents' "made up" story would fall under suspicion. What would she say today?

- all of Dickie's hunting clothes - as described by his parents - would also have to have been collected and permanently destroyed or hidden. It is doubtful that he was wearing that outfit after school and hanging out or working in town. Certainly, it might be expected that investigators would want to see his room and go through his belongings.

As I have mentioned before, a reinvestigation, starting with a thorough reading of the case file (wherever it might be), might resolve some questions and lead to new initiatives.

The total lack of any items or forensic evidence found in the search near the bicycle and river lends support to the conclusion that the bicycle, lunch, and shotgun shells were planted - either to lead investigators to conclude that he fell into the river and drowned, or simply to mislead search efforts away from a possible crime scene.

Speaking of the items found with rhe bike; a question that comes to mind is "were the lunch, box of shells, and gun case loose in a bicycle basket?" OR were in a knapsack or canvas shoulder bag? Anyone going into the field to hunt would have been prepared to carry his gear, along with his shotgun.

In short, although there are questions to be resolved, there seem too many details which would preclude murder by his parents, and point to a more likely scenario - one which would incorporate those details into a logical flow of tragic events.

So just a few thoughts…

Certainly a theory for investigators to consider.

It was mentioned in early news articles that Dickie's parents were upset with him when he showed up later than expected at their tavern that Friday evening. Dickie's mother was quoted as saying that she "gave him a licking" for it, but that he took it and understood why.

Some inconsistencies or questions with the thought that his father killed him and then staged the bicycle/ditched items:

- what became of the shotgun that Dickie borrowed from Mr. Schultz? To keep it would be very incriminating. To bury it with the body would require a lot of forsight and planning to try to arrange a drowning scenario.

- the parents would also have had to know minute details of Dickie's hunting plans to have staged everything, details later confirmed by others.

- the inclusion of his sister Ann and her bicycle in the story told by the parents would be a potential mistake if the parents wanted to stage a hunting trip gone wrong. If she were to deny that Dickie asked to use her bike, the parents' "made up" story would fall under suspicion. What would she say today?

- all of Dickie's hunting clothes - as described by his parents - would also have to have been collected and permanently destroyed or hidden. It is doubtful that he was wearing that outfit after school and hanging out or working in town. Certainly, it might be expected that investigators would want to see his room and go through his belongings.

As I have mentioned before, a reinvestigation, starting with a thorough reading of the case file (wherever it might be), might resolve some questions and lead to new initiatives.

The total lack of any items or forensic evidence found in the search near the bicycle and river lends support to the conclusion that the bicycle, lunch, and shotgun shells were planted - either to lead investigators to conclude that he fell into the river and drowned, or simply to mislead search efforts away from a possible crime scene.

Speaking of the items found with rhe bike; a question that comes to mind is "were the lunch, box of shells, and gun case loose in a bicycle basket?" OR were in a knapsack or canvas shoulder bag? Anyone going into the field to hunt would have been prepared to carry his gear, along with his shotgun.

In short, although there are questions to be resolved, there seem too many details which would preclude murder by his parents, and point to a more likely scenario - one which would incorporate those details into a logical flow of tragic events.

I think something that needs to be kept in mind is that Mapleton is SMALL. Like less than 700 people back on the 60’s. Still today not even a single stoplight. Most are related or generational lifelong family friends. ie, I, my parents, grandparents & great grandparents all grew up in Mapleton. Most lived their whole lives there. Ties run deep. I mean my parents grew up with the mayor, who was also my softball coach and whom I babysat for. Meaning I highly doubt “normal” or expected police protocol was followed. The family said he went missing, so I’m just not sure that would have been questioned. My understanding is that within hours it was treated as a drowning. So I’ve never seen any indication or heard anyone mention that the police even searched the family’s home or tavern.

In my opinion, the gun, hunting clothes, it would have been very easy to hide. Dad worked for Krengel Brothers. He could easily have just dropped it into a tiling ditch they were currently digging all over town. He had easy access to all the equipment and endless acres less than 3 min from main street in any direction.

The hunting friends said no one answered the door that morning. That means mom and dad didn’t answer either. No one has ever confirmed if the sisters were even home that night/morning. I always thought that was odd because if they had been home and seen him, it would have quickly squashed so many of the rumors that something happened the night before between Dickie and Dad.

I have always wondered if the Healy’s attended church that morning. They were Catholic, so would have been in church with Dickies family. Is that when it was realized that he was missing? Where people have stated the bike was located, anyone living south of Mapleton on 7 coming into church that morning would have driven past the bike in the field ditch. Did anyone else see it there before mom found it?

Lastly, It did catch my attention about the Catholic Priest being so involved. I never met that priest but I can tell you that the priest that replaced him was convicted of sexual molestation of several young Mapleton boys during his time there. It was during the time the Catholic Church was covering it up and just moving the Priest to another town…. Not saying it has any weight on this, just speaks volumes on how things are easily covered up in small towns.

I do think it’s crazy that if he had drowned after all this time nothing has ever been found. Nothing has floated up, washed ashore, not a single shred of clothes, hats, the gun, nothing… It’s not a deep river. I just can’t believe nothing was found.

Just some thoughts/theories but really just more questions than anything…

 

[Pressureandheat]

Certainly a theory for investigators to consider.

It was mentioned in early news articles that Dickie's parents were upset with him when he showed up later than expected at their tavern that Friday evening. Dickie's mother was quoted as saying that she "gave him a licking" for it, but that he took it and understood why.

Some inconsistencies or questions with the thought that his father killed him and then staged the bicycle/ditched items:

- what became of the shotgun that Dickie borrowed from Mr. Schultz? To keep it would be very incriminating. To bury it with the body would require a lot of forsight and planning to try to arrange a drowning scenario.

- the parents would also have had to know minute details of Dickie's hunting plans to have staged everything, details later confirmed by others.

- the inclusion of his sister Ann and her bicycle in the story told by the parents would be a potential mistake if the parents wanted to stage a hunting trip gone wrong. If she were to deny that Dickie asked to use her bike, the parents' "made up" story would fall under suspicion. What would she say today?

- all of Dickie's hunting clothes - as described by his parents - would also have to have been collected and permanently destroyed or hidden. It is doubtful that he was wearing that outfit after school and hanging out or working in town. Certainly, it might be expected that investigators would want to see his room and go through his belongings.

As I have mentioned before, a reinvestigation, starting with a thorough reading of the case file (wherever it might be), might resolve some questions and lead to new initiatives.

The total lack of any items or forensic evidence found in the search near the bicycle and river lends support to the conclusion that the bicycle, lunch, and shotgun shells were planted - either to lead investigators to conclude that he fell into the river and drowned, or simply to mislead search efforts away from a possible crime scene.

Speaking of the items found with rhe bike; a question that comes to mind is "were the lunch, box of shells, and gun case loose in a bicycle basket?" OR were in a knapsack or canvas shoulder bag? Anyone going into the field to hunt would have been prepared to carry his gear, along with his shotgun.

In short, although there are questions to be resolved, there seem too many details which would preclude murder by his parents, and point to a more likely scenario - one which would incorporate those details into a logical flow of tragic events.

So just a few thoughts…

I'm originally from Mapleton and this case has always bothered me. Something is totally off with the idea he drowned. My intuition points me to believe his father killed him. We were just talking about this last night and my Dad said that he heard someone witnessed Dickey and his father outside the bar in some sort of verbal altercation Friday night. There is also someone who can attest to the fact that his bike and other items were not out by the River on Saturday. Most likely staged. I believe his Dad was a grave digger as well. My thoughts only, he's on their property, possible buried in the basement or was put in a dug grave.

 

[Pressureandheat]

So just a few thoughts…

Eager to hear more about someone being “able to attest that the bike wasn’t there on Saturday.” Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Richard]

Eager to hear more about someone being “able to attest that the bike wasn’t there on Saturday.” Inquiring minds want to know!

Without the original case file, which would contain official police investigation reports and witness statements from 1965, we are left with newspaper articles, rumors, and speculation upon which to draw conclusions.

For that bicycle and other items to be dumped in a country roadside ditch - and for no trace of Dickie, his clothing, or shotgun to turn up - we are left with only a few possible scenarios.

One is that Dickie reached that place, while riding the bike in the dark, early that Saturday morning, and was suddenly abducted by persons unknown. Persons who also took his shotgun.

Another more believable scenario is that the bicycle, packed lunch, box of shotgun shells, and possibly a gun case were placed there by someone other than Dickie for the purpose of misleading investigators and searchers.

The second scenario could have been part of a very elaborate and deliberate scheme to try to get investigators and search parties to focus specifically on the river/drowning theory.

OR, the bike and items may have been simply ditched there to prevent them being found elsewhere - perhaps near the place(s) where a death and burial occurred.

This should be considered a potential homicide, rather than just a a missing person case.

 

[Pressureandheat]

Without the original case file, which would contain official police investigation reports and witness statements from 1965, we are left with newspaper articles, rumors, and speculation upon which to draw conclusions.

For that bicycle and other items to be dumped in a country roadside ditch - and for no trace of Dickie, his clothing, or shotgun to turn up - we are left with only a few possible scenarios.

One is that Dickie reached that place, while riding the bike in the dark, early that Saturday morning, and was suddenly abducted by persons unknown. Persons who also took his shotgun.

Another more believable scenario is that the bicycle, packed lunch, box of shotgun shells, and possibly a gun case were placed there by someone other than Dickie for the purpose of misleading investigators and searchers.

The second scenario could have been part of a very elaborate and deliberate scheme to try to get investigators and search parties to focus specifically on the river/drowning theory.

OR, the bike and items may have been simply ditched there to prevent them being found elsewhere - perhaps near the place(s) where a death and burial occurred.

This should be considered a potential homicide, rather than just a a missing person case.

So where do we go from here? Sounds like no one has the case file, so now what? I’d hope at the very least they could add him to the MN Missing List. That way if anything is ever found that he would be considered. As it is right now, he wouldn’t come up on anyone’s radar.

 

[Richard]

So where do we go from here? Sounds like no one has the case file, so now what? I’d hope at the very least they could add him to the MN Missing List. That way if anything is ever found that he would be considered. As it is right now, he wouldn’t come up on anyone’s radar.

Good point. I don't know that the file is "lost". It could be archived somewhere and just not in the current Blue Earth County Sheriff's computerized system. Hopefully they will do a search for it.

If it can't be located, it might be possible to resubmit the case, as has been done with other cold cases in recent times.

The different registries and missing person agencies all have their established procedures and rules which they go by. The Official Minnesota state list of missing persons is under their Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which is the state police.

BCA is aware of this case and have appointed an investigator to work with the Blue Earth County Sheriff, whose office has jurisdiction.

 

[Brightchaser47]

BCA is aware of this case and have appointed an investigator to work with the Blue Earth County Sheriff, whose office has jurisdiction.

RSBM
This is encouraging. I wonder whether an ad of inquiry in the local newspapers would get any response. At the least, it should get people talking about the case more. Never know what that might turn up...jmo

 

[Richard]

RSBM
This is encouraging. I wonder whether an ad of inquiry in the local newspapers would get any response. At the least, it should get people talking about the case more. Never know what that might turn up...jmo

This October will mark the 60 year anniversary of Dickie's disappearance. Maybe a feature article in a local paper, with specific law enforcement points - of - contact, might generate interest and useful information.

 

[DD Byrd]

I'd really l like to know exactly how the bicycle and other items were found. Stacked neatly? Tossed there? Was the bike standing, leaning or twisted? And for starters, how deep was this ditch? Because I'm envisioning a couple of different scenarios...
* The ditch was deep enough that Dickie himself rolled the bike down to intentionally keep it out of eyesight. If he was already running late and on a mission to catch up with the friends, I can see him unloading the gun and taking off, thinking he'd come back for his lunch.
* The bike was dumped there after whatever happened, happened. But why, outside of urgency? There was no where else to hide it more permanently? Otherwise, it sounds like it was going to collected later, or was placed there to imply Dickie had been there. How visible was it from the road?
* If was dark and a gravel road, is it possible he was accidently hit? A driver or passenger might have taken his body and his gun. I'm guessing they weren't testing for tracks or accident recon then.

We know someone's tracks went to the water, but I doubt they beamed up to the mothership. So if they stopped there did they continue downstream or did they 180 and return? It sounds unlikely that Dickie walked to the water, was accidently shot, and someone carried his body back the way he'd come. But if he was accidently shot, might it have been by someone as yet not named? It's possible if this was a known hunting area. But with a shooting, I'd lean towards one of the friends did it.

 

[Richard]

...* If was dark and a gravel road, is it possible he was accidently hit? A driver or passenger might have taken his body and his gun. I'm guessing they weren't testing for tracks or accident recon then.

We know someone's tracks went to the water, but I doubt they beamed up to the mothership. So if they stopped there did they continue downstream or did they 180 and return? ...

A person on a bicycle, on an unlighted country road could have been hit by a motor vehicle, and that might have been considered by investigators.

Besides potential evidence of such a scenario, like: skid marks, blood or debris on the road, or visible collision damage to the bicycle, - one would have to question how Dickie, all of his clothing, and his shot gun disappeared permanently from the scene.

The fact that tracking dogs followed two separate tracks FROM the bicycle would tend to indicate that it was placed in the ditch by someone (Not necessarily Dickie) who walked, across the field, away from it.

IF --- a tracking dog had been given Dickie's actual scent to start with (from his pillow, clothing, a personal item like a wallet, etc.) it might be concluded that the scent the dog followed away from that bicycle was left by Dickie.

HOWEVER, we have no evidence of that being the case (that the dogs were given his specific scent). More likely, the dogs were simply started at the bicycle and allowed to pick up on the scent of anyone who walked away from the bike.

This could have been the person who placed the bicycle there, and/or one or two of the previous day's searchers.

The story that the dogs followed two separate tracks would tend to support the above theory.

In my experience with tracking dogs, they will always proceed from a starting point in the direction that the track layer traveled. This is something that they do instinctively. Reverse tracking is something that is not natural for them and would require a lot of special training.

Unfortunately, we do not know the records of those tracking dogs and their handler(s), or the specifics of their work that day.

Another thing we do not know is what condition the bicycle was in. Was there any evidence of collision damage? Was there any damage from a firearm? Were there any mechanical problems with the bike such as a flat tire, slipped chain etc. which might have caused Dickie to leave it where it was found?

If his intention was to go goose hunting, why would he leave his lunch and a box of shotgun shells behind?

Were those other items securely attached with the bicycle - or scattered about?

 

[DD Byrd]

Best case scenario the dogs were pre-scented on Dickie's scent from his clothing or even the bicycle seat. If he never rode the bike that day, or touched the handles if he walked it part of the way, it would certainly be interesting. I don't know what kind of resources Mapleton, MN had in the 60s, but those dogs tracked someone. If it was a searcher, it could be that person stopped at the water.

I've seen someone on a bike hit by a vehicle where there managed to be no damage to the bike (and luckily just road rash to the person). There could very well be no skid marks if the driver didn't see him and/or was driving at a low speed. Also possibly he was knocked down and had a fatal head injury with no blood, also from a low speed. But that's a lot of "possibles" when added together seem more unlikely.

Without more details I'd guess one of two scenarios - 1) an accident with one or more of the other boys who managed to hide his body and never tell (that we know of). But, I'd also accept they thought the younger boy wasn't coming and headed to a different hunting area and had nothing to do with it. Or 2) he never left home. Perhaps he got in trouble for trying to take his sister's bike and the unheard knock on the door never happened. That would explain him already in his boots, and packed etc. But in this case, I wouldn't factor in abuse with the "gave him a licking" without context. It could just be a "tongue lashing" or "talking to" though it certainly sounds physical. On the other hand, people spank their children, but it doesn't mean they murder them. Or it's just a phrase? If you open a can of whoop on someone, are you standing there with a can with cartoon letters saying Whoop and an Acme can opener?

I wonder if his sister or the other boys have ever spoken out as adults.

 

[Pressureandheat]

Best case scenario the dogs were pre-scented on Dickie's scent from his clothing or even the bicycle seat. If he never rode the bike that day, or touched the handles if he walked it part of the way, it would certainly be interesting. I don't know what kind of resources Mapleton, MN had in the 60s, but those dogs tracked someone. If it was a searcher, it could be that person stopped at the water.

I've seen someone on a bike hit by a vehicle where there managed to be no damage to the bike (and luckily just road rash to the person). There could very well be no skid marks if the driver didn't see him and/or was driving at a low speed. Also possibly he was knocked down and had a fatal head injury with no blood, also from a low speed. But that's a lot of "possibles" when added together seem more unlikely.

Without more details I'd guess one of two scenarios - 1) an accident with one or more of the other boys who managed to hide his body and never tell (that we know of). But, I'd also accept they thought the younger boy wasn't coming and headed to a different hunting area and had nothing to do with it. Or 2) he never left home. Perhaps he got in trouble for trying to take his sister's bike and the unheard knock on the door never happened. That would explain him already in his boots, and packed etc. But in this case, I wouldn't factor in abuse with the "gave him a licking" without context. It could just be a "tongue lashing" or "talking to" though it certainly sounds physical. On the other hand, people spank their children, but it doesn't mean they murder them. Or it's just a phrase? If you open a can of whoop *advertiser censored* on someone, are you standing there with a can with cartoon letters saying Whoop *advertiser censored* and an Acme can opener?

I wonder if his sister or the other boys have ever spoken out as adults.

The theory re his father and the possibility of an altercation is based on people that grew up with Dickie, the local people in town having watched previous interactions between Dickie and his father. It was well known apparently that things would get “intense” between them. That coupled with the fact that no one claimed to have seen Dickie after the licking Friday night for being late. (Outside of the parents claim) but we still don’t know what the sisters knew/saw.

Someone from Mapleton mentioned a boy from Janesville MN went missing not long after, but I haven’t had a chance to do any research on it. Janesville is not far from Mapleton. We played them in sports. Even back in the 60’s. So that might be something to look in to.