Bio

Donald Sherman Staley was born on June 13, 1917. He grew up in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada. Not much is known about his early life, but he eventually joined the army. Staley served as a soldier in the Scottish regiment. After his time in the army, he returned to civilian life.

In the summer of 1946, Staley found himself in Vancouver, British Columbia. On July 4, he interacted with two boys, Bobby Sherman and Garry Billings, while they were at Stanley Park Beach. He offered to buy them snacks and spent time with them at the beach. The boys enjoyed their time with him and mentioned their experience to their parents.

After their meeting, Garry Billings disappeared. His friend Bobby became worried when he learned Garry had not returned home. Meanwhile, another boy named Donnie Goss went missing in Calgary, Alberta, nineteen days later. He also was part of a group of children playing when he disappeared.

Staley was arrested about a month later on August 17, 1946. During his time in custody, he confessed to the murders of both boys.

Murder Story

On July 5, 1946, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Donald Sherman Staley met eleven-year-old Garry Billings and his friend at the beach. They played and enjoyed snacks together. The next day, Garry went missing. Nineteen days later, his body was found in a shallow grave in Stanley Park.

Meanwhile, on July 24, 1946, six-year-old Donnie Goss disappeared from St. George Island in Calgary, Alberta. His body was discovered soon after, showing signs of violence. Investigators linked the two cases to Staley.

Police arrested Staley on August 17, 1946. During questioning, he confessed to both murders. He described how he lured Garry into the bushes and attacked him. He also revealed details about the attack on Donnie, explaining how he had tried to overpower him before stabbing him.

Staley was convicted and sentenced to death. His execution took place on December 18, 1946, at Provincial Gaol in Lethbridge, marking the largest public hanging in Canadian history.