Bio

John Rowles, also known as Snowy, was an itinerant stockman in Western Australia. 

In the late 1920s, Rowles worked as a boundary rider along the Rabbit-Proof Fence. This was a significant piece of infrastructure designed to keep pests and rabbits from entering farming areas in Western Australia. Rowles' job required him to travel and live in remote areas, which exposed him to a transient lifestyle. He sometimes interacted with authors and locals in the region, including Arthur Upfield, a writer who later became known for his detective novels.

Rowles was born in an unknown year, but records show that he was an adult during the late 1920s when he began to gain attention in the area. He had been in trouble with the law before, having been jailed for burglary and escaping in 1928.

Murder Story

John Rowles, known as "Snowy," committed a series of murders between 1929 and 1930 in Western Australia. His victims were James Ryan, George Lloyd, and Louis Carron. The crimes took place near the Rabbit-proof fence during a time when Rowles was working as a stockman.

In December 1929, Rowles was seen with James Ryan and George Lloyd. They left Camel Station on December 8. Soon after, both men vanished. Friends reported that they had not heard from them, which was unusual. On Christmas Eve 1929, Rowles claimed to Arthur Upfield that Ryan had decided to stay in Mount Magnet and had lent him his truck. Meanwhile, Rowles had another story, saying he had bought the truck from Ryan.

In May 1930, Louis Carron, who had recently come to the area, also disappeared after spending time with Rowles. Carron had been sending regular updates to his friends, so his absence raised concern when he stopped communicating. Investigators later linked Carron to Rowles after uncovering details about their connection.

Authorities began to investigate the disappearances of Carron, Ryan, and Lloyd. During the search, they discovered the remains of Carron's body buried at a remote location along the rabbit-proof fence. A wedding ring belonging to Carron was found, which helped confirm his identity.

Rowles was eventually arrested by Detective-Sergeant Manning, who recognized him as a wanted man. Although there was enough evidence to suggest Rowles was guilty of multiple murders, he was tried only for the murder of Carron. During the trial, evidence about Rowles’ behavior and lies about his whereabouts were presented. The jury found him guilty within two hours.

Rowles was sentenced to death for his crimes and was executed by hanging on June 13, 1931.