Bio

Roland Dean Sundahl was born in 1930 in the United States. He grew up in a period of American history marked by significant social and economic changes. As a young man, Sundahl married and had two children. He worked as a laborer and was often described as calm and kind to people and animals. These traits were acknowledged by those who knew him.

In the year leading up to the crime for which he became infamous, Sundahl started to experience health issues. He suffered from frequent headaches, which contributed to changes in his mood and behavior. His family noted that he became more moody and depressed during this time.

Before the age of 20, Sundahl’s life took a dramatic turn. His life, like many others, was impacted by personal struggles and the societal context of the era.

Murder Story

Roland Dean Sundahl committed the murder of 16-year-old Bonnie Lou Merrill on August 27, 1950, in Columbus, Nebraska. Bonnie went missing after her shift at the Y-Knot Cafe, where she had only worked for two days. She was last seen with Sundahl and another boy, Ronald Kasper, who was driving Sundahl's car. Instead of taking Bonnie home, Sundahl drove her to Lake Babcock, where he made unwanted advances toward her. When Bonnie resisted, Sundahl attacked her.

He choked her, then beat her with a hatchet. After killing her, Sundahl hid her body in the weeds near the lake. He then drove to a nearby filling station, where he spent the night in his car after drinking coffee.

The police began investigating Bonnie's disappearance and quickly focused on Sundahl. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted rape. During his trial, which took place three months after the crime, Sundahl claimed that the murder felt "like a dream" and he couldn’t accept what he had done. A psychiatric evaluation showed conflicting results. Initially, one doctor suggested he had mental issues, but another concluded he understood right from wrong.

Sundahl was found guilty after nine hours of jury deliberation and sentenced to death. He made several attempts to have his sentence appealed, but all were denied, including one to the U.S. Supreme Court. While waiting for his execution, Sundahl attempted suicide by cutting his wrists with a blade hidden in his Bible. After this attempt, he was placed under constant observation.

On April 30, 1952, Sundahl was executed by electrocution in Lincoln, Nebraska. He made no final statement and was pronounced dead three minutes after entering the execution chamber.