Bio

William Albert Autur Tahl was born in 1938. He had a troubled early life. When he was just three years old, he threw a brick through a window, which was his first clash with authority. As he grew up, he continued to get into trouble with the law, but his crimes were usually small and petty.

Tahl's life took a more serious turn when he became an adult. At the age of 27, he began to show violent behavior that surprised those around him. Until that point, he had mostly been known for minor offenses.

In the spring of 1965, he worked at the Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, California. It was during this time that his life changed drastically. Tahl became involved in a series of events that would lead to significant trouble with the law.

He later moved to Texas, where he took on a new identity to avoid being caught. He made new friends and tried to build a life, but he remained on the run from the authorities. This period of instability continued until his arrest in November 1965. Throughout this time, Tahl struggled with violent urges and a series of criminal activities that escalated quickly.

Murder Story

On April 1, 1965, William Albert Autur Tahl went to the Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, California. He approached his employers, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Bowen, while carrying a shotgun. He demanded cash, but they refused. In response, Tahl shot both of them. Mrs. Bowen died immediately, while Mr. Bowen survived long enough to identify Tahl as the assailant.

Later on the same day, Tahl entered a nearby apartment. He threatened to stab a two-year-old child if the child's teenage mother did not comply with his demands. After the incident, Tahl fled California to avoid being captured by the police.

Tahl made his way to El Paso, Texas, where he obtained false identification documents. He assumed the name "Arthur Spencer" and later moved to Dallas, Texas. In Dallas, he befriended Allen Wright, who was 24 years old, and moved in with him. Soon after, on April 26, 1965, a neighbor discovered Allen Wright's body in the apartment, which showed signs of violent trauma.

Tahl then fled to Fort Worth, Texas. While there, he found another fake Social Security card, this time under the name "J.D. Baxter." He continued to evade law enforcement, eventually traveling to St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis, he befriended a teacher named Marvin Thomas and moved into his apartment.

As the hunt for him continued, Tahl's situation became increasingly desperate. On November 5, 1965, he bound Marvin Thomas and assaulted him. Tahl forced Thomas to sign several checks made out to "J.D. Baxter." After leaving the apartment, Tahl was unaware that neighbors had alerted the police.

When Tahl returned to the apartment, the police were waiting. They allowed him to use the bathroom before they made the arrest. Tahl emerged with a gun and threatened to commit suicide. He revealed his identity and admitted to multiple murders. After a tense standoff, he surrendered to the authorities and was taken into custody.