DeAutremont Brothers – Wanna Be Train Robbers
The year was 1923, a time when the romance of the Wild West was fading, but the allure of easy money still flickered in the hearts of some. Among those captivated by this dangerous dream were the DeAutremont Brothers: Hugh, Ray, and Roy. Their names would become infamous, not for daring feats of banditry, but for a bungled train robbery that resulted in tragedy and a massive manhunt. The story of the DeAutremont Brothers is a cautionary tale of ambition gone horribly wrong, forever etched in the annals of crime.
On October 11, 1923, the brothers put their ill-conceived plan into action. They targeted a Southern Pacific Railroad train chugging through the rugged terrain of southern Oregon. Their objective was simple: to rob the mail car and abscond with a rumored fortune. However, their execution was far from professional, marred by violence and a fatal miscalculation.
The attempted robbery quickly spiraled into a bloodbath. The DeAutremont Brothers, in their desperate attempt to secure the train, callously shot and killed the train’s brakeman, engineer, and fireman. These were not hardened criminals, but desperate men whose actions demonstrated a shocking disregard for human life. The cold-blooded murders sent shockwaves through the community, transforming a simple robbery into a full-blown crisis.
The brothers’ plan hinged on gaining access to the mail car, where they believed the bulk of the money was stored. They opted for a crude and dangerous method: dynamite. But, lacking the expertise or foresight, they used far too much of the explosive. The resulting explosion was catastrophic. It not only ripped open the mail car but also killed the mail clerk instantly. The blast ignited a raging fire that quickly engulfed the car, destroying any potential loot and further compounding the tragedy.
Contrary to initial rumors that suggested they had made off with $40,000, the DeAutremont Brothers fled the scene empty-handed, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation. The event, which would become known as the Siskiyou Massacre, triggered one of the most extensive and costly investigations in the history of the Pacific Northwest. Law enforcement agencies from across the region mobilized to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
The manhunt for the DeAutremont Brothers spanned several years and covered a vast geographical area. The brothers had vanished into thin air, leaving investigators with little to go on. Leads were pursued, rumors were investigated, and the public was urged to come forward with any information that could help bring the killers to justice. The pressure on law enforcement was immense, and the investigation consumed considerable resources.
The breakthrough finally came when Hugh DeAutremont, attempting to escape his past, enlisted in the army under an assumed name. His attempt at anonymity failed, and he was eventually apprehended. With Hugh in custody, the authorities were able to track down his brothers, Ray and Roy, who were captured in Steubenville, Ohio. The long arm of the law had finally caught up with the men responsible for the Siskiyou Massacre.
The trial of the DeAutremont Brothers captivated the nation. The gruesome details of the crime were laid bare, and the public was eager to see justice served. All three brothers were ultimately convicted and sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the deadly train robbery. The sentences brought a measure of closure to the families of the victims and signaled that such acts of violence would not be tolerated.
Life in prison took a heavy toll on the DeAutremont Brothers. Hugh DeAutremont was paroled in 1959 but died just a few months later, his freedom short-lived. Roy, who had undergone a frontal lobotomy while incarcerated, was paroled in 1983 and also died shortly after his release. Ray, the last surviving brother, was paroled in 1961 and found work as a custodian at the University of Oregon. He lived a relatively quiet life until his death on December 22, 1984, in Eugene, Oregon.
The story of the DeAutremont Brothers serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of poor choices and the devastating impact of violence. Their ill-fated attempt at train robbery resulted in the senseless deaths of innocent people and ultimately led to their own ruin. The Siskiyou Massacre remains a dark chapter in the history of the American West, a testament to the destructive power of greed and the importance of upholding the law. Their story also reminds people about the importance of a life lived well and avoiding illegal activities.
The legacy of the DeAutremont Brothers extends beyond the immediate tragedy of the Siskiyou Massacre. It serves as a cautionary tale for generations to come, illustrating the futility of crime and the enduring power of justice. The story continues to be told and retold, ensuring that the victims of the Siskiyou Massacre are never forgotten and that the lessons learned from this tragic event are never lost. The incident highlights the importance of careful planning and forethought, especially when dealing with dangerous materials.
The tale of the DeAutremont Brothers is also a reflection of the times. The early 20th century was a period of rapid change and social upheaval, and the lure of quick riches often proved irresistible to some. The story of these brothers reflects a time when train robberies were romanticized in popular culture, but the reality was far more brutal and tragic. The reality of their crime proved more deadly than the dream of riches.
The story also underscores the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement in bringing criminals to justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The investigation into the Siskiyou Massacre was a complex and arduous undertaking, but the authorities remained committed to finding the perpetrators and holding them accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the story of the DeAutremont Brothers is a complex and multifaceted one. It is a tale of ambition, greed, violence, and ultimately, justice. It is a story that continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of making responsible choices and the enduring consequences of our actions. The Siskiyou Massacre remains a tragic reminder of the dark side of human nature and the enduring power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
