115. The Murders of Dr. and Mrs. Littlefield – Part 1
We examine the 1937 murders of Dr. James Littlefield and his wife, Lydia, in Maine.
In part 1 of our analysis of The Murders of Dr. and Mrs. Littlefield, we examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Dr. James Littlefield and his wife, Lydia, in 1937. Their bodies were discovered in their car in North Arlington, New Jersey, far from their home in South Paris, Maine, with 18-year-old Paul Dwyer at the wheel. The discovery launched an investigation that raised questions which persist to this day. Subsequent proceedings introduced competing explanations for the murders. One theory holds that Dwyer acted alone. Another contends that Deputy Sheriff Francis Carroll was the primary offender, with Dwyer forced to assist in covering up the crime. We try to answer what most likely happened. Part 1 of 2.
We want to extend a huge thanks to Tiffany Link, Collections Curator for the Maine Historical Society, for recommending this case and for her invaluable research.
Additional information and resources for this episode:
Littlefield Homicide Legislative Report
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, via Ancestry.com
Lewiston Daily Sun, October 18, 1937, page 5
A printed police interview in Rumford Falls Times on Oct. 21, 1937, page 4
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 3, 1938, page 7
Lewiston Daily Sun, October 18, 1937, page 1
Sun Journal, October 16, 1937, page 9
Portland Press Herald, October 17, 1937, page 43
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 3, 1938, page 7
Sun Journal, October 16, 1937, page 9
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 3, 1938, page 7
Lewiston Daily Sun, October 18, 1937, page 5
“Boy with Big Ideas,” Evening Express, Oct. 16, 1937, page 1
Portland Press Herald, Oct. 17, 1937, page 43
Bangor Daily News, October 18, 1937, page 2
Portland Press Herald, Oct. 17, 1937, page 43
Lewiston Daily Sun, October 18, 1937, page 5
Evening Express, October 18, 1937, page 2
Maine, U.S., Marriage Index, 1892-1996, via Ancestry.com.
Paul Dwyer, Mrs. Pinkos are Wed.” Lewiston Evening Journal, November 25, 1960, page 17
“Paul Dwyer’s wife among divorce seekers,” Evening Express, August 7, 1964, page 13
New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services; Concord, NH, USA; New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1969 via Ancestry.com.
Boston Daily Globe, Boston, MA: September 21, 1950, page 32
Biddeford-Saco Journal, October 9, 1959, page 2
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 10, 1938, page 2
Lewiston Evening Journal, May 28, 1938, page 1
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 10, 1938, page 2
Evening Express, August 8, 1938, page 8
Lewiston Evening Journal, May 28, 1938, page 1
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 10, 1938, page 9
Boston Daily Globe, September 20, 1950, page 13
Summary from Evening Express, October 18, 1837, page 2
Lewiston Sun-Journal, Oct. 16, 1937, page 9
Portland Evening Express, August 25, 1938, page 2
Evening Express, October 18, 1937, page 2
Bangor Daily News, October 18, 1937, page 2
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 9, 1938, pages 1 and 9
Lewiston Daily Sun, Augsut 5, 1938, page 9
Evening Express, October 18, 1937 page 2
Lewiston Daily Sun, October 18, 1937, pages 1 and 5
Evening Express, Oct. 16, 1937 page 2
Lewiston Daily Sun, Oct. 18, 1937 page 5
Bangor Daily News, Oct. 18, 1937 page 2
Daily News, New York, NY: October 19, 1937, page 8
Daily News, New York, NY: December 3 19, 1937, page 20
Sun Journal, December 17, 1937
Evening Express: August 8, 1938, page 8
Lewiston Evening Journal, August 10, 1938, page 2
Evening Express, June 1, 1938, page 1
Portland Press Herald, June 3, 1938 page 1 and 20
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