The Forgotten Murders That Shocked Main Street

In September 1974, the tight-knit community of Woodward, Oklahoma, was shaken to its core by a crime that remains one of the most harrowing in its history.

 

The Thrasher family—Mervin (28), Sandra (27), and their two young children, Penelope (5) and Robert (18 months)—were found brutally murdered in their home.

 

Each victim had been tied up and shot in the head with the family's own .22 caliber rifle.

 

Notably, there were no signs of theft; valuables remained untouched, deepening the mystery and horror surrounding the case.

 

The sheer brutality of the murders sent shockwaves through Woodward.

 

Residents grappled with the reality that an entire family had been wiped out in such a violent manner.

 

The absence of a clear motive or suspect left the community on edge, fearing that the perpetrator might still be among them.

 

Eventually, Billy Wayne Collins was convicted for the murders.

 

However, Collins maintained that another individual was involved, a claim that added layers of complexity and doubt to the case.

 

Adding to the mystery is a little-known detail that never made it into the courtroom.

One of the first officers on the scene reportedly wrote a private letter years later, confessing he had seen something at the crime scene that didn’t match the official story.

 

He described a single, haunting detail—never shared publicly—that made him believe someone had returned to the house after the murders.

 

The letter was never published, and the officer refused interviews, but it remains a chilling footnote in a case already filled with unanswered questions.

 

While the Thrasher family's home was not located directly on Main Street, the impact of their deaths permeated every corner of Woodward.

 

Main Street, often considered the heart of the town, became a focal point for collective mourning and reflection.

 

Businesses displayed black ribbons, and community gatherings were held to honor the memory of the Thrashers.

 

In the decades since the tragedy, Woodward has worked diligently to heal and grow.

 

Collaborations between organizations like Woodward Tourism, Woodward Main Street, and Circle of Care, Inc. have led to successful fundraisers and gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among residents.

 

While the memory of the Thrasher family tragedy remains a somber chapter in Woodward's history, the town's resilience and commitment to growth serve as a testament to its enduring spirit.

 

Main Street, once overshadowed by sorrow, now stands as a symbol of renewal and hope for the community.