NQL Case File

Circumstances

Date of Disappearance

June 14, 1955

Notes

The last sighting of Curtis and Marjorie Chillingworth was at a dinner party on June 14. The couple departed at approximately 10:00pm (22:00) to head home in the West Palm Beach suburb of Manapalan. A carpenter hired to build a toyset for their grandkids arrive the following morning at approximately 8:00am. He found the front door open but no one was home. A judget, it was concerning when Curtis Chillingworth failed to appear for a courtroom hearing at 10:00am as well. Investigators were called and discovered evidence of foul play in and around the home. The porch light was broken and there were blood drops along the path towards the beach. Two used things of tape were discovered in the area, one in the Chillingworth's living room and one in the sand along the beath. Their swimming suits were still there (dry) and there was money left in their wallets; the keys were found still in their car. The two are believed to be deceased and victims of a crime for hire. Curtis was in a conflict with Joseph Peel, the city municipal judget. Peel had beed accused of inappropriate and unethical conduct during a divorce when he worked to represent both sides. He was facing disbarment which would strip him of his license and end his career. Peel was also concerned that he would lose the income he was receiving from corruption, earned by protecting the interests of local bolita stores (a kind of lottery or gambling) and illegal alcohol producers. Curtis was his superior and had already issued a notice to Peel regarding his behavior during a 1953 divorce case and was unlikely to rule in his favor now. Peel decided to hire a local carpenter's apprentice Floyd 'Lucky' Holzapfel (a known criminal) to kill the Judge and his wife. That night, Lucky and his friend Bobby Lincoln took a boat to the beach near the Chillingworth's home and arrive at approximately 1:00am. Bobby hid in the bushed while Lucky knocked on the door. When Curtis opened the door, Lucky used a gun to get Curtis and Marjorie into their boar. They sailed for approximately an hour before pushing both Chillingworths into the water with lead weights tied around their legs. They were discovered only when Lucky got drunk one night and bragged about the incident to an acquaintance who brought the matter to police. All three men served time, but the bodies of the Chillingworths were never found.

Location of the Disappearance or Crime Scene

Home

Potential Circumstances

At Sea, Home Invasion, Multiple Persons Killed, Murder & Abduction, Multiple Persons Abduction

Vehicle

Plymouth

License Plate

Photo of Vehicle

Suspect

Multiple Persons

Suspect Description

Floyd "Lucky" Holzapfel, Bobby Lincoln, Joseph Peel

Photo of Suspect