Author talk examines 1982 murders in Craig

Author talk examines 1982 murders in Craig

Author Leland Hale spent years trying to find out what really happened in an unsolved mass murder, and this Friday he’s talking about his methods and the book he released earlier this year about it.

Hale’s new book “What Happened in Craig” goes in depth into the 1982 murder of eight people in Craig (a small community located on Prince of Wales Island) and the investigation that followed. The subsequent trials of the main suspect John Peel weren’t able to reach a conviction. Hale researched the case using the Alaska State Archives’ court records.

At 5:30 p.m. Friday, Hale will speak about his book and display some of the archived materials that he used in his research. The talk will take place at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum Atrium.

There will be a book signing at the museum store afterward. The Friends of the Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum are sponsoring the event. Hale is also known for his book “Butcher, Baker: The True Account of an Alaskan Serial Killer,” along with co-author Walter Gilmour.

More in News

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October of 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Ships in port for t​​he Week of April 22

Here’s what to expect this week.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, April 22, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, turns to listen to a proposed amendment to the state budget on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Alaska State Capitol. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska House panel removes proposal to raise the state’s age of sexual consent to 18

Rep. Andrew Gray, author of the idea, says he will introduce a revised and updated version.

The Hubbard, the newest vessel in the Alaska Marine Highway System fleet, docks at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on April 18. It is generally scheduled to provide dayboat service between Juneau, Haines and Skagway. (Photo by Laurie Craig)
Ongoing Alaska Marine Highway woes are such that marketing to Lower 48 tourists is being scaled back

“We just disappoint people right now,” AMHS’ marine director says during online public forum Monday.

Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska Senate considers plan that would allow teens to independently seek mental health care

Amendment by Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, would lower the age for behavioral health care to 16

Rep. George Rauscher, R-Sutton, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, March 28, at the Alaska State Capitol. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
House approves tougher route for environmental protections on Alaska rivers, lakes

HB95 would require lawmakers approve any “Tier III” labeling, the highest level of federal protection.

Rep. Andi Story (left, wearing gray), Rep. Sara Hannan (center, wearing purple) and Sen. Jesse Kiehl (wearing suit) talk with constituents following a legislative town hall on Thursday at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
All three members of Juneau’s legislative delegation seeking reelection

Reps. Andi Story and Sara Hannan, and Sen. Jesse Kiehl unopposed ahead of June 1 filing deadline

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, April 21, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The “Newtok Mothers” assembled as a panel at the Arctic Encounter Symposium on April 11 discuss the progress and challenges as village residents move from the eroding and thawing old site to a new village site called Mertarvik. Photographs showing deteriorating conditions in Newtok are displayed on a screen as the women speak at the event, held at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Relocation of eroding Alaska Native village seen as a test case for other threatened communities

Newtok-to-Mertarvik transformation has been decades in the making.

Most Read