On August 26, 1881, the mutilated remains of a woman were found in the “Raynor Smith’s 
woods” by sixteen year old Joseph Ritchie. While hunting in a swampy area, Ritchie found two packages about ten feet apart. The first package contained the woman’s head and arms; the second, her truck and legs. Newspaper accounts at the time speculated that the remains were those of 27 year old Ella Clark of Stanford, CT. Clark was reported missing by her brother after she came to New York City on May 2, 1881. It was also reported that she may have been pregnant. At the time of her disappearance, $300 was mysteriously withdrawn from her bank account. Possible suspects involved in Clark's disappearance include: her former employer, Thomas Brooks; her alleged lover, John Spencer; a mysterious man named Denis Cronan; Mrs. Kennedy, with whom Ella stayed with before she disappeared; and Dr. Clarke Thomas who admitted helping Ella, a friend of his cook, get a job with the Brooks but denied knowing her personally or professionally.
No additional newspaper accounts concerning the true identity of the victim or the whereabouts of Ella Clark have been located.
woods” by sixteen year old Joseph Ritchie. While hunting in a swampy area, Ritchie found two packages about ten feet apart. The first package contained the woman’s head and arms; the second, her truck and legs. Newspaper accounts at the time speculated that the remains were those of 27 year old Ella Clark of Stanford, CT. Clark was reported missing by her brother after she came to New York City on May 2, 1881. It was also reported that she may have been pregnant. At the time of her disappearance, $300 was mysteriously withdrawn from her bank account. Possible suspects involved in Clark's disappearance include: her former employer, Thomas Brooks; her alleged lover, John Spencer; a mysterious man named Denis Cronan; Mrs. Kennedy, with whom Ella stayed with before she disappeared; and Dr. Clarke Thomas who admitted helping Ella, a friend of his cook, get a job with the Brooks but denied knowing her personally or professionally.No additional newspaper accounts concerning the true identity of the victim or the whereabouts of Ella Clark have been located.
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Sources:
"Freeport's Horror" The National Police Gazette. 17 September 1881: 6
"The Mystery Yet Unsolved" New York Times. 27 November 1881: 7
