Thursday, November 04, 2021

Tombstone Arizona’s Grisliest Murder

 

In the early 1880s, Tombstone, Arizona was a violent, chaotic, roaring, mining town.  Sudden death was commonplace, and the population of the Boot Hill graveyard soared. 

Tombstone’s grisliest murder occurred at the Bird Cage Theatre (which also served as a saloon and brothel) and involved two “Painted Ladies”, Margarita, the belle of the Bird Cage, and Little Gertie called “the Gold Dollar” who worked at a rival brothel.



Tombstone Arizona


The women fell out over a man, one Billy Milgreen, a two bit gambler.  In 1882, Gold Dollar had had enough of Margarita’s poaching customers.  Little Gertie, a petite thing, grabbed a handful of Margarita’s hair and stabbed her in the chest with a double edged stiletto.  Gold Dollar did a thorough job, hacking at the other woman’s heart with her blade until her rival was well and truly dead.


Billy Milgreen



Little Gertie, the Gold Dollar

Gold Dollar fled the scene but was soon arrested by the town Marshal.  No charges stuck.  The murder weapon had disappeared, so the peace keepers reasoned there was no evidence, despite the presence of eyewitnesses.  Gold Dollar continued a favorite in the town.



The Grave of Margarita




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