Morbid Podcast Episode 681: Elmer McCurdy – The Outlaw Mummy
Host: Elena
Co-Host: Ash
Release Date: June 16, 2025
1. The Mysterious Mummy at Long Beach Amusement Park (00:05:02 - 00:12:25)
The episode kicks off with Elena and Ash delving into the eerie discovery of what initially appeared to be a mannequin at the Laugh in the Dark attraction in Long Beach, California. Elena recounts how prop master Chris Haynes found a strange, mummified body that exuded a "weird glow in the dark paint job" (07:42). Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the figure was a desiccated human corpse, complete with male genitalia—a stark contrast to typical props used in amusement parks.
Elena explains, “This was not anatomically correct. This was a completely desiccated, mummified human body” (09:12). The discovery baffled the crew, leading Chris to quietly notify an off-duty cop. Surprisingly, the officers dismissed the find as a prank, reporting it to paramedics as a “case of severe dehydration” (10:07).
2. Autopsy and Identification by Dr. Thomas Noguchi (00:12:25 - 00:24:20)
The body was sent to Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the esteemed LA Chief Medical Examiner known for his work on iconic celebrities like Marilyn Monroe (12:27). During the autopsy, Dr. Noguchi and his assistant uncovered crucial evidence:
- A small hole in the chest masked by arsenic, a common embalming practice from the Civil War era, indicating the body dated between 1905 and 1939 (14:55).
- Bullet fragments from an antique slug likely fired from a .3230 caliber rifle, further narrowing the timeframe (18:03).
- A corroded copper penny dated 1924 and ticket stubs linking the body to a famous sideshow (19:08).
These findings led to the identification of the corpse as Elmer McCurdy, a small-time bandit who had been roaming the sideshow circuit for decades after his death in 1911.
Elena notes, “They were able to confidently confirm that the amusement park mummy was indeed the corpse of Elmer McCurdy” (22:29).
3. The Tragic Life of Elmer McCurdy (00:24:20 - 00:60:35)
Early Life and Struggles (00:24:20 - 00:33:34):
Elmer McCurdy's life was fraught with personal tragedies and poor decisions. Born out of wedlock in 1880 to Sadie McCurdy, his early years were marked by the death of his adoptive father and the revelation that his guardian was his biological mother, leading to trauma and rebellion.
Elena shares, “Elmer started developing a drinking problem... He was arrested at age 15 for starting a bar fight” (28:29).
Descent into Crime (00:33:34 - 00:45:18):
Elmer's attempts to lead an upright life were continually derailed by alcoholism and failed ventures. After being unable to maintain employment as a plumber due to his drinking, he enlisted in the U.S. Army (39:34). Post-discharge, his criminal activities escalated:
- 1910: Arrested in St. Joseph, Kansas, for possessing burglary tools, leading to a felony charge (42:19).
- Elmer claimed the tools were for inventing a machine gun tripod, but his story fell apart when his former commander contradicted him in court (43:38).
Despite an acquittal, Elmer's foray into crime was marred by incompetence. Partnering with Walter Jarrett, their train robbery was a spectacular failure, resulting in broken relationships and heightened law enforcement pursuit (49:24).
Elmer's Final Days and Death (00:45:18 - 00:57:45):
Elmer’s relentless but inept criminal endeavors culminated in a deadly confrontation with law enforcement in the Osage Hills. Ash reflects, “Elmer was clearly lying about the tripod machine gun...” (44:37). During an exchange of gunfire, Elmer was fatally wounded but his incompetence remained evident as he missed all initial shots fired at him.
Elena describes the aftermath, “The posse collected Elmer's body and brought it back to Pahuska... treated the body, creating a mummified spectacle” (57:16).
4. The Posthumous Journey of Elmer McCurdy (00:57:45 - 00:59:29)
After his death, Elmer McCurdy's mummified body became a sideshow attraction, plagued by mismanagement and deceit. Initially displayed in Johnson's funeral parlor, his body was later tricked into the traveling carnival circuit by the owner who masqueraded as his long-lost brother. This deceit led to Elmer being exhibited in various attractions until his final appearance in the Laugh in the Dark ride.
Elena emphasizes the irony, “It was in his death that he finally achieved the notoriety that he felt he deserved” (59:23).
Eventually, after 66 years in limbo, Elmer McCurdy was finally laid to rest at Boot Hill Cemetery in Guthrie, Oklahoma, closing the chapter on his tumultuous and peculiar legacy.
5. Reflections on Elmer McCurdy’s Life and Legacy (00:59:29 - End)
Elena and Ash reflect on the tragic and bizarre life of Elmer McCurdy, highlighting how his persistent failures and inability to succeed in his criminal pursuits ironically led to his lasting fame as an outlaw mummy. They express sympathy for his story, noting his misguided attempts to find his place in the world:
Elena states, “He just wasn't good. And he wasn't even good at being bad... destined to just, like, be Elmer” (60:07).
The hosts conclude by underscoring the baffling journey of Elmer McCurdy, from an aspiring plumber to a laughingstock criminal, and ultimately, a famous mummy.
Notable Quotes:
- Elena (07:42): “This was not anatomically correct. This was a completely desiccated, mummified human body.”
- Elena (09:12): “This was not anatomically correct. This was anatomy. The body itself. A completely desiccated, mummified human body.”
- Ash (44:37): “He took a shot at me first. Then he took a shot at Stringer. After that, he took three shots at Wallace before we opened fire.”
- Elena (60:07): “He just wasn't good. And he wasn't even good at being bad. Sad.”
Conclusion
Elmer McCurdy’s life serves as a poignant tale of unfulfilled aspirations, continuous setbacks, and the fascinatingly morbid consequences of his ill-fated endeavors. Elena and Ash adeptly narrate his story, blending historical facts with engaging storytelling, making Episode 681 a compelling listen for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Stay tuned for more chilling tales and morbid histories on the Morbid podcast by Morbid Network | Wondery.