Small Town Murder - Episode #582: Seven Murders & One Lie - Elkland, Missouri

Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #582 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the harrowing true crime story set in the rural town of Elkland, Missouri. This episode, titled "Seven Murders & One Lie," unpacks the tragic events that unfolded in 1987, exploring the complexities of a tightly-knit community and the dark secrets that led to a series of unimaginable murders.

Elkland, Missouri: A Quiet Rural Community

Elkland, situated in Webster County, Missouri, is characterized by its sprawling farmlands and a population of just under 2,000 residents. With a median household income of approximately $61,467, the town mirrors the national average but maintains a distinctly rural charm. The post office, operational since 1870, lends its name to the town, rooted in the presence of elk in the area.

James Pietragallo [06:05]: "We are going to Elkland, Missouri, this week. Elk land. The land of elk."

The Schnick and Buckner Families: Pillars of the Community

At the heart of this story are two prominent families: the Schnicks and the Buckners. Jim Schnick, a 30-year-old dairy farmer, was deeply embedded in the community, holding positions such as volunteer firefighter, postmaster, and member of the Lions Club. His wife, Julie Schnick (née Buckner), hailed from a long line of farmers, and together they managed their dairy farm alongside their two young children, eight-year-old Jamie and six-year-old Mindy.

Julie’s brother, Steve Buckner, a 35-year-old farmer, faced financial strains after expanding his dairy operations, leading to mounting debts. This expansion left Steve frequently away from home, placing a significant burden on his 14-year-old son, Kirk Buckner, to maintain the family's farm operations.

Jimmie Whisman [08:05]: "We gave a shit about that."
James Pietragallo [14:55]: "Yep, that's that."

Mounting Pressures: Kirk Buckner’s Struggles

Kirk Buckner, the youngest in the Buckner family, was thrust into the role of caretaker at an alarmingly young age. Balancing school attendance with the arduous demands of dairy farming, Kirk managed morning and evening milking sessions for over 40 cows single-handedly. His peers described him as a hardworking but isolated teenager, burdened by responsibilities beyond his years.

James Pietragallo [18:06]: "Everything falls on Kirk's shoulders because the other ones are too young."

The Night of the Murders: September 24, 1987

Tragedy struck early morning on September 25, 1987, when Jim Schnick was discovered with gunshot wounds in the kitchen of his home. Simultaneously, Kirk Buckner was found dead with multiple gunshot and stab wounds. The scene further revealed that Julie Schnick and her two sons, Timmy and Dennis, had been brutally murdered in their beds, alongside the tragic death of Steve Buckner, who was found near a local cemetery.

Jimmie Whisman [29:06]: "Okay."
James Pietragallo [35:03]: "All the kids are dead in the house."

Initial Investigation: Kirk Buckner Under Suspicion

In the immediate aftermath, Kirk Buckner, due to his overwhelming responsibilities on the farm and initial circumstantial evidence, became the primary suspect. The community, grappling with the loss of several of its own, struggled to comprehend the motive behind such a heinous act.

James Pietragallo [39:00]: "And that's when he said that."
Jimmie Whisman [39:10]: "Yeah."

Unraveling the Truth: Jim Schnick Takes the Spotlight

As investigators delved deeper, inconsistencies in Jim Schnick's accounts raised suspicions. Further forensic evidence, including a 22-caliber revolver found in the wrong hand of the deceased Kirk, pointed towards Jim as the true perpetrator. The revelation baffled the community and law enforcement alike, leading to a swift trial.

Jimmie Whisman [50:20]: "Have to do it."
James Pietragallo [53:53]: "And that was it."*

Trial and Conviction: Justice Served?

Jim Schnick stood trial for the murders of his wife Julie, son Kirk, and his brother-in-law Steve Buckner. Despite a strong defense highlighting his contributions to the community and lack of prior criminal behavior, the jury found Schnick guilty on three counts of murder. Subsequently, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

James Pietragallo [67:11]: "So now we go to sentencing."
James Pietragallo [74:00]: "The judge says, you, sir, may fuck off. Death penalty for you, sir."*

Community Aftermath and Lingering Doubts

The aftermath left the Elkland community reeling, struggling to reconcile the image of a beloved community member with the atrocities committed. Over the years, books and investigations have surfaced questioning Schnick’s guilt, suggesting possible miscarriages of justice and exploring alternate theories.

Jimmie Whisman [76:44]: "Jesus, that's bonkers."
James Pietragallo [80:30]: "That's a fucked up story. Let me tell you something bad is what that is. That's horrifying."*

Conclusion: Reflections on Tragedy and Justice

"Seven Murders & One Lie" serves as a poignant reminder of how tragedy can shatter the facade of small-town tranquility. Hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman offer a compelling narrative that not only recounts the events but also invites listeners to ponder the complexities of human behavior, the fragility of community trust, and the often-painful pursuit of justice.

James Pietragallo [78:12]: "And absolutely that new woman move right in. Had to kill them all."
Jimmie Whisman [78:12]: "That's fucked up, man."

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo [18:06]: "Everything falls on Kirk's shoulders because the other ones are too young."

• James Petregallo [39:00]: "And that's when he said that."

• James Petregallo [53:53]: "And that was it."

• James Petregallo [74:00]: "The judge says, you, sir, may fuck off. Death penalty for you, sir."

Final Thoughts

This episode not only explores a chilling true crime story but also underscores the intricate dynamics of small-town life and the unforeseen darkness that can lie beneath seemingly ordinary surfaces. For listeners seeking detailed investigations into tragic events, Episode #582 of Small Town Murder offers a deep dive into one of Elkland's most disturbing cases.

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and advertisements to focus solely on the episode's content.