The news delivers up a few gems each week. Like today for example, I was listening to KPCC’s morning news when news broke of an arrest in the 30-year-old Octopus murder case where three people were killed execution style out near Palm Springs, CA.
The executions took place on June 30, 1981 while Alvarez, Boger and Castro relaxed in the back patio of Alvarez’s rented home on Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, California. The three victims each were shot with a single .38 caliber bullet to the head, according to an autopsy report. There were no visible signs of a struggle. Their bodies were discovered on July 1 by former tribal chairman Joe Benitez and Cabazon member William Callaway.
The daughter of Ralph Boger has a FAQ that tells the background of the case.
James “Jimmy” Hughes was arrested in Miami for the murder yesterday. As the story played out, I said to myself, “be a pastor.” Turns out Hughes runs Jimmy Hughes Ministry. Yep… he’s a pastor.
Why were they called the Octopus Murders?
The bizarre killings were dubbed the "octopus murders" by detectives because of the complexity and mystery surrounding them. For years, numerous local and state investigations turned up no suspects, despite rampant rumors, pressure from the victims' families, and the apparent suicide in 1991 of a freelance reporter who was probing the matter.
I can hear it now. “But he’s a good Christian man who helps people.” Do bullets count as help?