There are several real-world murder mysteries that were left as cold cases. One can only fantasize about the horrors faced by the victims. It also makes for great inspiration for your next murder mystery novel. Here are some of the best unsolved murder mysteries to date:
The Chilling Incident At Dyatlov Pass
The Dyatlov Pass incident is still one of the most mysterious events in the history of the world. Seven experienced hikers disappeared in the uninhabited area of the Ural Mountains in 1959, and the only thing found was a shocking sight.
So, What Happened
Their tent was torn from inside, and people were lying dead on the ground, some of them with unexplained wounds. Theories abound, from the mundane to the extraordinary: an avalanche, an attack of wild animals, military personnel, and even a sonic weapon. However, investigators have yet to identify a clear cause, and the event remains shrouded in mystery.
The Crew Of The Mary Celeste
The story of the Mary Celeste, the ship discovered abandoned in the middle of the Atlantic in 1872, is one of the most famous maritime legends. The ship was in good working order, well supplied, and yet deserted.
The Missing Crew
Investigators never found the crew and passengers, and the ship’s log provided no clues about their fate. They can be as simple as mutiny or a storm, to as complex as pirates or even witchcraft. While recent scientific theories have gained significant attention, the reason for Mary Celeste’s abandonment remains unsolved.
The Finding Of The Living Statues
The disease encephalitis lethargica, which struck the world in the early part of the twentieth century, is still a subject of mystery. The disease locked people inside their own bodies, leaving them able to think but unable to move, like living statues.
How Could This Happen
While researchers have not yet determined the specific cause of the condition, they believe it to be of bacterial origin. Although the disease seems to have vanished in recent times, there are indications that this mysterious disease may not have been completely wiped out. Its potential return is a matter of concern, as is the future and the unknown about the human body.
A Frightening Case Makes For An Excellent Plot
The Dyatlov Pass incident, the Mary Celeste, and encephalitis lethargica are three of history’s best-unsolved murder mysteries. These unsolved cases, perfect themes for suspenseful narratives, continue to captivate and intrigue. This is all credited to the thrilling aspects of fear and the unknown that evolved in these cases.
