Charles Robinson, Holden’s former employer, described his ex-employee as one of the best workmen on his team. His coworkers even made jokes about the disturbing similarities between their friend John Roger McCullough and the notorious face on newspaper stands. Additionally, Holden’s landlady shared with The Oregonian after his arrest, “He was a model tenant. I suspect a lot of people about being crooks, but not this one. I’m a little shocked. I took his rent every week. He always was happy and singing Irish folk songs. He had a good enough voice to be in opera” (via Offbeat Oregon).
In November of 1951, Thomas James Holden stood before judge and jury and was convicted of murdering Lillian Holden, Ray Griffin, and John Archer in cold blood. Eva Griffin, whose testimony provided a death blow to Holden’s defense team, appeared before the court and shared her harrowing story. Following conviction, he was sent to Illinois State Prison to carry out a life sentence. However, after only two years, Thomas James Holden died at the age of 57 of a heart condition. (per History Daily).
