Bowling Green mansion carries legacy of 1948 murders

A historic 5,100 square foot Colonial-style mansion in Bowling Green, Kentucky, remains locally famous due to a violent incident that occurred in 1948. Built in 1856 by James Finis Ewing, the residence earned the moniker ‘Murder House’ following the deaths of its owners, Dr. Charles B. Martin and his wife Martha.

The tragedy was motivated by a personal dispute involving Harry Edward Kilgore, a physics major at Western University. Following the marriage of Ruth Ann McKinney to Stonewall Martin, Kilgore allegedly entered the Martin residence in a jealous rage. He shot Dr. Martin in the hallway and subsequently murdered Martha Martin in their bedroom. Kilgore later informed police that he disposed of his .32 caliber pistol in the Barren River.