John H Abel

The Murder of Theodore Brodhead John H Abel

In September 1868, the murder of a prominent citizen shattered the tranquility and enraged the citizens of Delaware Water Gap, a village nestled in the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania.

After robbing a hotel owned by Thomas Brodhead, drifters William Brooks and Charles Orme attempted to flee the area but were apprehended by Thomas and his brother, Theodore. The encounter left Theodore dead and Thomas badly mauled. Brooks and Orme were taken into custody within hours.

A five-day trial resulted in a first-degree murder conviction and the judge sentenced both young men to hang. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied their appeal. Desperate, they hatched an escape plan, which they bungled, and Orme found himself back in jail the next day. Brooks, however, avoided capture.

The hanging of Charles Orme took place in August 1869. It was shamefully botched and Orme suffered badly. After his burial, a minister opened an envelope which Orme entrusted to him. The contents were surprisingly insightful and useful.

Twenty-five years passed and memories of the first murder and execution began to fade. Then, Brooks resurfaced and a young sheriff had to decide what was best for the law and the locals.