About this series
This year, during the 150th anniversary of the Aurora Police Department, we will pay tribute to one of the department’s most brilliant leaders. During the next seven days, we will present the story of how Chief Frank Michels solved the city’s most notorious murder.
Most re-tellings of this story focus on Warren Lincoln, the eccentric florist and distant relative of the 16th president.
But what I found much more compelling was the work done by Michels. Even 80 years ago, he had mastered the techniques of applied psychology — he knew what motivated men. He was also tenacious and patient, two qualities that would serve him well on this investigation.
Our stories were compiled mainly from the archives of The Beacon News and Chicago Tribune. However, I also relied on several other sources for a few specific details. More detailed footnotes will accompany each section.
Aurora history enthusiasts or curious onlookers might want to check out the additional information included online — www.beaconnewsonline.com — including some of the original documents associated with the case, such as jury verdicts and pages from a book found at the murder scene.
One note about the setting for the story: Much of the early parts of the story are set at the home of Warren and Lina Lincoln. At the time that house was on Indian Trail. So we’re clear, that street is now Old Indian Trail, although the home was torn down in 1999.
Finally, I am in great debt to Marcia Mount, Michels’ granddaughter. Mount allowed me to view some of her family’s personal history, lent me many of the photos for this series, and consented to having me re-tell a story that she considers ghoulish.
I hope that we have done justice to her grandfather’s brilliant work. His intelligence and dedication are part of Aurora’s legacy.
