Spokane's Forgotten Axe Murder

Episode 1007 of the The Ouija Broads: Tales from the Pacific Northweird podcast, hosted by The Ouija Broads, titled "Spokane's Forgotten Axe Murder" was published on November 25, 2025 and runs 83 minutes.

November 25, 2025 ·83m · The Ouija Broads: Tales from the Pacific Northweird

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Summary

Liz tells Devon about the 1906 murder of Spokane resident James Sloane, and his 17-year-old son, Sidney, who confessed to the killing. On August 28, 1906, a body was discovered in a Spokane alley. The victim had been murdered with an axe, and was soon identified as James Sloane, proprietor of the local Sloane, Paine and Richmond grocery store. His older son, Sidney, confessed to the crime and was put on trial. Not only was the crime sensational, so too was the plea: not guilty by reason of insanity. This is a rare example of the Broads covering true crime. While we do not focus on gore, content warnings include discussions of alcoholism, abusive family situations, incarceration, discussions on mental health, mention of sexual assault, some mention of blood, and, of course, murder.

Episode Description

Liz tells Devon about the 1906 murder of Spokane resident James Sloane, and his 17-year-old son, Sidney, who confessed to the killing.

On August 28, 1906, a body was discovered in a Spokane alley. The victim had been murdered with an axe, and was soon identified as James Sloane, proprietor of the local Sloane, Paine and Richmond grocery store. His older son, Sidney, confessed to the crime and was put on trial. Not only was the crime sensational, so too was the plea: not guilty by reason of insanity.

This is a rare example of the Broads covering true crime. While we do not focus on gore, content warnings include discussions of alcoholism, abusive family situations, incarceration, discussions on mental health, mention of sexual assault, some mention of blood, and, of course, murder.