73 years later: New book revisits triple homicide that shook Nebraska’s Sandhills

MERRIMAN, Neb. - Seventy-three years ago this week, a brutal triple homicide shattered the peace of the Nebraska Sandhills. Now, a new book examines how those 12 hours of violence changed the region forever.

The 1952 murders near Merriman have long been whispered about but rarely spoken of openly. Author Harlen Wheeler, who has spent the past 15 years researching the case, hopes his book will preserve the history for future generations.

“A lot of people were upset that I brought it back up, but I felt that historically it would be important for generations to come,” Wheeler said.

The killings took place at the home of George and Elaine Mensinger, a young couple who had recently welcomed their first child, Fritz. A local ranch hand, Blaine Ellis, shot and killed George before turning on Elaine as she tried to call for help. He then shot their nine-month-old baby in the neck, arm, and back.

“Miraculously, Fritz survived,” Wheeler said. “The community heard a baby crying. Elaine had managed to ring the phone’s emergency line before she died, and that call set everything into motion.”

Alarmed neighbors rushed to the scene, but Ellis killed one of them and wounded another before fleeing. The community quickly mobilized, with up to 200 people joining the search.

“This was probably the last posse ever formed where they just called out for anybody who was willing to get a gun and head south—and they did,” Wheeler said.

Ellis was eventually cornered in a shed, where he was killed after confessing to the crimes.

The murders left an enduring mark on the region. Wheeler said people who had once left their doors unlocked began installing yard lights, locking their homes, and sleeping with weapons nearby.

“Everyone who lived through that experience can tell you exactly where they were when they heard the news,” he said.

His book, "The 12 Hours That Changed The Sandhills Forever," explores the murders, the manhunt, and the lasting impact on the community. You can order a copy here.