True Crime San Dimas: Constable Funkhouser’s Unsolved Murder, 1922
In this episode, I collaborate with Dr. Shiloh–a forensic psychologist, podcast host of L.A. Not So Confidential, and San Dimas native–to share the story and honor the memory of Constable W.E. Funkhouser, an old-time San Dimas hero. Constable Funkhouser gave his life while attempting to apprehend a burglar along the Santa Fe railroad in 1922. Join us as we uncover this interesting piece of San Dimas history.
Listen below as I read the full newspaper article “Mexican Desperado Resisting Arrest Fatally Shoots Officer” from the San Dimas Press, May 18, 1922.
Clayton Wilsford
Hey there Isabel, great podcast! This one in particular about Constable William Funkhouser really is close to me. I’ve done some extensive family history research and realized this story included both sides of my family. William Funkhouser is my Great Great Grandfather, and Mrs Blackwell was my Grandmothers Aunt. I found the original news paper article preserved by my grandmother (my fathers mother[Blackwell]) in a storage shed a few years back. And when I told all my family about it, my other grandmother (my mothers side [funkhouser]) I had the amazing realization that this story included both sides of my family about about 40-50 years before my mother and father came together which joined the 2 families!!! Crazy huh?!? Anyways, i appreciate what you do, and will definitely be coming back to listen to more. Thank you!
Isabel in San Dimas
Clayton, your family connections to this story are incredible. I’m curious to know–are there any other elements of this story that you know of that we may have missed? Thanks for listening and for your message!
Rosita Sanchez
Hi Isabel. That was an interesting bit of San Dimas history. I could follow exactly where the crimes and foot chase were unfolding and unfortunately, where it ended so tragically. You and Dr. Shiloh have great chemistry together and it was a pleasure listening to you both. How about Mr. Wilsford commenting that he is a distant relative of Funkhouser and Blackwell? Amazing! Keep Podcasting!
Isabel in San Dimas
Rosita, Dr. Shiloh does a great job of illustrating the details of the crime as we imagined it unfolded. I have really loved uncovering some of these old-time San Dimas stories–sometimes I wish I could go back in time and see what San Dimas was like back then. Thanks, as always, for listening 🙂
Frank Panunzio
Thank you Isabel in San Dimas and Dr. Shiloh for your podcast of my family’s story. I have created a Facebook page called Funkhousers of San Dimas as a legacy to Lillie Funkhouser and her children. I am Frank Panunzio, grandson of Fern Funkhouser, great grandson of William and Lillie Funkhouser.
Isabel in San Dimas
Thank you for reaching out, Frank! I’m so glad you stumbled across our episode to honor your great grandfather. Best, Isabel