
In the winter of 1874, Alfred Packer, Colorado’s most infamous yet oddly beloved cannibal, led five men into the treacherous San Juan Mountains on a gold-seeking expedition. Two months later, Packer emerged alone, his survival shrouded in mystery and conflicting accounts. This grisly tale of desperation, survival, and possible murder has captivated public for nearly 150 years. Packer’s ever-changing narrative, coupled with the harsh realities of wilderness survival, raises haunting questions about the fate of his companions. Did starvation drive Packer to the unthinkable or was there a more sinister plot at play. The 1989 exhumation of the victims’ remains sought to shed light on this enduring mystery. It will challenge us to examine the fine line between survival instincts and cold-blooded murder. Delve into the evidence and conflicting testimonies. We’re left to ponder: was Alfred Packer a desperate survivor or a calculating killer who got away with murder?
