Who murdered Larry Joe Phebus?
By Patrice Bumstead
Managing Editor
“I can’t positively identify him as my brother until further tests are made,” said Chester Phebus in March of 1963, shortly after the remains of a partially decomposed body of a young boy were discovered by two McKenzie County farmers in a field near Alexander on March 28. The McKenzie County Farmer would like to bring this 60-year-old Cold Case to light by telling the story as it was reported in 1962.
In October 1962, Chester Phebus and his younger brother, Larry, lived at the Travelers Motel in Tioga. The last time Chester saw his brother was on the night of Oct. 20, 1962, when he and a friend headed to Williston on a double date. It was reported that Chester recalled the last thing Larry said to him that fateful night was “You’ll be sorry you aren’t taking me with you.”
Not knowing that would be the last time he and Larry spoke, Chester proceeded with his plans.