Cold Cases Files: Who really killed Myra Maybelle Starr on that lonely trail in Haskell County in 1889?
- Dennis McCaslin
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Belle Starr died on February 3, 1889, two days before her 41st birthday.
She was riding home on horseback in Indian Territory, now Haskell County, Oklahoma, when someone ambushed her with a shotgun. The shots hit her in the back and neck. She fell from her horse. The killer then fired again into her shoulder and face to make sure she was dead.
No witnesses saw the attack. The case went unsolved.
Belle Starr was born Myra Maybelle Shirley on February 5, 1848, near Carthage, Missouri. Her father, John Shirley, ran a farm and inn. He provided her with a classical education at Carthage Female Academy. She learned piano, languages, and riding skills.
Her older brother, Edwin "Bud" Shirley, joined Confederate guerrillas during the Civil War. He died in battle in 1864. Raids destroyed the family's property. They moved to Scyene, Texas, that year
In Texas, Belle met Jim Reed, a former guerrilla. They married in 1866. Their daughter, Rosie Lee "Pearl" Reed, arrived in 1868. Their son, James Edwin "Eddie" Reed, followed in 1871.
Jim Reed turned to crime. He killed a man in 1869 over stolen gold and authorities wanted him for murder. The family moved often and Jim Reed died in a gunfight in 1874.
After Reed's death, Belle left her children with her mother. She went to Indian Territory where she associated with outlaws like Blue Duck.
In 1880, she married Sam Starr, a Cherokee. They settled at Younger's Bend, a farm near the Canadian River.
Their gang stole horses and cattle and old whiskey to Native Americans. Belle planned operations and bribed officials to free captured members.
Federal Judge Isaac C. Parker in Fort Smith arrested Belle and Sam in 1882 for horse theft. She served nine months in prison in Detroit in 1883. Sam served a year.
They returned to crime after release. Authorities arrested them again in 1886 for robbery, but dropped charges for lack of evidence.
Sam Starr died in a shootout with lawman Frank West at a party on December 17, 1886.
Belle needed to marry a Native American to stay on tribal land. She wed Jim July, also known as Jim Starr, in early 1889. He was 15 years younger. Their marriage had conflicts and July faced arrest for horse theft.
He quarreled with Belle over infidelity with a Cherokee woman. Reports said he offered $200 to have her killed, but no one accepted. He once threatened to kill her himself.
On the day of her death, Belle visited a neighbor's house near Younger's Bend. She rode back alone and ann ambush happened on a remote road.
Her daughter Pearl found the body.
When Federal authorities investigated., they found shotgun shells but no clear evidence.
Suspects included Jim July, due to their fights.
Edgar A. Watson, a tenant farmer on her land, feared she would report him as a fugitive murderer from Florida
. Belle's son Eddie had a dispute with her. She had beaten him for mistreating her horse.
Some rumors claimed an incestuous relationship, but no proof exists. Pearl Starr was mentioned over Belle's opposition to her relationships.
Watson stood trial but won acquittal. No one else faced charges. The investigation ended without resolution.J
im July died later that year from wounds in a shootout with deputies.
Belle's grave is at Younger's Bend. Pearl added a headstone with her horse's image.
Newspapers called Belle the "Bandit Queen." Much of her legend came from sensational stories, not facts.
Her actual crimes were minor compared to myths.
The murder stays unsolved today.
