Local true-crime author James Baumgratz presented a program at the Thomas T. Taber Museum in Williamsport for the October Society Program. He highlighted his latest book, "Unsolved, Cold Cases from the Pennsylvania Wilds".
One of the unsolved Lycoming County stories featured in the 43 cases included in the book is the 1992 mysterious disappearance and the eventual discovery of partial remains of Edward Batula in Montoursville. He also talked about Williamsport true crime cases from previous books “Murder & Mysterious Deaths in the Pennsylvania Wilds,” Volume I & II,, including the 1952 murder of Raymond Smith during the World Little League Championship in Williamsport and the 1924 discovery of the body of Henry McHenry, chained to a tree and hidden miles from any road or civilization. The mysterious disappearance of Gust Larson from McHenry Township in 1966 was also be discussed. Larson has never been found.
Baumgratz also spoke about some of the strange and paranormal sightings that he and others have witnessed in the Pennsylvania Wilds, including Lycoming County, which will be featured in his future book, “Ghosts, Ghost Towns and off the beaten path in the Pennsylvania Wilds.” Baumgratz is the author of 8 true-crime books, all of which feature murders and mysterious deaths throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds.
The program was sponsored by Catherine Burns Insurance Agency.
