The Case of the Perfect Father

    The tragedy at the home in the 100 block of Belvoir St. occurred shortly before 8 a.m. as 11-year-old Stephanie and 8-year-old Michael were preparing to leave for St. Mary's parochial school in Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs. Pauline Allen, who lives next door, heard tiny four-year-old Cecelia cry out before the last shot was fired, "Daddy, don't do it... Please, don't do it."

    Still in her night clothes, Mrs. Conner fled to the home of Mrs. Pauline Mitton, two doors away. Philip Mitton opened the door, and Mrs. Conner fell inside, moaning: "Oh, Philip, something terrible has happened. John has shot the children. They're all dead, I know it, I know. it."

    Driven by the fear that his three children could one day suffer from the mental depression that had haunted him, an Alexandria civil engineer took their lives in their home kitchen on December 7, 1949. Firing three shots from a 20-gauge shotgun, the "perfect father", John S. Conner, 39, ultimately abandoned his intention to also kill his 34-year-old wife and himself.

    Arlington, Virginia, Coroner John Sims reported that all three individuals died instantly, without attempting to escape. Conner faced three counts of murder and was arraigned in the Alexandria, Virginia police court. Acting police court Judge Harry F. Kennedy signed the commitment papers for his incarceration.

    The tragic events occurred just one day after the man, whom neighbors described as a devoted husband and loving father, celebrated his 39th birthday at a party organized by his wife and children.

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    John S. Conner was born around 1839 in Ireland. He immigrated to the United States and settled in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, where he met and married Louisa Ann Seigfreid. In 1868, John, Louisa, and their three children embarked on a journey across the continent, eventually settling near Sinomish, Washington, on the delta by the Skagit River's mouth. In 1869, John Conner acquired the trading post on the west side of the Swinomish Slough and established a post office. That same year, the entire town, along with 70 acres, was deeded to John Conner for $500. To honor his wife, Louisa A. Conner, the town's original name, Swinomish, was changed to La Conner in 1870.

    After relocating to Washington State, the couple welcomed six more children. Guy Washington Conner, born in 1878, grew up in La Conner and Oakland, California. After completing his college education, he married Mary Wilcox. Guy became a prosperous orchard owner, earning a stellar reputation within his community.

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    Guy and Mary's eldest son, born on December 6, 1910, was named in honor of his grandfather, John S. Connor. In 1929, Senator Frederick Steiwer nominated him, which led to his acceptance into West Point, the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

    John distinguished himself at West Point, ranking 15th in a class of 300 cadets. He seemed poised for a promising career as a military officer until just weeks before graduation, when he vanished, leaving a note that the State police reported hinted at troubling intentions. The United States Military Academy officials confirmed that a note was discovered but did not disclose its specific contents.

    Conner was last seen at the academy on Sunday, May 21, 1933. His absence was noted the following morning during reveille. West Point officials initiated a search across the academy's 2,500-acre reservation. They stated that he had no money and claimed there was no train service from West Point the night of his disappearance.

    The search was significantly broadened when State police issued an alert through the Tri-State Telegraph communication system. After detailing the missing cadet, the alert stated, "he left a note indicating he was going to commit suicide."

    Days after his disappearance, Sergeant Roberts, a regular army soldier stationed at West Point, spotted Conner walking along the road. He looked disheveled and worn, wearing gym shorts and a sweater over his pajamas.

    “Are you the missing cadet?” the sergeant called out, but Conner didn’t respond. “Where are you headed?” he inquired. “I’m going to the railroad,” Conner answered. “Let me show you a shortcut,” the sergeant offered, guiding him over a hill to a station where the reservation military police were located. The cadet, appearing dazed, was then taken to the hospital, where he was placed under observation.

    West Point officials determined John was suffering from a temporary nervous condition, likely caused by excessive studying. Due to his outstanding academic performance and otherwise exemplary conduct, he graduated with his class on June 13, 1933, and was commissioned into the Engineering Corps. Later that same day, John was officially discharged from the Army.

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    This, according to Alexandria Police Inspector Russell A. Hawes, is the statement of John S. Conner, who is accused of killing his three children in their Alexandria home three weeks before Christmas.

I've suffered from mental health issues for several years. They began while I was in school and a cadet at West Point. I entered the academy in 1929 and had a breakdown in 1933, just shortly before my graduation. I believe my breakdown was due to cramming for exams. Anyway, I left West Point and came here to Walter Reed, where I was under treatment for a month. Then I went to my uncle William Conner's home in Seattle, where the doctors thought I would recover more rapidly. [continues in italics]

    Uncle William "Bill" Conner was a former senator and the president of the bond and insurance company that carried his name. He was active in the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Rainier Club, and Washingtonians, Inc. He served as the Pacific Coast Vice President of the National Aeronautical Association and played a significant role in efforts to establish a seaplane base at Madison Point.

For a year or so, I did manual work in orchards. But it didn't work—at least, it didn't end it for me. I suffered another spell of depression in either 1935 or 1936.

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    On Sunday, September 26, 1937, John married Janet Wray Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Smith of Medford, Oregon. John was 26, and Janet was 22. The ceremony was officiated by Father Meyer and was attended by immediate family members only.

    The bride wore a beige suit accented with black karakul and a matching hat. She carried a corsage of gardenias. Following the ceremony, a wedding breakfast was hosted at the Conner residence. The couple then departed for eastern Oregon, where Mr. Conner is affiliated with the state highway commission.

    Mrs. Conner completed her education at Medford High School before attending the University of Washington. She was employed as the society editor for the Mail Tribune.

    The couple celebrated the arrival of their first child a year later. Their daughter, Stephanie, was born in 1938, followed by their son, Michael, in 1940.

I had another [spell] in 1940. I didn't have any medical treatment during those periods; I don't know whether they would have helped. My overwhelming mood during the course of the spells was one of complete failure.

The spells usually lasted a month or two. I felt like a failure simply because I couldn't work properly during those periods; I couldn't seem to do my job as well as I knew I could otherwise.

    During John's 1940 episode, he was employed as a civilian worker with the Army's district Engineering Corps in Portland, Oregon.

    From 1941 to 1943, he pursued extension courses at the University of Oregon, successfully obtaining a degree in civil engineering. In April 1944, John was assigned to the Fort Belvoir base, where he advanced to the GS-12 level, earning an annual salary of $7,000 (equivalent to $92,000 in 2025). That same year, Cecelia was born in July.

    Neighbors described Conner as a well-known expert in prefabricated housing and a wonderful person. He was deeply devoted to his children and actively engaged in community affairs.

Then, in 1947, after a few good years, I had another spell. This time, I had a complete physical examination, and the doctors told me I was in good condition.

    Four months before the tragic events, John had been appointed to a significant research position after serving as the chief of the structural design section. Additionally, neighbors mentioned that he attended extension classes at Fort Belvoir two nights a week as he pursued his master's degree. The heavy workload likely contributed to the "breakdown," according to neighbors. Conner was characterized as "one of the kindest men on the block... his stress must have led to his mind snapping from overwork..."Then, just a week ago, another spell hit me. I was discouraged; my first thought was of suicide. But then I thought it out, and last Friday, it hit me. I'd kill my children, my wife, and myself and end the whole business.

Please understand that I love my wife and loved my children with my whole heart. But I was so afraid the kids would inherit my mental condition. I tried to shake off the idea last weekend; I knew it was so wrong. But I couldn't get rid of it, and I couldn't get it out of my mind. This morning, I couldn't resist it any longer. I made my decision while I was shaving and the kids were getting up. I went to the closet and got my shotgun. I loaded it and then took some extra shells. I went to the kitchen door and saw the kids.


Then I shot them.

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    At 7:55 a.m., neighbors reported hearing gunshots, prompting a call to the police. Officers Thomas F. Proctor and Benjamin Lester, the first to respond, arrived on the scene and were informed that Conner was still inside the house with a loaded firearm. In the front yard, the children's English Bulldog puppy, Casey—a recent gift from their father—ran freely, barking at the officers who remained in their car awaiting backup. A sled marked 'Mike Conner 123 Belvoir Street' rested by the front door, a tricycle and two bicycles were parked along the side of the house.

    With the house surrounded, Chief Sims shouted from the street, "Come out, or we'll come in and get you!” A policeman fired a revolver shot through a window, and Conner emerged through the front door, his arms raised in surrender. The loaded shotgun was on a bed. Conner was taken to the Alexandria police station and stripped of the gray trousers, white shirt, and brown shoes he wore. Police said he was kept naked to prevent a suicide attempt.

    Police stated that Conner remained calm while being fingerprinted and photographed at police headquarters. However, his quiet demeanor vanished during subsequent questioning, and detectives struggled to comprehend his mumbled, disjointed responses.

    "I was afraid my children would inherit my mental condition and decided to wipe out the whole family," Conner calmly told police. "I planned it for a week. But after my wife pleaded for her life, I changed the plan and decided to let the law execute me."

    Conner, facing three counts of murder, was arraigned in Alexandria police court. Acting police court Judge Harry F. Kennedy signed the commitment papers for jail.

    It seemed to observers that the weight of his crime had become clear to him as he was led from headquarters to the city jail. Flanked by Lt. Joseph Everly and Pvt Allen Glass, Conner bowed his head and closed his eyes while photographers snapped his picture outside the police station. He remained in this posture during the ride to jail in the police car.

    In Portland, the murderer's father, Guy M. Conner, broke down in tears when reporters told him of the slayings. "I don't know what happened to John," the recent widower sobbed.

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    John S. Conner displayed no emotions during the preliminary hearing held on December 8, 1949. Present in the courtroom with him were three friends: John W. Poteet, Jr., a civilian attorney at Fort Belvoir; Col. Oscar Beasley, the commanding officer of engineering research and development laboratories at Fort Belvoir; and Col. Kenneth J. Cramsie, the deputy chief of the laboratory.

    He did not enter a plea. As per Virginia law, this results in an automatic not-guilty plea. When the court inquired, "Do you have a lawyer?" he responded that he did not. The court then asked if he wanted one, to which Conner replied, "No, I don't think so."

    "John, do you think you need a lawyer?" Poteet inquired of Conner, but he remained silent.

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    Monsignor Edward L. Stephens from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church commenced the high requiem mass with the poignant words, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."

    The bodies of the Conner children rested in white caskets, each beautifully adorned with sprays of pink and white roses—the sole floral arrangements in the church. Neighbors of the Conners took on the role of pallbearers.

    Among the attendees were officers from Fort Belvoir, where Conner served as a construction engineer. The only family members present were Guy Conner, the grandfather of the deceased children, along with Mrs. Conner's mother and sister, who traveled from Portland, Oregon.

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    A few hours following the funeral, a relative of Mrs. Janet Conner revealed that she had hired Alexandria attorney E. Brook Howard to represent her husband, John Conner. They quoted her as saying, "I will support my husband."

    William P. Woolls ordered a sanity hearing before a three-member commission in the Alexandria Corporation Court. The commission, which would include Judge Woolls and two physicians, is tasked with determining whether Conner was insane when he shot his children on the morning of December 7, 1949. The commission is also charged with assessing his current mental state.

    Defense Attorney T. Brooke Howard stated that Conner's not-guilty plea was based on his alleged insanity at the time of the incident. Howard mentioned that the commission hearing would proceed like a case before a jury and expressed confidence that it could be concluded within a day.

    If the commission determined that Conner was insane during the shootings, he would be exempt from being tried on the indictments.

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    On January 30, 1950, John S. Conner, 39, was declared insane, which meant he would not face trial for the shotgun deaths of his three children as they were getting ready for school on December 7. Mrs. Conner, the mother of the deceased children, silently wept as the verdict was announced.

    The sanity commission, which included a judge and two physicians, took only 17 minutes to reach its decision. Judge William P. Woolls ordered John to be committed to Southwestern State Hospital at Marion, Va.

    Conner's father, Guy Conner from Portland, Ore., remained by his son's side throughout the proceedings.

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    John S. Conner, the 48-year-old former construction engineer from Fort Belvoir, who tragically ended the lives of his three children in 1949, was released from a Maryland veterans' hospital in June 1958.

    A representative from the Perry Point facility reported that his mental condition was significantly improved: "We have no authority to detain him any longer."

    Initially, Virginia authorities raised concerns over his release, but later informed the VA that they would not pursue further action.

    Commonwealth's Attorney Earl Wagner noted that Conner had been cleared of murder charges following a sanity commission hearing, emphasizing, "We have nothing to prosecute him for here."

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    On October 15, 1964, in Eugene, Oregon, John S. Conner, 54, a divorced civil engineer employed by the Army Corps of Engineers, died of pneumonia. He was laid to rest in the Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Eugene, Oregon, under a U.S. Headstone, a government-issued marker earned on account of his graduation from West Point with honors.

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Epilogue

    Conner's wife obtained a divorce a few years after John's commitment. Per her request, her discussions with investigators remain private, and she never addressed the events of that day with the media.

    Learn more about the Southwestern State Hospital in Marion to get an idea of what John's time there might have been like.

    In December 1950, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) highlighted the importance of mental health education in schools, bringing the issue into the national spotlight at the Midcentury White House Conference on Children and Youth. During his national radio address, President Truman addressed this critical topic.

"These White House Conferences have done much, over the years, to make our people and our Government conscious of our social problems, as they affect children, and to help solve those problems. These conferences have made our democracy work better--have aided it to carry out its promise of a better life for all.

In this fifth conference of this White House series, you are carrying on that great tradition. This year, you are mainly concerned with the mental and moral health of our children. And that is exactly what you should be concerned with at this time.

I do not claim to be an expert in these things, and I know that I am addressing a conference of experts, but I think there are certain fundamental factors in the development of the American character that it is necessary for us to look to.

That reminds me, when I was running the county at home--Jackson County--we had a welfare department. And it occurred to me that we needed an expert in that welfare department, and I succeeded in getting a couple of fine women to come out and help us carry on that program. The director of welfare came to me one day, all out of breath, and he said, "Now Judge, I don't think this thing is going to work. I find that these experts of yours never washed a dish or pinned a diaper in their lives." It did work, however, and it was a very satisfactory outcome we had with that welfare department.

The basis of mental and moral strength for our children lies in spiritual things. It lies, first of all, in the home. And next, it lies in the religious and moral influences which are brought to bear on the children.

If children have a good home- a home in which they are loved and understood- and if they have good teachers in the first few grades of school, I believe they are well started on the way toward being useful and honorable citizens.

I have always considered my mother and father as my first great influence. I was lucky to have picked the right mother and father."

 

From the 1928 Medford HS Yearbook. "Entered from" in other entries denotes a transfer from another HS. Verification of attendance at Columbia University TBD 

Janet Wray Smith 1931 Medford HS

Janet Wray Smith 

John S Conner at West Point

John S Conner at West Point

Janet and John on their wedding day.

The Conner Children

  

An unidentified officer in the squad car with John S Conner after his arrest.

  

The English Bulldog puppy, Casey, was a recent gift to the children from their father.
Shocked neighbors said, "He was always doing nice things for his children."

 

Next: The Case of the Airman Who Loved His Wife to Death

Primary sources:
https://www.pta.org/home/About-National-Parent-Teacher-Association/Mission-Values/National-PTA-History/PTA-History-1950-1959
https://s3.amazonaws.com/rdcms-pta/files/staging/public/Common%20Threads_NPTA%20History.pdf
"U.S., School Yearbooks, 1880-2012"; School Name: Medford High School; Year: 1928
National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA; Applications for Headstones, 1/1/1925 - 6/30/1970; NAID: 596118; Record Group Number: 92; Record Group Title: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General
U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
U.S., Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT. USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2019.
Oregon State Library; Oregon Death Index 1931-1941

https://www.townoflaconner.org/155/Town-History

Year: 1940; Census Place: Mount Zion, Multnomah, Oregon; Roll: m-t0627-03377; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 26-46 
Oregon, U.S., Marriage Indexes, 1906-2009 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2000.
The Roanoke Times, Roanoke, Virginia, Wed, May 24, 1933, Page 5
Ledger-Star, Norfolk, Virginia, Thu, May 25, 1933, Page 2
Ledger-Star, Norfolk, Virginia, Fri, Jun 6, 1958, Page 30
Times Herald, Washington, District of Columbia, Sat, Feb 4, 1950, Page 30
Danville Register and Bee, Danville, Virginia, Fri, Dec 9, 1949, Page 12
Medford Mail Tribune, Medford, Oregon, Wed, Feb 1, 1950, Page 2
The Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tue, Jan 31, 1950, Page 8
Times Herald, Washington, District of Columbia, Thu, Dec 8, 1949, Page 25
The Oregon Daily Journal, Portland, Oregon, Sun, Mar 13, 1932, Page 2
Medford Mail Tribune, Medford, Oregon, Sun, Oct 6, 1940, Page 10
Medford Mail Tribune, Medford, Oregon, Mon, Sep 27, 1937, Page 3
The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon, Tue, May 23, 1933, Page 4
The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon, Fri, May 26, 1933, Page 6
The Oregon Daily Journal, Portland, Oregon, Wed, May 24, 1933, Page 1
The Oregon Daily Journal, Portland, Oregon, Sat, Jun 10, 1933, Page 2
The Oregon Daily Journal, Portland, Oregon, Mon, Feb 18, 1929, Page 7
The News and Advance, Lynchburg, Virginia, Wed, May 24, 1933, Page 2
The Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Virginia, Thursday, May 25, 1933, Page 1
Daily Press, Newport News, Virginia, Wed, May 24, 1933, Page 2
The Roanoke Times, Roanoke, Virginia, Sat, Dec 24, 1949, Page 2
The Richmond News Leader, Richmond, Virginia, Fri, Dec 9, 1949, Page 40 
Times Herald, Sat, Dec 10, 1949, Page 38
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/02/health/veterans-ptsd-psychedelics-wwii-wellness/index.html
https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/56795892/person/34014309965/media/d03e97d3-b324-4747-a30e-98cbc8940353?galleryindex=12&sort=-created
https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/56795892/person/34014310047/media/3bfe674f-fd4f-4465-8064-7b7c33ed9dd2?galleryindex=6&sort=-created 
https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/56795892/person/34014310047/media/eefd1cdf-4bb4-4363-a41f-965d34d03e8a?galleryindex=5&sort=-created
https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/56795892/person/34014310047/media/17248ffb-ed92-441c-abdd-1e2c09248817?galleryindex=4&sort=-created
https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/56795892/person/34014310047/media/36739b86-3b52-482a-8d98-37e324cf3ab6?galleryindex=1&sort=-created