Prime Suspect In Oklahoma Mullendore Murder Mystery Dies

Lori Fullbright, News On 6

UNDATED -- There are new details in a 40 year old murder mystery.

The prime suspect in the unsolved murder of E.C. Mullendore died Wednesday night.

Mullendore was beaten and shot to death on his ranch in Osage County back in 1970. At the time, Mullendore had the most expensive life insurance policy in the nation, $17 million, which led to endless speculation and rumors.

Chub Anderson was a ranchhand for Mullendore and was also shot the night of the murder. He's never been charged in the case, but people have been after him for years to tell what really happened that night. A lot of people hoped Chub would finally reveal the truth, but now it appears he took the secret to the grave.

1/18/2010 Related Story: Mullendore Murder Mystery May Be Solved Soon

Author Dale Lewis shot an interview between former Osage County Sheriff George Wayman and Chub Anderson in 2009. It was the only the second time the men had been face to face. The Mullendore murder happened on the Sheriff's watch and not solving it has stuck with him.

He hoped by promising Anderson no jail time, he'd finally learn the truth of that dark, mysterious night at the Cross Bell Ranch so long ago.

George Wayman, Former Osage County Sheriff: "We're here to make a deal."

Chub Andseron: "You're late."

George Wayman, Former Osage County Sheriff: "Late?"

Chub Andseron: "I'm just gonna take it to my grave. I don't see how I can profit from it. I know there's been books wrote about it but it's just gonna be one of those deals that remains unsolved."

See more clips from Dale's interview

Dale Lewis says during his years of research for a book he's writing about the case, Chubb did tell him what happened that night and who was involved. Dale was even called before a recent multi-county grand jury to share what he knew, but no indictments were issued.

Anderson lived a life as an outlaw, wanted in Oklahoma and Kansas, avoiding capture by living in Montana under a different name for 17 years until he was arrested and brought back.

"You have to put yourself in my shoes. I've invested all these years in keeping quiet about it and it's just the way I want to live," he said during the 2009 interview.

News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright called Osage County District Attorney Larry Stuart Wednesday afternoon to see if he thought the case would ever be prosecuted, especially if Chub died without confessing to law enforcement.

She also asked him about the taped statements Chub gave to Dale Lewis, but the DA said the statements were inconsistent and Chub's mental health wasn't the best, so he thinks this case will remain unsolved.