How does a 1932 bank robbery in Grand Rapids connect to the chilling 1953 murders of Jim and Mary Galloway on Fort Myers Beach? The Estero Island Historic Society invites the public to uncover the mystery in its latest mini-lecture, exploring one of the island’s most shocking crimes.
On Saturday, March 22, at 11:00 AM, the Historic Society will delve deeper into the brutal murders of the Galloways, well-known owners of the Mermaid Club, a beloved local watering hole. Previously, research using archival articles from the News-Press and Detective Magazine helped answer the who, what, when, and how of the case. However, the question of why remained elusive—until now.
Newly discovered evidence, unearthed by one of our members, suggests a possible link between the Galloways’ murder and a decades-old crime in Michigan. While the official account maintained that the tragic deaths were the result of a random robbery gone wrong, this new revelation challenges that narrative and provides fresh insight into the case’s true motive.
Join us for an engaging discussion as we examine this disturbing chapter of our island’s history and explore the connections that may finally provide answers. The event will take place at the Estero Island Historic Society’s headquarters, and all history enthusiasts and true crime aficionados are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact the Estero Island Historic Society at esteroislandhistoricsociety@gmail.com.