The Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist’s Oscar-Winning Voice Actor

The Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist's Oscar-Winning Voice Actor

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  • A Closer Look at McCambridge’s Relationship with Her Son
  • The Mass Murder of McCambridge’s Family: A Tale of Tragedy
  • John’s Final Letter

As a gamer and a storyteller at heart, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate tapestry of human lives and the events that shape them. The tale of John Markle and his family is one that leaves me in awe, not just for its tragic ending but also for the complex web of emotions and circumstances that led to it.


As a cinema enthusiast, I’ve been in awe of the extraordinary actors who have graced our screens throughout history. From pioneers like Charlie Chaplin to contemporary talents such as Joaquin Phoenix, known for his unforgettable portrayal of The Joker. Their on-screen artistry has left us mesmerized and captivated. However, behind the scenes, many of these gifted artists have faced dire consequences as a result of their personal choices.

Despite attaining great success in her acting career, Mercedes McCambridge, born in 1916, neglected her family responsibilities tragically. This neglect led to a series of shocking events that have left an indelible mark on history.

During her prosperous professional life, McCambridge unfortunately couldn’t provide a positive influence on her family, most notably her son, John Lawrence Fifield (later named John Lawrence Markle). Thus, we’re left to ponder: what led to the heart-wrenching mass murder of the Markle family in 1987? And, more importantly, how is this horrific event connected to McCambridge?

A Closer Look at McCambridge’s Relationship with Her Son

The Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist's Oscar-Winning Voice ActorThe Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist's Oscar-Winning Voice ActorThe Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist's Oscar-Winning Voice Actor

As a huge fan of true crime stories, I can’t wait to share with you the intriguing backstory of John Markle before we delve into the chilling details of his infamous killing spree on November 16, 1987. Born on Christmas Day in 1941, in sunny California, I believe that John’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping the man he became.

Due to the busy schedules of his biological and adoptive parents, John was primarily cared for by a household employee whom McCambridge hadn’t publicly acknowledged during his childhood. He earned his master’s degree from the University of California in 1968 and wed Christina Mull that same year.)

After obtaining my PhD in economics from UCLA in 1973, I worked for several companies before finding a home at Stephens Inc., a small futures trading firm. Professional achievements were important to me, but I couldn’t help feeling incomplete without the approval of my mother. This persistent longing unfortunately culminated in an incident of unimaginable devastation during the twentieth century.

The Mass Murder of McCambridge’s Family: A Tale of Tragedy

The Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist's Oscar-Winning Voice ActorThe Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist's Oscar-Winning Voice Actor

John Markle, an exceptional accountant, advanced to the role of vice president in our organization more rapidly than any colleague before him – all within eight months. He and his wife, Christine, along with their children, Amy (13) and Suzanne (9), made their home in a beautiful old Victorian house. Despite being geographically separated from his award-winning mother, McCambridge, John constantly craved his mother’s affirmation.

I was determined to win her favor, so I signed up for an account with Stephens Inc., unaware of the dire straits my finances were in. Yet, I had a knack for making money for others. In my quest for secrecy, I chose to deceive my employer by falsifying records and transferring the ill-gotten gains into my mother’s account. But come October 1987, a brokerage firm in Chicago raised suspicion about the inconsistencies in our corporate ledger. This discovery ignited an investigation that ultimately exposed my embezzlement scheme.

After being let go by the company on November 13, 1987, I was given a difficult choice: I could leave McCambridge with a debt of $1.2 million plus interest, or ask for $600,000 in cash upfront, with the rest to be paid from her estate after her death. However, she flatly refused. On the evening of November 16, 1987, I made a devastating decision, realizing that my only chance to rectify the biggest mistake of my life was no longer an option.

John’s Final Letter

The Tragic Mass Murder Behind The Exorcist's Oscar-Winning Voice Actor

In his final confession before taking his own life, John openly acknowledged that he had taken the lives of his wife and daughters fifteen minutes prior, and contacted his lawyer, Richard Lawrence, first. The grisly discovery, though, was the Halloween mask soaked in blood, which investigators believed John wore during the chilling murder spree. Additionally, investigators uncovered a letter penned by John to his mother, containing the following text:

I’ve had my fair share of struggles and heartaches in life, and during those trying times, I’ve felt all too often that I was left alone to face them. The pain of being dismissed or belittled when I reached out for support is a feeling I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.

In the letter, John expressed that if the mother had compensated Stephens, he might have survived and found employment anew. However, John placed full responsibility for the demise of his family on her shoulders. The tale of John Markle and his mournful spouse and children is a heart-wrenching account. What do you make of this distressing narrative?

Mercedes McCambridge, recognized with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her accomplishments in TV and cinema, passed away on March 2, 2004, due to the natural advances of aging.

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2024-07-17 01:31