1925 - Winthrop, Maine. By the time firefighters made it to the blaze on Lake Maranacook in Winthrop, ME, the fire had consumed the once beautiful Hayward cottage. Nearby, 60-year-old Emma Townes crawled on the forest bed, escaping the home; she was in bad shape, but she was alive. Neighbors were horrified to learn that Emma hadn't just escaped the flames; she was shot by a mystery man who tried to kill her before setting the cottage on fire—and when he left, he had taken her niece, Aida Hayward with him. The news that there was a killer on the loose and a beloved young woman to rescue spread like wildfire, and launched one of the biggest searches in Maine state history. Everyone in town stopped to pitch in and help in the search for Aida, hoping she would turn up safe... everyone, including the killer himself. This is part one of the Harry Kirby Story, and the tragedy in Winthrop. Detailed sources can be found on murdershetold.com Connect on Instagram @murdershetoldpodcast Support the show here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices