Dale Nelson
Dale Merle Nelson (March 19, 1939 – February 10, 1999) was a Canadian mass murderer who killed eight people (including five young children) and partially ate one victim in 1970 following a drinking binge and possible use of LSD. Personal life Nelson was a logger in Creston, British Columbia, married with three children. He reportedly physically abused his wife. Nelson was also known to become aggressive and unpredictable when he drank to excess and to have used LSD. The combination of mental illness and substance use likely fueled his spree. Nelson fell into a depressed state in early 1970 and unsuccessfully attempted suicide. He subsequently spent two months at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam. Murders On September 4, 1970, Nelson drove into Creston, purchased six beers and a bottle of vodka at the liquor store, drove to the Kootenay Hotel and drank eight beers with friends. Friends say he chatted about the upcoming hunting season, and did not act unusual in any way. He left the tavern and picked up from Maureen McKay a 7mm Mauser 98k bolt action rifle he had loaned to her, then drove back to Creston to purchase ammunition for the gun as well as more alcohol.