So here is what I’ve dug up on what I am now referring to as “The Grimille Case.” I managed to get some scans of the Beatrice Daily Sun issues from October 31st, 1983 and October 30th, 2008 (not very easy to come by I might add). First off I’d like those reading this to remember that these are my opinions and findings based solely off the facts presented in the articles. These events did happen. The connection between them is however, unknown and not entirely understood.
What I do know is that (as explained in the article) Charlie Grimille was an avid thespian. He devoted much of his own time to the school’s drama club and assisted in dozens of productions throughout his high school years. I actually looked up his parents in Beatrice and gave them a call, but they didn’t want to talk to me. Even though I was only interested in his life before the accident and not so much the accident itself, I understand their hesitation. From what I gather from other sources, theater was Charlie’s life until he lost his life to it.
After hearing other accounts of strange happenings in the theater up until the 2008 deaths, I quickly came to believe that just because Charlie was dead, didn’t mean he ever left the theater. As stated in the 83′ issue Daily Sun, “the theater simply doesn’t feel right anymore.” Well of course it doesn’t feel right anymore! Something terribly unfortunate happened to a great young man who didn’t have a chance to finish one of his last high school shows. There was unfinished business and as any thespian knows, the show must go on! Again this is my theory, but theatrical superstitions have been incredibly powerful. If Charlie Grimille was a true believer in such superstitions, then why shouldn’t he be able to finish what he started?
Which brings me to the 2008 killings; which I do believe were killings and not self-inflicted cries for attention as many believe. What compelled the students to break into a school which they knew was haunted, I am not sure. Perhaps they were simply looking for a good time? Or perhaps they wanted to see for themselves if the school’s theater was home to the accused spirits. Either way, it was a bad decision which cost them their lives. But what happened to them is fairly clear in my opinion. As I said, Charlie Grimille had unfinished business. Why then would Charlie take it out on these poor kids in such a gruesome way? There are several possibilities in my opinion. 1. They stepped over the boundaries of the school, and more importantly disrupted the sanctity of the theater. 2. Perhaps one or several of the students were relatives of those who had wronged Charlie while he was alive. 3. Charlie was intended to play the hangman and was denied that role. The night he died from what I hear, he was somewhat upset that the hangman role was not fulfilled in the show.
Did Charlie come back from the grave to complete his role of the hangman? It would appear so to me. This is a case that I think will remain unsolved because there is no “person” to point fingers at. It is 100% paranormal and bizarre. My prayers go out to the families of the deceased.
- Dr. WPJ
