The Murderer That Inspired Tobe Hooper’s ’Eaten Alive’

The Butcher of Elmendorf, The Bluebeard of South Texas, The Alligator Man...these are all nicknames for Joe Ball, a murderous man from a wealthy family who may or may not have fed his victims to his pet alligators. He also inspired the 1976 film "Eaten Alive" directed by Tobe Hooper of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" fame. As far as horror movies based on true stories go, this is perhaps one of the wildest.

View photos from the episode

Episode Sources:

Hall, Michael (July 1, 2002). "Two Barmaids, Five Alligators, and the Butcher of Elmendorf". Texas Monthly. Texas.

“Joe Ball: The Butcher of Elmendorf” by David Lohr - Crime Library

“Chilling story about the man known as ‘The Butcher of Elmendorf’” by Erica Hernandez and Roslyn Jimenez

“THE HISTORY OF ELMENDORF” by Sandra L. Christian and Elsa Hernandez; Palo Alto College

Joe Ball The Butcher Of Elmendorf Documentary - YouTube

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