May Hawes

May Hawes

May Hawes (1881-1888) was the eldest daughter of Richard and Emma Hawes. She and her mother and sisters were murdered by Mr Hawes during the weekend of December 1, 1888. Her body was found floating in East Lake by two boaters on December 4, triggering an investigation that resulted in the discovery of the remains of Mrs Hawes and May's sister, Irene, in Lakeview.

Richard Hawes was captured, convicted of murder, and executed by hanging. Purported sightings of a little girl playing at the lake's edge, swimming, or slipping below the water at dusk have been attributed to May's spirit.