Taylor, and was left to hang. Modus operandi When a traveller would come by at the Kellys' tavern, they would first ascertain if they were wealthy. If confirmed, either William or Bill, or sometimes Kit, would engage the client in conversation, while Kate prepared the meal. The victim's chair would always be positioned at the trap door, and when a signal was given, the door would spring open, with the victim either dying from the fall or being disposed of later on with the axe. Connection to the Benders According to a news report from contemporary media, an unnamed man from Kansas City, who had investigated the notorious Bender Family's house and the rumors of their deaths numerous times, claimed that the Kellys were in fact the Benders. The man further elaborated that all the stories of the latter's capture were made up, supposedly by a group of Confederates, who have also helped the Benders dispose of the murdered victims' horses and wagons. He pointed out that both families' modus operandi, family unit numbers and other evidences proved that they are one and the same. See also List of serial killers in the United States References External links Sword and Scale article Murder by Gaslight article 1887 in Kansas 1887 murders in the United States 19th-century American criminals American female criminals American female serial killers American male criminals American serial killers Crime families Crime in Kansas Crime in Texas Criminals from Pennsylvania Male serial killers Murder in Kansas Murder in Texas Murdered serial killers Outlaws of the American Old West