The Medical Enablers: A Closer Look at Doctor Involvement in the Osage Murders

The Osage murders of the 1920s are a haunting part of American history, revealing not just the brutal acts against the Osage people but the disturbing involvement of respected members of society—like local doctors. Among these figures were the Shoun brothers, who actively hindered investigations into the murders of wealthy Osage individuals. In David Grann's compelling book, "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI," the intersection of greed, racism, and betrayal is laid bare, showing us how those we trust can become part of a deadly conspiracy.

Who Were the Doctors Involved?

Dr. James Shoun

Dr. James Shoun worked in Osage County, where he was on the front lines as suspicious deaths began to occur among the Osage people. Unfortunately, instead of adhering to his medical ethics, he often attributed many deaths to “natural causes” without proper investigation.

For instance, in cases where Osage individuals were found dead under mysterious circumstances, Dr. Shoun issued death certificates that often omitted vital details. This questionable medical practice ensured that local law enforcement and investors, motivated by greed, avoided scrutiny. The trust placed in him as a physician was betrayed, allowing murderers to continue their crimes against the Osage, who were targeted for their oil wealth.

The chilling implication of his decisions cannot be overstated, as it paved the way for ongoing injustice against a vulnerable community.

Dr. David Shoun

Dr. David Shoun, brother of James, was equally involved. His role often included downplaying clear evidence of foul play, effectively undermining investigations. Dr. David routinely classified deaths as natural or accidental, enabling the murderers to operate with impunity.

One notable case involved the suspicious death of Anna Brown, an Osage woman shot in the head. In this case, Dr. David opted to label her death as a result of alcohol poisoning. This blatant disregard for the truth illustrates how their actions served a dark purpose, keeping those responsible for the murders free from accountability.

The collusion between the Shoun brothers was not coincidental, but indicative of a larger conspiracy involving local elites. Their actions helped perpetuate a cycle of exploitation through silence and deception.

What Did They Do?

The Shoun brothers protected the interests of the wealthy white elite at the expense of the Osage people. By classifying numerous suspicious deaths as natural or accidental, they shielded the murderers from investigation.

In one prominent example, after Anna Brown's death, Dr. James Shoun's declaration that it was caused by alcohol poisoning delayed critical investigations. This choice not only contributed to the cover-up but also allowed the ongoing exploitation of the Osage to thrive. According to reports, more than 24 Osage individuals were murdered in a series of orchestrated killings during this period, illustrating a chilling pattern of violence.

The brothers' actions created an atmosphere where accountability was absent, endangering countless Osage lives and maintaining the status quo of oppression and greed.

Where and When Did This Happen?

Location: Osage County, Oklahoma

The dark events surrounding the Osage murders occurred mainly in Osage County, a region that had become extraordinarily wealthy with the discovery of oil beneath its land. The town of Fairfax represented this wealth but also became a hub for violence against the Osage as white settlers sought to claim their oil rights.

The thriving economy starkly contrasted with the exploitation faced by the Osage, whose prosperity made them targets of jealousy and greed from those around them. The picturesque surroundings of Osage County mask the horrors experienced by the local Native population.

Timeframe: The 1920s

Set in the 1920s, this period marked the Osage people's rise to significant wealth through oil royalties. While they enjoyed financial success, this prosperity attracted a dangerous mix of envy and aggression from white settlers.

The murders were not random acts of violence; they were part of a calculated effort involving local elites to gain control over the Osage’s "headrights," which granted them access to lucrative oil royalties. The scale of the conspiracy was such that local law enforcement was often complicit, further perpetuating the tragic cycle of violence.

Why Were They Involved?

Motivation: Greed and Complicity

The Shoun brothers' motivations can be traced to greed, which overshadowed their medical ethics. Their involvement in the cover-up stemmed from a desire to protect their reputations and financial interests, which were tied to the oil boom.

Their actions were not isolated; they reflected a broader complicity among local elites—including ranchers and businessmen—who sought to exploit the Osage's wealth through murder and deception. Reports suggest that at least 60 Osage people were murdered during this time, illustrating the scale of exploitation that was executed with alarming efficiency.

Benefit: Control Over Headrights

By contributing to the murder schemes, the Shoun brothers stood to gain from the inheritance schemes that unfolded as a result of these deaths. Control over the headrights became a pivotal objective for many white settlers looking to benefit financially.

The doctors’ manipulations justified the actions of the murderers, facilitating inheritances and letting conspirators thrive on the wealth meant for the Osage people. Such betrayal by trusted members of the community deepened existing injustices and highlighted the dichotomy between the privileged white community and the marginalized Osage.

Cultural Context: Racism and Corruption

The 1920s in America were marked by systemic racism, particularly toward Indigenous peoples. The Osage murders exemplify the audacity with which white perpetrators could act against a marginalized community, often fearing little consequence.

The actions of the Shoun brothers were symptomatic of a culture that not only allowed but sometimes rewarded the exploitation of those deemed inferior. They showcase the lingering need to confront systemic injustice, ensuring history does not repeat itself.

Final Thoughts on an American Tragedy

The Osage murders stand as a stark reminder of a troubling chapter in American history—a story woven with greed, betrayal, and systemic corruption. The involvement of local doctors, particularly the Shoun brothers, illustrates the complexities and moral failures that can arise when individuals operate within corrupt systems.

As we reflect on this painful narrative, it is vital to recognize how injustice breeds complicity and how the trust placed in individuals can be weaponized for exploitation. We must learn from these events to ensure that the echoes of history's failures do not fade away, compelling us to remain vigilant against injustices that threaten the vulnerable.

The tragic story of the Osage murders, as documented in David Grann’s "Killers of the Flower Moon," serves as a powerful illustration of the lengths to which people will go to maintain power and wealth, reminding us that justice and truth must be actively pursued, even when they are obscured by darkness.

A historical marker that represents the site of the Osage murders.