New Evidence Links 1963 Murder Case to “Fargo” Movie Inspiration

UPDATE: New evidence is emerging that connects the infamous 1963 murder of Carol Swobada Thompson to the critically acclaimed film “Fargo.” While the Coen brothers have maintained that their 1996 movie is not based on a true story, credible sources are now suggesting that it was inspired by real-life crimes in the Twin Cities.

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA — The chilling details of Carol Thompson’s murder continue to captivate and horrify. As the film “Fargo” celebrates its legacy, questions arise about the reality behind its fictional narrative. Steve Hubbard, a veteran reference librarian at the Fargo Public Library, expressed skepticism about the Coen brothers’ claims, stating, “I haven’t been able to find it. I found it was just all fictional.”

The murder case, which shocked Minnesota back in 1963, involved Carol’s husband, Tilmer Eugene “Cotton” Thompson, a successful attorney who orchestrated her brutal killing for financial gain. Reports reveal that Tilmer had taken out life insurance policies on Carol worth over $1.06 million (equivalent to over $10 million today) just days before the crime.

According to documents, Tilmer, who was known as a devoted husband and community leader, plotted the murder in an elaborate scheme involving hired hitmen. The plan went awry when one of the hired killers, Dick W.C. Anderson, mistakenly arrived a day late, leading to a gruesome attack that left Carol fighting for her life before succumbing to her injuries.

Local resident and actress Kristin Rudrud, who portrayed a character based on Carol in the film, remarked, “Before there was the internet there was Steve Hubbard,” a testament to the librarian’s deep-seated knowledge about the case. The murder has since been labeled as one of the most significant criminal cases in Minnesota’s history, forever altering perceptions of safety in the region.

As new information surfaces, including connections to the infamous wood chipper scene in “Fargo,” the public’s interest in the Thompson case is rekindled. The film’s creators have been coy about the true inspirations behind their work, leaving many to speculate on the blurred lines between fiction and reality.

In a shocking turn of events, the investigation into Carol’s murder led to significant evidence, including a unique pistol grip that ultimately linked Anderson to the crime. Investigators worked diligently under immense public pressure, which resulted in Anderson’s arrest in April 1963, just months after the murder.

As the 60th anniversary of Carol Thompson’s death approaches, community members and historians alike are compelled to explore the lasting impact of this chilling story. The legacy of Tilmer Thompson, who served 19 years of a life sentence for his role in the murder, continues to haunt his surviving family. His son, Jeff Thompson, reflected on his father’s complex nature, saying, “It’s hard for people to wrap their heads around the fact that people who have done bad things are still multidimensional.”

The case remains a critical chapter in Minnesota’s history, with the echoes of Carol’s tragic fate still reverberating in today’s discussions about crime, morality, and the human condition.

For those intrigued by the intertwining of fact and fiction, the story of Carol Thompson and the making of “Fargo” serves as a stark reminder that the darkest tales often have roots in reality. As this story develops, the community watches closely, eager to uncover more about the inspirations behind one of cinema’s most iconic narratives.

Stay tuned for further updates as more details are revealed.