In July 1984, Clarence and Marjorie Paulson, father and daughter, were reported missing from their home in Minnesota. At first glance, sheriff’s deputies didn’t see any obvious signs of a struggle. Marjorie and Clarence didn’t have driver’s licenses, and the three-wheeler Clarence used to travel was still at his house. Marjorie’s purse and knitting needles were left behind. Neighbors didn’t offer much of an explanation about where they’d gone – the two were considered reclusive, but known to travel into town every so often.
But a closer examination of the home revealed more to the story. And six years after reported missing, detectives found the unthinkable.
Clarence and Marjorie Paulson are featured as the 2 of clubs. Source: Crime Stoppers of Minnesota
Episode Info
Anyone with information about the death of Marjorie and Paulson should call Crime Stoppers of Minnesota: 800-222-8477, or the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tip line is 1-877-996-6222.
Marjorie Paulson, 34, went to Brainerd Community College. An article after she disappeared described her as a poet and artist. Courtesy: Cass County Sheriff’s Office
After the Paulsons were reported missing, investigators from Cass County and next-door Crow Wing County walked dirt roads around the property, looking for signs of Marjorie and Clarence. Other deputies swept the area in a helicopter. Courtesy: Cass County Sheriff’s Office
Investigator Randy Fisher, left, initially reported to the scene where the Paulsons were found dead in 1990. His son, Investigator Ryan Fisher, right, is now investigating the case. Courtesy: Ryan Fisher
Episode Source Material
Original reporting by Kate Mishkin
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Brainerd Dispatch (Brainerd, MN): Search for 2 missing persons to intensify, by Staff. Published August 10, 1984. Accessed March 24, 2026 via newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1222671010/
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Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN): Father, daughter vanish without trace, by Paul Levy. Published October 8, 1984. Accessed March 24, 2026 via newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/image/189672742/
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InForum (Fargo, ND): 6 years after disappearing, their skeletons were discovered. 35 years later, the killer remains unknown, by Jasmine Shackleford. Published August 15, 2025. Accessed March 24, 2026 via website. https://archive.ph/jk2ka
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Medium: “Two helpless people” — the murders of Clarence and Marjorie Paulson, by Cam Crawford. Published January 1, 2022. Accessed May 18, 2026. https://medium.com/@CamPrevost/this-article-is-part-one-of-an-ongoing-series-about-the-disappearance-and-murders-of-clarence-and-b953f67e65da
