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Tree of Woe
From Harper's Globe Wiki
L to R: Sarah Mills (bottom), Kate Seaver, Christopher Cullen
The Tree of Woe is the tree in which John Wakefield hanged three of the victims of his 2001 murders.
Background
During his murderous rampage, John Wakefield hanged three of his victims -- Kate Seaver, a secretary at the Harper's Island Sheriff's office, Harbormaster Christopher Cullen, and Sarah Mills, wife of Sheriff Charlie Mills -- in a large willow tree near the Eastern Bluff. Shortly after the murders, Abby Mills discovered her mother hanging in the tree.
The tree was later dubbed the "Tree of Woe." As soon as the police tape came down, the tree drew mourners wishing to pay respects to all of Wakefield’s victims. Flowers and pictures of the victims were placed at the base of the tree, forming a substantial ring around it. Shortly after the murders, a candlelight vigil was held there.
In 2006, a town meeting was held to decide whether to chop the tree down. No decision was reached, so the tree was left standing.
Recent Events
In "Whap," Abby Mills declines an offer of a ride from the Marina to the Candlewick Inn and decides to walk instead. On the way, she walks by the Tree of Woe, and she vividly remembers finding her mother's body. Henry Dunn finds Abby distraught and assures her that the violence is over, saying, "The killer's dead... Abby, Wakefield's dead."
| Locations | |
| Primary Locations | Candlewick Inn · The Cannery · First Church of Harper's Island · The Marina |
| Secondary Locations | Charlie Mills's Attic · Harper's Globe · The Tarapunga · Tree of Woe · Maritime Museum · Washington Pacific University |