For more than 150 years, the story of the Bloody Benders has been repeated as fact. But what if the story we have been told is not the whole truth? On May 6, 1873, two bodies were discovered behind the Benders' cabin on the Kansas prairie. The following day, six more were recovered. Newspapers around the country soon carried the story, but many of their accounts differed-sometimes dramatically-in the number of victims and details of the crimes. Myth and fabrication have dominated the retelling of the Benders' story. Now, for the first time ever, newly documented evidence is presented to examine the true story of the Bloody Benders as never before told. The history of the Bender Family has remained hidden for 150 years...until now! Many mysteries surrounded the Benders: Were they actually a family? Where did they come from? And, most of all, what happened to them? The 2026 Revised Edition of HELL COMES TO PLAY contains newly researched material and additional documentation that expands this investigation. HELL COMES TO PLAY investigates: A fully documented history and genealogy of the Benders. Previously unknown Bender family members revealed through documented research. Evidence establishing John Jr. and Kate's true relationship. Was John Jr. actually named John Gebhardt? Evidence of their previous locations before coming to Kansas. An investigation into their whereabouts after their escape. Research into previously overlooked facts. Detailing and untangling of conflicting accounts. Challenges to long-accepted elements of the traditional Bender narrative through newly documented evidence. Evidence proving the innocence of people wrongfully accused of the Benders' crimes-accusations that are still repeated as fact today. For 150 years, the Bloody Benders have been surrounded by unanswered questions, conflicting accounts, and historical assumptions. Now, HELL COMES TO PLAY provides answers to many of those enduring mysteries. It's time to ask: How much of what we have been told about the Benders is actually true?