A Chilling Tale: The Haunted Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, WV and the Mysterious Death of Joseph Daniel Casolaro
Hey there, fellow ghost enthusiasts! Today, I’m eager (and a bit spooked) to dive into one of Martinsburg, West Virginia's most eerie legends: the haunted Holiday Inn. But this isn’t any ghost story. It centers on the tragic and mysterious death of a reporter named Joseph Daniel Casolaro in room 517. Grab a cozy blanket and maybe a friend—this one’s a doozy!
The Haunted Holiday Inn
Let’s start with the hotel itself. Once known as the Sheraton, The Holiday Inn in Martinsburg is your typical roadside hotel: convenient, and… haunted? Located at 301 Foxcroft Avenue, this seemingly innocuous inn has become the subject of fascination for paranormal investigators and ghost hunters alike. The haunting is often attributed to the tragic events of August 10, 1991, which forever marked room 517 as a hotspot for supernatural activity.
Who Was Joseph Daniel Casolaro?
Before we get into the ghostly details, let’s talk about Joseph Daniel Casolaro. Casolaro was a journalist and writer, involved in investigating what he referred to as "The Octopus"—a sprawling conspiracy theory linking the Iran-Contra affair, the Inslaw case, and other high-profile scandals of the time. Casolaro was convinced he was onto something huge, something that could shake the foundations of power. You can learn more about Danny here.
The Fateful Night
On August 10, 1991, Casolaro was found dead in the bathtub of room 517 at the Martinsburg Holiday Inn. His wrists were slashed multiple times, a scenario that authorities quickly ruled as a suicide. But, as with many cases that involve conspiracy theories, the circumstances of his death are riddled with inconsistencies and unanswered questions.
At about noon on August 10, 1991, housekeeping staff discovered Joseph Daniel Casolaro in the bathtub of room 517 at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg. His wrists had been deeply slashed, with three or four wounds on his right wrist and seven or eight on his left. The scene was so gruesome that one housekeeper fainted. Blood was splattered on the bathroom wall and floor, and paramedics found an empty beer can, two plastic trash bags, and a razor blade beneath his body. A half-empty wine bottle was nearby.
Despite the grisly scene, the hotel room was clean and orderly. A legal pad on the desk had a single page torn from it, bearing a note: "To those who I love the most: Please forgive me for the worst possible thing I could have done. Most of all I'm sorry to my son. I know deep down inside that God will let me in." The police judged the case a straightforward suicide because of the note, absence of a struggle, no signs of forced entry, and the presence of alcohol. They found four more razor blades in their envelopes in a small package and, after interviews, confirmed no one had seen or heard anything suspicious.
Article from Sep 1, 1991 The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California)
However, the discrepancies and the context of Casolaro's investigative work led many to suspect foul play. The thoroughness of the cleanup, the missing notes and research materials, and Casolaro's optimistic demeanor before his death raised doubts about the official suicide ruling.
Friends and family were adamant that Casolaro was not suicidal. He was reportedly in good spirits, excited about his investigation, and planning future work. His notes and research materials were missing from the room, adding to the suspicion.
Witnesses reported seeing unidentified individuals in the hotel around the time of Casolaro’s death, and there were claims of his room being cleaned before the police conducted a thorough investigation. All these oddities have led many to believe that Casolaro was murdered because he got too close to uncovering the truth.
Paranormal Activity
Now, onto the spooky stuff! Room 517 has since become infamous for its alleged paranormal activity. Guests who have stayed in the room (or in adjacent rooms) have reported a variety of eerie experiences. The fifth floor's quietness deters housekeepers from working there. The housekeepers also report that their items will mysteriously move to locations they didn't put them. One housekeeper was so spooked by the fifth floor she refused to stay in a room on that floor during a snowstorm. She slept in the laundry room instead. Some of the most common occurrences include:
Unexplained Noises: Guests often hear strange noises at night, such as knocking, footsteps, and even the sound of running water—despite no one being in the bathroom.
Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature, which are classic signs of paranormal presence, are frequently reported in and around room 517.
Apparitions: Some guests have claimed to see a shadowy figure that matches descriptions of Casolaro himself. This apparition is often seen standing near the bathroom or looking out of the window.
Electrical Disturbances: Lights flickering, TVs turning on and off, and other electronic malfunctions are common complaints from those who have stayed in the room.
A Magnet for Ghost Hunters
Because of these spine-chilling reports, the Martinsburg Holiday Inn has become a magnet for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. Many have conducted investigations, hoping to capture evidence of Casolaro’s restless spirit. Some have claimed success, recording EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that they believe are communications from Casolaro, desperately trying to share his untold story.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, there's no denying the eerie atmosphere that surrounds the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, WV. The mysterious death of Joseph Daniel Casolaro and the subsequent paranormal activity have solidified its place in the annals of American ghost stories. So, if you’re ever in Martinsburg and feeling brave, perhaps you’ll consider a stay at the Holiday Inn. But be warned—room 517 isn’t for the faint of heart.
Stay spooky, friends! And always keep your eyes and ears open; you never know what you might uncover next.