Colonel Cornelius Cobb
The Showman
Connection to Dr. Vale
Dr. Eleanor Vale invited Cobb to witness the restoration of Professor Blackwood’s Traveling Show because he claims to be its last surviving performer.
Their relationship became strained when Cobb produced an old document that he says proves Professor Blackwood intended to leave the carnival to its performers. Dr. Vale questioned whether the document was authentic.
Connection to Professor Blackwood’s Traveling Show
Years ago, Cobb worked as a young carnival barker for Professor Blackwood. When the regular ringmaster became ill during the show’s final stop in Murder Creek, Cobb was unexpectedly asked to step into the center ring.
That same night, Evelyn “Evie” Blackwood was murdered.
Possible motive
Ownership of the restored carnival
If Cobb’s document is genuine, the restored traveling show may belong to him—or to the descendants of its original performers.
Known disagreement
Cobb wanted Dr. Vale to recognize his claim to the carnival.
Dr. Vale refused, telling others that believing a document is real does not make it authentic.
“What they claim”
“I came aboard to celebrate the return of the greatest show Murder Creek has ever known. Whatever Dr. Vale and I disagreed about was business—not murder.”
A redacted suspicious detail
INVESTIGATIVE NOTE: Cobb remembers more about the night Evie Blackwood died than he has ever publicly admitted.
[REMAINDER OF STATEMENT REDACTED]
A former carnival barker, one-night ringmaster, and lifelong promoter who believes people would rather experience wonder than hear an inconvenient truth.