Trout Walker was responsible for the murder of Sam the Onion Man in the story of Holes.
The Tragic End of Sam
Sam, an honest and resourceful man known for selling onions and his homemade onion remedies, was tragically killed due to prejudice and jealousy. Trout Walker, the spoiled son of the owner of Green Lake, harbored a deep resentment towards Sam. This animosity escalated into murder when Trout Walker witnessed Sam and Miss Katherine Barlow—the town's beloved schoolteacher—sharing a kiss.
Driven by his possessive nature and the prevailing racial prejudices of the era, Trout Walker, along with other enraged townspeople, pursued Sam. Sam was ultimately killed, a horrific act that went unpunished by the corrupt justice system of the time.
The Transformation of Green Lake and Its Aftermath
Sam's death had profound and immediate consequences for Green Lake. Shortly after his murder, the beautiful, vibrant lake, which was the lifeblood of the community, mysteriously dried up. This environmental disaster mirrored the moral decay that had swept through the town.
Following Sam's death, the heartbroken Katherine Barlow transformed into the notorious outlaw, "Kissing Kate Barlow." She became one of the most feared bandits in the West, infamous for robbing people and, true to her new moniker, leaving a kiss on the cheek of her victims. Kate Barlow eventually buried a significant treasure somewhere in the dried-up bed of what was once Green Lake, a treasure that later became the focus of the generations-long endeavors at Camp Green Lake.
Key Events Surrounding Sam's Murder
| Event | Description | Key Figures | Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Love Affair | Sam, an African American onion seller, and Katherine Barlow fall in love. | Sam, Katherine Barlow | Sparks jealousy and racial hatred in the community. |
| The Kiss | Trout Walker witnesses Sam and Katherine Barlow kissing. | Trout Walker, Sam, Katherine Barlow | Incites Trout Walker's rage, leading to the murder. |
| Sam's Murder | Trout Walker, fueled by racism and jealousy, murders Sam. | Trout Walker, Sam | Justice is denied; the town's moral decline deepens. |
| Green Lake Dries Up | Shortly after Sam's death, Green Lake mysteriously dries up. | N/A | The town becomes a desolate wasteland. |
| Katherine's Transformation | Katherine Barlow becomes the feared outlaw, "Kissing Kate Barlow." | Katherine Barlow | Begins a life of crime, eventually burying treasure. |
