The Brown Palace has a rich history and prestigious reputation across Colorado involving stories of prominent visitors, hauntings, and its excellent ‘high tea’ tradition. That said, one lesser-known story includes a love triangle, murder, and high-society drama.

The love triangle between Isabel Springer, a Denver socialite, and the two men vying for her affection – Tom von Phul and Frank Henwood – came to a head in the Brown Palace on May 24, 1911.

Isabel was married to John W. Springer, a wealthy businessman who worked in local law and politics. She was, however, said to be romantically involved with von Phul and Henwood. When tensions came to a simmering point, the clandestine affairs had deadly consequences.

Tom von Phul was blackmailing Isabel, and Frank Henwood tried to intervene in the conflict. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in his efforts, and the situation led to a double murder.

According to the Denver Public Library, Henwood and von Phul brawled at the Brown Palace’s legendary Marble Bar after a chain of increasingly hostile encounters. Henwood pulled a newly purchased revolver out of his pocket and shot at his rival. He fatally hit von Phul, also fatally wounded George E. Copeland during the incident. Copeland was an innocent bystander who did not know either man and was not involved in the conflict, according to the Denver Public Library.

Henwood was ultimately convicted of both murders.

According to BBC’s Murder They Wrote, the incident sent “shockwaves” through Colorado’s high society, and left behind a “trial of scandal, heartbreak, and one of the most sensational trials of the era.”

The Denver Public Library reports that Henwood even became something of a celebrity himself, as he received bouquets of flowers and other gifts from admirers during his time at the Denver Jail. Henwood had reportedly used his influence to get a comfortable cell and specially prepared meals in the “Millionaire’s Row” section of the jail.

In addition to its luxurious ambiance, distinct architecture, and history of hosting many prominent guests (including U.S. presidents and the Beatles), the Brown Palace was also home to a grisly double murder that shocked Denver’s high society at the time.