Shocking Twist Revealed: Who Really Killed Robert Dunnigan in Yellowstone City?

Murder at Yellowstone City” is a 2022 Western film that doubles as an engaging murder mystery. The plot unfolds when a prospector named Robert Dunnigan discovers gold unexpectedly, sharing his exhilarating discovery with the residents of Yellowstone City. However, just moments later, he’s found dead by an unidentified assailant. The storyline then combines the thrilling elements typical of Western films with a mystery that invites viewers to guess who the culprit is and their motive.

In “Yellowstone City’s Murder Mystery,” the impressive ensemble of actors manages to sustain the film despite some foreseeable plot twists common in the murder mystery genre. As the story progresses, additional murders take place, and various characters strive to uncover the truth about these crimes. By the end of the movie, both the killer and their motivations are exposed, but unexpected events cause Yellowstone City to undergo a permanent transformation.

Jimmy Ambrose Jr. Killed Robert Dunnigan

Jimmy Was Ordered To Kill Dunnigan

In Yellowstone City, Sheriff Jim Ambrose believes outsider Cicero is responsible for the town’s murders. However, it turns out that Sheriff Ambrose’s own son, Jimmy Ambrose Jr., was the actual culprit, as revealed in the finale of Murder at Yellowstone City. The audience uncovers this secret before any other characters do. Initially, his first two murders were committed with him concealed to protect his identity. However, the third murder exposes the stunning revelation.

Jimmy Ambrose Jr., out of fear that others might discover his involvement in Robert Dunnigan’s death and a love letter he had written to Emma Dunnigan, decided to silence Violet, a local girl, who had found the letter. Later, to prevent any potential witnesses, he also killed Isabel, the madame at the town’s saloon, fearing she might have knowledge of Robert’s murder or his relationship with Isabel. Jimmy was not acting alone in these crimes.

Every Character Jimmy Ambrose Killed & How Emma Dunnigan Was Involved

Jimmy And Emma Were In On The Murders Together

In the mystery novel “Murder at Yellowstone City,” it turns out that Jimmy Ambrose Jr. was responsible for the deaths of Robert Dunnigan, Violet, and Isabel. However, it’s important to note that Jimmy is not the sole culprit; Emma Dunnigan, who tragically lost her own husband (one of the victims), was the one who conceived the plan for these murders. This shocking revelation about Emma’s involvement comes as a twist in the third act of the story.

Emma Dunnigan orchestrated a scheme to have her lover, Jimmy, eliminate her husband, Robert, for financial gain. Earlier in the day, Robert discovered gold and intended to use it to rejuvenate their town. However, Emma aimed to keep the entire fortune for herself. In order to escape with the gold, she manipulated Jimmy into murdering her husband. Unfortunately, their love affair was exposed when Violet found their secret correspondence, leading to a chain of events involving both Jimmy and Robert’s mistress, Isabel.

How Thaddeus & Alice Solved The Murders

Alice Always Believed Cicero Was Innocent & Thaddeus Helped Prove It

As a devoted movie enthusiast, let me rephrase the given statement: In Yellowstone City, I find myself playing the role of Violet, a townsperson who comes forth with concrete evidence that clears Cicero’s name. My stable houses his horse, untouched during the alleged crime, and I possess a love letter that was penned by someone else – not him. However, Alice Murphy, another resident of our town, has always held a steadfast belief in Cicero’s innocence, even without any tangible proof to back it up.

In their small-town, Thaddeus Murphy serves as the local preacher, accompanied by his wife Alice. The couple is known for their unwavering trust and strength. They soon discover that Cicero isn’t a criminal as previously believed. After Alice engages in conversation with Cicero, the duo becomes determined to clear his name. They secretly aid him when he flees from prison, and Thaddeus eventually provides evidence showing that the bullet that struck Robert Dunnigan was not fired from Cicero’s gun.

Why Cicero Comes To Yellowstone City (& Why He Leaves)

Cicero Is Left Still Searching For True Freedom & Tolerance

In Yellowstone City, Cicero’s arrival signifies the apparent spark for the murders, but in truth, he plays no role in Jimmy and Emma’s sinister plan. Instead, Cicero comes to Yellowstone City in search of acceptance from its residents. Having been a slave previously, he ventured West following the Civil War in pursuit of a new beginning. He quickly forms friendships with the saloon’s barkeep over their shared love for Shakespeare and Violet. However, Jim Ambrose is particularly resistant to welcoming him into the community.

Cicero yearns for genuine freedom and a new beginning, yet finding himself imprisoned followed by a harrowing escape, he ponders if Yellowstone City might not be the ideal destination. Given the town’s troubles following Jimmy’s killings and the climactic gunfight, Cicero decides to climb back onto his horse and continue his quest for a more peaceful settlement to call home.

The Fates Of Every Main Character In The Final Shootout Explained

Several Of Yellowstone City’s Residents Become Victims

In Yellowstone City, the climactic murder revelation is reserved for the movie’s closing moments, and so too is the major showdown. Deputy Jim Ambrose leads his posse to Thaddeus’s church in pursuit of Cicero, only to discover that he’s present. A fierce gunfight ensues between the two parties, resulting in several minor characters being killed by Thaddeus and Cicero. The principal characters are then left to continue their cat-and-mouse chase.

As the sheriff heads back to town, Thaddeus, Cicero, and Alice apprehend Jimmy and take him to his father, revealing his wrongdoings. When Emma’s complicity is exposed, she tries to dodge responsibility and subsequently fires at the others while attempting to flee. A struggle ensues, resulting in both Jimmy and Jim getting wounded, with Jimmy succumbing to his injuries on the spot and Jim appearing mortally wounded. Emma manages to escape temporarily, but Alice eventually shoots her. By the end of Murder at Yellowstone City, only Cicero, Alice, and Thaddeus are left standing.

The Real Meaning Of Murder At Yellowstone City’s Ending

None Of The Characters Are What They Seem

Watching “Murder at Yellowstone City” is an enjoyable experience due to its skillful blending of genres and compelling character development. While it sticks to many conventions of both murder mysteries and Westerns, characters like Thaddeus, Alice, Cicero, and Isabel offer fresh perspectives on traditional roles. As a result, viewers might find themselves second-guessing their expectations as the plot unfolds with unexpected twists.

In this narrative, Thaddeus and Cicero express their personal growth through their actions, as Thaddeus speaks of his preaching as a means to make amends for past wrongdoings, and Cicero envisions his ideal self for the future. The film skillfully reveals the motivations behind the characters’ choices, even when those choices are flawed. Although Murder at Yellowstone City delivers a conclusive resolution to the murder mystery plotline, it also subtly portrays the intricacies and depth of the other characters, reminiscent of classic Western films.

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2025-04-29 17:05