Ernest Burkhart was an American man known for his involvement in the Osage Indian murders during the 1920s. He was the nephew of William Hale, a prominent cattleman who orchestrated a series of crimes to gain control of the oil-rich land owned by the Osage Nation. Burkhart played a significant role in these events, which led to the deaths of several Osage individuals. Burkhart's actions were part of a larger conspiracy that highlighted the exploitation and violence faced by the Osage people during this period. The investigation into these murders eventually led to a federal inquiry, revealing the depth of corruption and greed surrounding the Osage oil wealth.