Births

Richard Kuklinski

1849 – Vincenzo Verzeni – was an Italian serial killer who gained notoriety for his gruesome crimes during the late 19th century. Born on April 11, 1849, in Bottanuco, a small town in Lombardy, Italy, Verzeni’s early life appeared unremarkable. However, his later actions would make him one of Italy’s infamous criminals. Verzeni’s criminal activities primarily revolved around murder and mutilation. He targeted young women and girls, committing his first known murder in 1872. His modus operandi included stabbing, strangling, and mutilating his victims. The brutality and sheer violence of his crimes shocked the public and law enforcement alike. One significant aspect of Verzeni’s case was the belief in Lombardy that he was a “vampire.” Locals attributed supernatural qualities to him, claiming that he drank the blood of his victims. These rumors added a layer of fear and mystique to his already heinous reputation. Verzeni’s killing spree continued for several years, and the authorities struggled to apprehend him. In 1894, he was finally arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder. During the trial, Verzeni showed signs of mental instability, and his defense argued that he was not responsible for his actions due to insanity. In 1895, Vincenzo Verzeni was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He spent the remainder of his life at the Criminal Asylum of Castiglione delle Stiviere, where he died on February 29, 1900.

1935 – Richard Kuklinski – known as the “Iceman,” was an American contract killer and notorious criminal born on April 11, 1935, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His life story is shrouded in a dark underworld of organized crime, violence, and deception. Kuklinski grew up in a troubled household marked by abuse, with a father who was physically and verbally abusive. His tumultuous upbringing contributed to the development of a cold and ruthless personality that would later earn him the infamous moniker “Iceman.” In his early years, Kuklinski engaged in a variety of criminal activities, including theft and burglary. However, it was his involvement with the mob that would catapult him into a life of organized crime. Kuklinski’s notoriety stemmed from his alleged role as a contract killer for various crime families, particularly the DeCavalcante and Gambino families. His ice-cold demeanor and apparent lack of remorse earned him a reputation as a ruthless and effective hitman. One of Kuklinski’s infamous methods was the use of cyanide to poison his victims, earning him the nickname “Iceman” due to the alleged freezing of bodies to mask the time of death. His criminal activities extended beyond contract killings, as he also engaged in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other illicit enterprises. Kuklinski’s criminal career came to an end in 1986 when he was arrested by law enforcement officials. His arrest shed light on the dark world of contract killings and organized crime. In 1988, Kuklinski was convicted of multiple charges, including murder, and was sentenced to life in prison. Despite his violent and brutal past, Kuklinski cooperated with authorities, providing insights into his criminal activities and participating in interviews that documented his life. Richard Kuklinski’s life and crimes have been the subject of various documentaries, books, and films, contributing to his lasting infamy in the annals of true crime history. Richard Kuklinski passed away in prison on March 5, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of darkness and terror.

1938 – Gert van Rooyen – was a South African criminal and kidnapper whose name became synonymous with one of the most notorious cases in the country’s history. Born in the small town of Carnarvon, van Rooyen’s life took a dark turn as he became involved in criminal activities, ultimately leading to a reign of terror that gripped South Africa. Van Rooyen’s criminal activities primarily revolved around a series of kidnappings, with the victims being young girls. His crimes came to the forefront in the late 1980s when his actions became widely publicized, causing fear and outrage throughout the nation. The exact number of victims remains uncertain, but the impact of his crimes was profound, leaving a scar on the collective memory of South Africa.

1958 – Brynn Hartman – Brynn was the wife and murderer of popular comedian Phil Hartman, the couple had been going through issues for quite a while and a divorce was pending. Unfortunately, Brynn had a history of alcoholism and drug addiction which came to the fore 5 months before the murder when she got a taste back for drink and drugs, on the night of May 27th, 1998, the couple went out with friends for food and drink and the atmosphere was good, that changed later when the couple argued, at approximately 3 am Brynn walked into the bedroom where Phil was sleeping and shot him three times, killing him.  Later the same day when the police arrived to take her into custody, Brynn shot herself in the right eye, killing her instantly

1971 – Raymond Dayle Rowsey – was an American murderer who was convicted of the 1992 murder of Howard Rue Sikorski, a convenience store clerk in Alamance County, North Carolina. He was executed by lethal injection on January 9, 2004 at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rowsey was implicated in the murder by his half-brother, Raymond Steele, who confessed to second-degree murder and testified against Rowsey at his trial. Steele claimed that he was at the store with Rowsey and witnessed him shoot Sikorski six times. However, there were no other witnesses to corroborate Steele’s testimony, and two fellow prisoners in the county jail said that they heard Steele say that Rowsey did not fire the shots. Rowsey’s defense attorney argued that he had a difficult childhood and suffered from mental health issues. He also presented evidence that Rowsey had a shoeprint near the victim’s body that matched his shoes, suggesting that he was present at the scene. However, this evidence was not enough to convince the jury or the judge. Rowsey appealed his conviction and sentence to the state supreme court and then to the U.S. Supreme Court, but both courts rejected his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and violation of his constitutional rights. He also filed a federal class-action lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of North Carolina’s lethal injection protocol, alleging that it left him in pain before death. However, this lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge who ruled that Rowsey had no standing to sue. Rowsey died on January 9, 2004, at 2:23 a.m

1971 – Latasha Pulliam – She has been described as a female John Gacy, she and her boyfriend, Dwight Jordan persuaded 6-year-old Shenosha Richard to go with them after offering to take her to the movies, they then abducted her, and for the next few hours, they jointly sexually assaulted her with a boot polish applicator and a hammer. Once they’d had their fun, they beat her to death with the hammer and dumped her body in a garbage can.

1975 – Magnus Gafgen – In 2002, Gafgen kidnapped 11-year-old Jakob von Metzler intending to gain a ransom from his parents, and he would demand €1 million as they were related in part to a banking dynasty. When the ransom drop was carried out, the police kept an eye on Gafgen, and a few hours had passed in which time he had booked a holiday and spent other sums but he had not released the child, so the police arrested him. During his interrogation, he was threatened with torture on the authorization of the Frankfurt Police’s vice president, he then revealed the location of the child and the fact that the child was dead.

Deaths

Maria Swanenburg

1915 – Maria Swanenburg – also known as “Goeie Mie” (“Good Mie”), was a Dutch serial killer from the 19th century. Despite her reputation as a kind and helpful neighbor, she was a ruthless murderer who poisoned at least 27 people, with suspicions of killing more than 90. Her motive was to collect life insurance or inheritance money, which she had secured for herself. She was caught after poisoning the Frankhuizen family in 1883 and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1885, where she remained until she died in 1915. Maria was born on September 9, 1839, in Leiden, Netherlands. She married Johannes van der Linden on May 13, 1868, and they had five sons and two daughters. Her first victim was her mother Johanna, whom she poisoned in 1880. After her first husband died of cholera in 1882, she inherited his life insurance policy. In 1883, she poisoned her father Clemens after he refused to pay her the insurance money. She also poisoned many other relatives and friends of her victims, as well as some strangers who lived nearby. She used arsenic as the main poison but also used other substances such as strychnine, antimony, and cyanide. She often mixed the poison with food or drink that she offered to her victims or their guests. She was arrested after Hendrik Frankhuizen died of poisoning along with his wife and newborn son in December 1883. His doctor recognized the symptoms as similar to those of Maria’s previous victims. Her trial began on April 23, 1885, and lasted for three weeks. She pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but the jury found her guilty of three counts of murder. She was sentenced to life imprisonment at a correctional facility in Gorinchem. There is no record of her escape or parole. Her nickname “Goeie Mie” means “Good Mie” in Dutch. It is derived from her habit of helping poor people with babysitting and taking care of the sick and elderly in Leiden.

1947 – Louise Peete – was an American serial killer who led a life as captivating as it was chilling. Her journey was marked by deception, manipulation, and ultimately, death for those who crossed her path. Born into a wealthy Louisiana family, Louise’s early life seemed destined for comfort. However, expelled from school for theft and promiscuity at 15, she embarked on a path of deceit and manipulation. Marrying a traveling salesman, she soon found herself widowed after catching him with another woman. This marked the beginning of a life on the edge, fueled by a thirst for money and a talent for weaving webs of lies. In 1920, Louise’s life took a darker turn. She was convicted of murdering Jacob C. Denton, a wealthy mining engineer, and sentenced to life in prison. While behind bars, she transformed herself into a model prisoner, working as a dental assistant and writing for the prison newspaper. After 18 years, her good behavior earned her parole in 1939. Released into the care of a woman who championed her cause, Louise seemed poised for a fresh start. However, her past soon caught up with her. In 1944, she began working as a housekeeper for Margaret Logan, a wealthy widow. Within months, Margaret was found murdered and buried in the garden. Louise’s carefully constructed facade crumbled under police scrutiny. Evidence, including forged checks and suspicious behavior, pointed towards her guilt. In 1945, she was convicted of Margaret’s murder and sentenced to death. Despite attempts to appeal, Louise’s fate was sealed. On April 11, 1947, she became the second woman executed in California’s gas chamber. Louise Peete’s story continues to fascinate and horrify. Her life, a tapestry woven with manipulation, opportunism, and ultimately, death, serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most seemingly ordinary lives.

2001 – Eugene Molter – was a 68-year-old man who lived in an apartment complex for senior citizens in Chula Vista, California. He was facing eviction from his apartment due to disputes with his neighbors. On April 11, 2001, he shot and killed three people at the complex: Albert and Patricia Carignan, the husband and wife resident managers; and Ariel Ibarra, the tenant who lived above him. He then shot himself to death. He left behind a note that read, “This is my day.” Molter’s motive for the shooting spree is unclear, but some sources suggest that he was a loner who had mental health issues and was angry at his situation. He had been living in the complex for six years and had no criminal record. His relatives described him as a quiet and gentle person who liked to read books and play chess. Molter’s case shocked the community and raised questions about the security and management of senior housing facilities. The police investigation found that Molter had access to guns because he worked as a security guard at a nearby mall. The police also discovered that Molter had been evicted from several other apartments in the past for various reasons, such as unpaid rent, noise complaints, or property damage. Molter’s shooting spree was one of the deadliest incidents involving senior citizens in California history. It also highlighted the need for better mental health services and support for older adults who may be vulnerable or isolated.

2014 – Ronald James Ward – was born in Hood River, Oregon, in 1966. His childhood was marked by instability and hardship. His father, Ronald Sr., was an abusive and unfaithful man who divorced Ward’s mother when he was 19. Ward claimed to have had eight stepmothers during his young years, and he left school in the sixth grade. Despite these challenges, Ward reportedly cared deeply for his family. He married at 19 and adopted his wife’s six children, taking them on outings and striving to be the father he never had. He even coached a youth football team for a time. However, a darker side lurked beneath Ward’s facade. In 2000, a series of brutal murders began to sweep across the country, leaving a trail of victims in Arkansas, California, and Montana. In June, the body of 21-year-old Shela Polly was found in Modesto, California. Two months later, 27-year-old Kristin Laurite met a similar fate in Arkansas. Finally, in October, 46-year-old Craig Petrich was murdered in Montana. Despite the seemingly unconnected nature of the crimes, DNA evidence eventually linked Ward to all three murders. He was initially convicted of Petrich’s murder and sentenced to life in prison. However, further investigation solidified his connection to the other victims, bringing a measure of closure to their families. Ward died in prison in 2014, the cause of death was never officially disclosed. While his crimes earned him the label of a serial killer, the full extent of his actions and the motives behind them remain shrouded in some degree of mystery. His case serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can sometimes hide beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.

Events

Henry Colin Campbell aka The Torch Murderer

1929 – Henry Colin Campbell is apprehended in New Jersey, USA

1993 – 450 prisoners riot at the Southern Ohio correctional facility in Lucasville, Ohio, and continued for 10 days citing grievances about prison conditions and the forced vaccination of Nation of Islam prisoners for Tuberculosis

2011 – American serial killer and rapist Joseph Naso is apprehended

2013 – 14 people are killed in clashes between drug traffickers and police in Michoacan, Mexico

2019 – Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is forcibly removed from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London by police and arrested on a failure to appear in court on US extradition charges

2021 – 20-year-old Daunte Wright is shot and killed at a traffic stop by police officers in the Brooklyn Center, Minnesota who says they mistook their gun for a taser