Births

Malaika Griffin

1931 – Clarence Anglin – was an American criminal who is best known for his role in the infamous escape from Alcatraz prison. He was born on May 11, 1931, in Donalsonville, Georgia, and grew up in a large family with 12 siblings. Anglin began his criminal career in the 1950s, committing a series of bank robberies and other crimes. In 1960, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for bank robbery and was sent to the infamous Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay. On June 11, 1962, Anglin and two other inmates, his brother John Anglin and Frank Morris, successfully escaped from Alcatraz by digging a hole through the ventilation system and making their way to the roof. They then climbed down the side of the prison using a makeshift raft made from raincoats. Despite an extensive manhunt, the three men were never seen again and are presumed to have drowned in the treacherous waters surrounding the prison. However, some have speculated that they may have survived and successfully escaped to South America. Anglin’s escape from Alcatraz has become one of the most famous prison escapes in history, and his story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films. Clarence Anglin’s ultimate fate remains a mystery, but his daring escape and the mystery surrounding his disappearance have made him a legend in the annals of American crime history.

1954 – Daniel Owen Conahan Jr – was an American serial killer born on May 11th, 1954, in New York. He gained notoriety in the 1990s for his involvement in the abduction, torture, and murder of at least two young men in Florida. Conahan grew up in a troubled home and had a history of mental illness and criminal behavior. He had several run-ins with law enforcement, including charges of sexual assault, battery, and kidnapping. In 1994, Conahan became involved in the abduction and murder of 19-year-old Richard Montgomery. He was also responsible for the murder of 18-year-old Jason Galehouse, whose body was found buried near Conahan’s home. Conahan was known for his sadistic tendencies and his enjoyment of torture and murder. He was eventually arrested and charged with several counts of murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. At his trial, Conahan was found guilty and sentenced to death. He spent several years appealing his sentence but was ultimately executed by lethal injection on November 30th, 2019. Daniel Owen Conahan Jr.’s crimes were shocking and brutal, and his actions left a lasting impact on the families of his victims and the communities in which he operated. He is remembered as a dangerous and disturbed individual who caused immeasurable harm to innocent people.

1958 – Christian Brando – emerged into the world as the heir to a Hollywood throne. Son of the legendary Marlon Brando, his life promised glitz and glamour, but the reality would paint a far darker picture. His story is one of fractured family, personal struggles, and a tragic ending that reverberates through Hollywood history. Christian’s arrival was anything but harmonious. His parents, Marlon Brando and Anna Kashfi, had a tumultuous relationship fueled by infidelity and legal battles. Their love affair led to a shotgun wedding, followed by a swift divorce within a year. Christian became a pawn in their bitter custody war, torn between two warring parents. Growing up, Christian grappled with the immense pressure of his father’s fame. He dabbled in acting, appearing in films like “I Love You, Alice B. Toklas!” but struggled to carve his path. He sought solace in alternative pursuits, becoming a sculptor and woodcarver, but he also battled substance abuse and mental health issues. In 1990, Christian’s life took a devastating turn. In a heated confrontation with Dag Drollet, the boyfriend of his half-sister Cheyenne, Christian shot and killed him. The tragedy thrust him into the public eye, not as the son of a film legend, but as a murderer. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and served nearly five years in prison. Following his release, Christian tried to rebuild his life. He married again, but the wounds of the past proved too deep. He battled health issues and never truly escaped the shadow of his actions. In 2008, he succumbed to pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy of a life filled with heartache and unfulfilled potential.

1961 – Kimberly McCarthy – McCarthy born May 11th, 1961  was an American woman who gained notoriety for being the first woman executed in the United States in nearly three years, and the 500th person executed in Texas since the state reinstated the death penalty in 1976. Born in Michigan, McCarthy moved to Texas in the 1990s and became addicted to drugs. She was convicted of murdering her neighbor, a 71-year-old retired college professor, in 1997. McCarthy had gained entry to the victim’s home under the guise of borrowing a cup of sugar, but instead stabbed her multiple times with a butcher knife and severed her finger to take a diamond ring. McCarthy was sentenced to death in 1998, and her case was subject to numerous appeals over the next decade. However, in 2013, her final appeal was denied, and she was executed by lethal injection.

1961 – Luis Felipe – A Cuban-American former gang leader who was one of 125,000 immigrants who arrived from Cuba on the Mariel boatlift in 1980, six years after arriving in America he founded the New York chapter of the Latin Kings, in the mid-1990s he was convicted of ordering multiple murders whilst incarcerated, he received a life sentence plus 45 years and is currently serving this at maximum security ADX Florence in Colorado.

1962 – Keith Eugene Wells – walked a path tragically intertwined with violence and ultimately culminated in his execution in 1994. His life, though short, became a grim chapter in Idaho’s history, marking the state’s first execution in nearly four decades. Wells’ early years were marred by troubled waters. A tumultuous childhood, riddled with substance abuse and brushes with juvenile delinquency, hinted at the troubled future ahead. The details of his formative years remain largely opaque, but glimpses suggest a young man grappling with internal demons and struggling to find his footing in the world. This internal struggle tragically erupted in 1990, forever altering the course of Wells’ life and those he crossed paths with. In a brutal act of violence, he took the lives of John Justad and Brandi Rains in Boise, Idaho. Details of the murders remain shrouded in court documents and legal proceedings, but their impact was undeniable, leaving families shattered and a community reeling. The legal process that followed was swift and unforgiving. Tried and convicted of first-degree murder, Wells faced the ultimate penalty. In a controversial decision, he chose not to appeal the death sentence, though his legal team fought tirelessly on his behalf. This unexpected decision, whether borne of remorse or despair, became another facet of the enigma that was Keith Eugene Wells. On January 6, 1994, Idaho witnessed its first execution in nearly 40 years. At the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, Wells received a lethal injection, ending his life at the age of 31. His final moments, like much of his life, remain an open book. Some reports suggest a late apology to the victims’ families, a flicker of human connection amidst the darkness. The legacy of Keith Eugene Wells is a complicated one. He will forever be remembered for the heinous crimes he committed, yet whispers of a troubled young man, lost in the throes of darkness, also linger. His brief journey serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the devastating impact it leaves on victims, families, and communities. While Wells’ life may have been tragically cut short, it continues to spark conversations about justice, rehabilitation, and the complex factors that contribute to such grim outcomes. As we remember his story, it’s crucial to acknowledge the pain he inflicted while also considering the broader societal ills that may have played a role in his descent into darkness.

1969 – Sheila Davalloo – Sheila Davalloo is an Iranian-American woman who was born on May 11th, 1969, in Iran. She grew up in the United States and went on to earn a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. After graduation, Davalloo worked as a medical device engineer in New York City. In 2004, Davalloo was arrested and charged with the murder of her co-worker, Anna Lisa Raymundo. It was discovered that Davalloo had also attempted to kill another woman, her former lover, in a jealous rage. She was found guilty of both charges and was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Throughout her trial and subsequent incarceration, Davalloo has maintained her innocence. She has continued to appeal her conviction, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to link her to the murder. Her case has received significant media attention, with many people following the twists and turns of the trial and trying to understand what drove Davalloo to commit such violent acts.

1971 – Malaika Tamu Griffin – is a stark example of how promising beginnings can tragically diverge. Once an academically gifted student with a magna cum laude degree in chemistry, her life took a chilling turn in 1999 when she shot and killed her neighbor, Jason Patrick Horsley, in a heated argument. This act propelled her into the national spotlight, first as a fugitive on the run, then as a convicted murderer serving a life sentence. Griffin’s early life was marked by intelligence and academic achievement. Born in Mississippi, she excelled in school and earned a scholarship to Jackson State University. After graduating with high honors, she seemed destined for success. However, her personal life was not without struggles. Single motherhood and financial difficulties may have started chipping away at the veneer of a bright future. In 1999, Griffin moved to Denver and rented a room next door to Horsley and his girlfriend. A seemingly trivial dispute over misplaced tools on the sidewalk escalated into a violent confrontation. On May 18th, 1999, Griffin fatally shot Horsley in a moment of rage. Fearful of the consequences, she embarked on a six-year journey as a fugitive, working odd jobs while evading authorities. Griffin’s fugitive status ended in 2005 after being featured on America’s Most Wanted. Her trial captivated the nation, raising complex issues of race, self-defense, and the pressures of life as a single Black woman in America. Ultimately, she was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, igniting debates about the justice system and the psychological burdens faced by marginalized communities. Griffin’s current existence unfolds within the confines of the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Details of her life there are scarce, leaving questions about her mental state, any potential rehabilitation efforts, and her reflections on the tragic events that altered her destiny.

Deaths

Eugene Vidocq

1829 – Patty Cannon – was a notorious American criminal and slave trader who operated in the early 19th century. She was born in 1760 in Maryland and died in 1829 in prison. Cannon was known for her involvement in the illegal capture and sale of enslaved people, as well as her involvement in kidnapping, robbery, and murder. Cannon was part of a larger network of slave traders who operated along the border between Maryland and Delaware. She was often described as a tall and imposing woman who was capable of overpowering even the strongest men. Cannon was said to be a skilled horsewoman and markswoman and was known for her ability to evade capture by local authorities. Cannon’s crimes were particularly heinous, even by the standards of the time. She was known to kidnap both free and enslaved African Americans, and would often hold them captive in her home before selling them into slavery in the Deep South. She was also known to rob and murder her victims and was suspected of involvement in several disappearances and murders in the area. Cannon’s criminal activities eventually caught up with her, and she was arrested in 1829. She was charged with kidnapping and murder and was held in prison while awaiting trial. However, before she could be brought to court, Cannon committed suicide by poisoning herself with arsenic. Her death was seen as a fitting end to a life marked by cruelty and violence, and she remains one of the most notorious figures in American criminal history.

1857 – Eugene Francois Vidocq – was a French criminal and detective who lived from 1775 to 1857. He was born in Arras, France, and had a tumultuous childhood, spending time in prison for various offenses before eventually joining the army. Vidocq’s intelligence and bravery earned him the rank of sergeant, but he was eventually dismissed from the army due to his involvement in black-market activities. He then turned to a life of crime and became a notorious thief and swindler, leading a gang that was responsible for many robberies and frauds. However, in 1809, Vidocq turned his life around and became a police informant, working as a spy for the French police. He used his knowledge of the criminal underworld to help the police solve crimes and catch criminals, and his work was so successful that he eventually became the first director of the Surete Nationale, the French national police force. Vidocq is credited with revolutionizing the field of criminal investigation, introducing new techniques such as undercover work, ballistics analysis, and the use of handwriting analysis to solve crimes. He also wrote several books, including his memoirs, which were widely read and influential. Despite his checkered past, Vidocq is remembered as a pioneer in the field of criminal investigation, and his legacy continues to be felt in law enforcement today.

1881 – Juan Diaz De Garayo – a name forever etched in the grim annals of Spanish history, was no ordinary criminal. He was a monster in human skin, a serial killer who terrorized the idyllic city of Vitoria during the late 19th century. Born in 1821, Garayo led a seemingly unremarkable life for the first half of his existence, marrying twice and working as a laborer. But beneath the surface lurked a darkness waiting to be unleashed. In 1870, a grim metamorphosis unfolded. Driven by a twisted blend of lust and violence, Garayo embarked on a reign of terror. His victims, women ranging from young girls to seasoned laborers, fell prey to his depraved desires. He lured them with promises, only to strangle them in a fit of murderous rage. His savagery knew no bounds; he mutilated bodies, ripped out organs, and displayed a chilling level of brutality that sent shivers down the spines of even the most hardened souls. Vitoria became a city paralyzed by fear. Whispers of “The Sacamantecas,” a bogeyman figure said to extract fat from his victims, became the terrifying soundtrack of daily life. Garayo, initially targeting prostitutes, soon expanded his hunting grounds, preying on any woman unfortunate enough to cross his path. Though cunning and evasive, Garayo’s reign of terror couldn’t last forever. In 1880, after a string of failed attacks, he was finally apprehended. The subsequent trial exposed the depths of his depravity, and public outrage demanded swift justice. Garayo was condemned to death twice, a testament to the sheer horror his crimes had elicited. On May 11, 1881, his life met a gruesome end by the garrote, a barbaric execution deemed fitting for his barbaric deeds. Yet, even death couldn’t completely erase the stain he left on Vitoria. His macabre legacy lingers, a chilling reminder of the darkness that can reside within the human heart.

1920 – James Colosimo – also known as “Big Jim” Colosimo, was an Italian-American gangster who was born in Calabria, Italy in 1877. He immigrated to the United States at a young age and settled in Chicago, where he became involved in the criminal underworld. Colosimo rose to prominence in the early 1900s, becoming a leader of the Chicago Outfit, a powerful organized crime syndicate. He ran several successful businesses, including a brothel and a speakeasy, and had close ties to influential political figures. Colosimo’s reign as the head of the Chicago Outfit was cut short in 1920 when he was assassinated in his own café by unknown assailants. The motive for the killing is still unclear, but it is widely believed that it was orchestrated by Colosimo’s former protege, Al Capone, who went on to become one of the most notorious gangsters in American history. Despite his criminal activities, Colosimo was a charismatic and well-respected figure in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood. His legacy lives on in popular culture, where he is often depicted in movies and television shows as a larger-than-life figure who helped shape the city’s criminal underworld.

1981 – Salvatore Inzerillo – also known as Totuccio, was a powerful member of the Sicilian Mafia who rose to become the boss of the Passo di Rigano family in Palermo. He was a prolific heroin trafficker and a key figure in the Second Mafia War, which was fought between the established Mafia families of Palermo and the upstart Corleonesi clan. Inzerillo was born into a Mafia family in Palermo. His father, Francesco Inzerillo, was a member of the Passo di Rigano family, and his uncle, Rosario Di Maggio, was a member of the Sicilian Mafia Commission. Inzerillo began his criminal career at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the Mafia. In 1978, Inzerillo was elected to the Sicilian Mafia Commission, which is the governing body of the Sicilian Mafia. He was a close ally of Stefano Bontate, the boss of the Santa Maria di Gesù family. Together, Inzerillo and Bontate led the opposition to the growing power of the Corleonesi clan, which was led by Totò Riina. In 1981, the Second Mafia War broke out. The Corleonesi, led by Riina, launched a campaign of violence against the established Mafia families. Inzerillo was one of the Corleonesi’s main targets. On May 11, 1981, Inzerillo was assassinated by a group of Corleonesi gunmen. He was shot to death outside his mistress’s house in Palermo. Inzerillo’s assassination was a major turning point in the Second Mafia War. It marked the end of the established Mafia families’ control of Palermo, and it ushered in a new era of Corleonesi dominance. Inzerillo’s death also had a profound impact on his family. His son, Giovanni, was killed by the Corleonesi in 1982. His other son, Giuseppe, fled to the United States, where he continues to live. Inzerillo’s legacy is one of violence and corruption. He was a powerful Mafia boss who played a key role in the Second Mafia War. His death marked the end of an era in Palermo, and it ushered in a new era of Corleonesi dominance.

2002 – Joseph Bonanno – also known as “Joe Bananas,” was an Italian-American mobster and one of the most prominent figures in organized crime in the 20th century. He was born on January 18, 1905, in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was only three years old. In the 1920s, Bonanno became involved in organized crime in New York City, working as a driver and enforcer for the Bonanno crime family. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a capo, or captain, within the organization. During the 1930s and 1940s, Bonanno became heavily involved in the illegal narcotics trade, smuggling heroin into the United States from Europe. He also developed a reputation as a shrewd businessman and a skilled negotiator, frequently brokering deals between rival criminal organizations. In 1957, Bonanno was named the head of the Bonanno crime family following the murder of his predecessor, Carmine Galante. Under his leadership, the family became one of the most powerful and influential criminal organizations in the country, controlling a wide range of illegal activities, including gambling, loan-sharking, and labor racketeering. Despite his success, Bonanno’s reign as the boss was marred by infighting and power struggles within the organization. In 1964, he was forced to step down as boss and went into hiding, eventually settling in Tucson, Arizona, where he lived until he died in 2002 at the age of 97. Throughout his life, Bonanno maintained a low profile and rarely spoke to the media or law enforcement. He was known for his intelligence, cunning, and loyalty to his family and was widely respected within the world of organized crime.

Events

John Lennon on the Dick Cavett Show

1812 – British Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is assassinated by John Bellingham in the lobby of the House of Commons

1880 – Seven people are killed in the Mussel Slough tragedy, a gun battle in California

1889 – An attack upon a US Army Paymaster & escort resulted in the theft of over $28,000 and the award of two medals of honor.

1972 – John Lennon says his phone is tapped by the FBI on “The Dick Cavett Show”

2006 – Nisha Patel-Nasri, a businesswoman and special constable in the Met’s Special Constabulary unit is stabbed to death in Wembley, London – 3 men were convicted of the murder including her husband Fadi Nasri.

2018 – A mass murder-suicide in Margaret River, Australia when a grandfather shoots six members of his family and then himself.