Births

1928 – John B. Nixon Sr – was an American convicted murderer. He was convicted of the January 22, 1985 murder-for-hire of Virginia Tucker in Rankin County, Mississippi. Born in Midnight in Humphreys County, Mississippi, he was executed in 2005 by the State of Mississippi at Parchman Penitentiary. At the time of his execution, he was the oldest person executed in the United States since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976.  Nixon was a World War II veteran. After the war, he worked as a truck driver and carpenter. In the early 1980s, he met Elster Joseph Ponthieux, who had recently divorced his wife, Virginia Tucker. Ponthieux hired Nixon to kill Tucker to collect a $300,000 life insurance policy.  On January 22, 1985, Nixon, along with his son, John Nixon Jr., and Gilbert Jimenez, went to the Tuckers’ home in Rankin County. Nixon entered the house and shot Thomas Tucker, who managed to escape despite being hit in the side. Nixon then shot and killed Virginia Tucker. The three men fled the scene.  Thomas Tucker identified Nixon in a lineup, and he was arrested and charged with murder. A jury convicted him of capital murder, and he was sentenced to death. His appeal was denied by the Mississippi Supreme Court, and his execution was set for December 14, 2005.  Nixon’s execution was delayed several times due to legal challenges. However, the Supreme Court of the United States ultimately denied his final appeal, and he was executed by lethal injection on December 14, 2005. He was 77 years old at the time of his death.

1949 – Paul Manafort – is a controversial American political consultant, lobbyist, and attorney who has been involved in Republican Party politics for over four decades. He has served as a campaign manager for several prominent Republican politicians, including Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bob Dole, and Donald Trump.  Manafort is a native of New Britain, Connecticut, and graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1974. After law school, he co-founded the lobbying firm Black, Manafort & Stone with Charles R. Black Jr. and Roger J. Stone Jr. in 1980. The firm specialized in representing foreign clients, and Manafort developed a reputation as a skilled political operative with deep ties to foreign governments.  In the 1980s, Manafort worked with the Reagan administration on some issues, including Central American policy. He also advised the government of Zaire from 1988 to 1992, working closely with the country’s authoritarian leader, Mobutu Sese Seko.  Manafort continued to work as a political consultant in the 1990s and 2000s, advising Republican candidates and political organizations. He was a key figure in the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald Trump, serving as his campaign manager from June to August 2016.  Manafort’s involvement in the Trump campaign led to many investigations into his business dealings and personal life. In 2017, he was indicted on charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and tax fraud related to his work in Ukraine. He was convicted of some of these charges in 2018, but the convictions were later overturned on appeal.  Manafort is a polarizing figure who has been criticized for his close ties to foreign governments and his involvement in ethically questionable business dealings.

1951 – Earl Carl Heiselbetz Jr – Heiselbetz resided just two-tenths of a mile away from the Rogers family, being their closest neighbor in the vicinity of Pineland, Texas. Before the Rogers’ relocation to the area, Heiselbeck had boldly asserted that he could break into their home “whenever he wanted to.” Suspicions arose when, on May 24, 1991, one of the Rogers’ dogs was found shot, with Heiselbeck being the prime suspect.  On the morning of May 30, 1991, Rena Rogers and her 2-year-old daughter Jacy had plans to meet with Rena’s sister-in-law. However, Rena failed to appear. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Rena’s car keys, purse, and a jar of coins were missing from the Rogers’ residence. Strangely, there were no immediate signs of foul play at the home, and Rena’s car was still parked in her driveway. Nearly a month later, the skeletal remains of Rena and Jacy were located in and around a barn in nearby Tyler County.  Heiselbeck swiftly became a suspect and ultimately confessed to the murders. According to his confession, he claimed to have killed the victims around 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 1991. He admitted to placing the bodies in Rena’s car and driving them several miles to the barn where they were later discovered. He recounted a peculiar sequence of events, stating that upon returning from hiding the bodies, he parked Rena’s car back at her house. Subsequently, he entered the Rogers’ home, taking a package of frozen hamburger meat and canned tomato sauce, which he brought home.  When pressed about the details of the killings, Heiselbetz claimed to have blacked out, asserting that he did not recall the method used. However, he did mention noticing marks on the victims’ necks during his blackout. He directed law enforcement to a pond where Rena’s purse was recovered. In his confession, Heiselbetz alleged that the crime was provoked by accusations from Rena Rogers, who had accused him of killing her dog. Notably, Rena Rogers was petite, standing at less than 5 feet tall and weighing 90 pounds, while Heiselbeck stood at 6’2″ and weighed over 250 pounds.

1953 – Kerry Lyn Dalton – is an American woman who was convicted of first-degree murder in May 1995 and sentenced to death by lethal injection the same year. She has been incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, California, awaiting her execution and appealing her death sentence. She grew up in a troubled home, and she reportedly suffered from physical and emotional abuse from her parents. Dalton also struggled with drug addiction throughout her life.  In 1994, Dalton met Irene Melanie May, a woman who was also struggling with addiction. The two women became friends, and they began using drugs together. In May 1995, Dalton and May were involved in a dispute over money. Dalton allegedly became enraged and stabbed May to death.  Dalton was arrested and charged with murder. She was convicted of first-degree murder in May 1995 and sentenced to death by lethal injection. Dalton appealed her conviction, but her appeal was denied by the California Supreme Court in 2019.  Dalton’s conviction has been controversial. There is no physical evidence linking her to the murder, and her conviction was based largely on the testimony of two witnesses who were both convicted of crimes themselves. Additionally, Dalton’s attorneys have argued that she was coerced into confessing to the murder by police officers.  Dalton remains incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, California, awaiting her execution. She has been on death row for over 28 years.

1955 – Terry Nichols – is an American domestic terrorist who was convicted for being a co-conspirator in the Oklahoma City bombing.  Terry Nichols was born in Lapeer, Michigan, on April 1, 1955. He graduated from Lapeer High School in 1973 with a 3.6 GPA and aspired to become a physician. However, he enrolled at Central Michigan University, where he studied agriculture before dropping out after one semester.  In 1975, Nichols joined the US Army and served for two years as a combat engineer. He was stationed in Germany and participated in the Cold War-era “Operation Reforger” exercises, which simulated a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. After his discharge from the military, Nichols held a variety of short-term jobs, including working as a farmer, grain elevator manager, real estate salesman, and ranch hand. He also married twice, first to Lana Walsh in 1981 and then to Marife Torres in 1990.  In the early 1990s, Nichols became increasingly involved in right-wing extremist groups and ideologies. He was particularly drawn to the anti-government, anti-tax militia movement, which was gaining popularity in the United States during this period.  Nichols’s extremist views were further fueled by his belief that the US government was conspiring to take away his rights. He also held a deep distrust of the federal government, particularly the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  In 1993, Nichols met Timothy McVeigh, another militant with similar extremist views. The two men quickly formed a strong bond and began plotting to attack the US government.  In the years leading up to the Oklahoma City bombing, Nichols and McVeigh carefully planned their attack. They purchased large quantities of fertilizer and fuel oil, which they used to construct a massive truck bomb.  On April 19, 1995, Nichols and McVeigh detonated the bomb at the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The explosion killed 168 people, including 19 children, and injured over 680 others. Nichols and McVeigh fled the scene of the bombing, but they were both arrested within days. McVeigh was convicted and sentenced to death, while Nichols was convicted of 161 counts of murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.  In 2001, Nichols was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He is currently incarcerated at ADX Florence, a high-security federal prison in Fremont County, Colorado. The Oklahoma City bombing was the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in US history, and it left a profound impact on the country. The bombing also led to a renewed focus on domestic terrorism and the need to address extremism. Nichols’s involvement in the bombing has made him one of the most notorious domestic terrorists in American history.

1962 – Renaud Hardy – is a Belgian serial killer who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for murder, rape, and attempted murder. He was known as “The Parkinson’s Murderer” due to the influence of his Parkinson’s disease on his crimes. Hardy lived a seemingly ordinary life until his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2007. The debilitating symptoms of the disease, including tremors, rigidity, and cognitive decline, began to affect his life significantly. He grappled with the physical and emotional toll of the disease, and his behavior became increasingly erratic and impulsive. In 2011, Hardy’s violent tendencies manifested when he allegedly murdered an 85-year-old woman in Boortmeerbeek. However, due to a lack of evidence, the crime remained unsolved. In 2014, Hardy’s dark impulses escalated. He was arrested and charged with the rape, torture, and murder of Maria Walschaerts, an 82-year-old woman in Leest. During the investigation, DNA evidence linked Hardy to another murder, that of Linda Doms, a 52-year-old woman in Bonheiden.  Hardy was also suspected of two attempted murders: one against Belgian actress Veerle Eyckermans and another against a female doctor. While he was never formally charged with these crimes, the similarities in his modus operandi and the presence of DNA evidence further implicated him in their assaults.  In 2018, Hardy stood trial for his crimes. The court found him guilty of all charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The jury recognized the impact of his Parkinson’s disease, acknowledging that it may have contributed to his actions, but ultimately concluded that his crimes were too heinous to warrant leniency.  Renaud Hardy’s story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of neurodegenerative diseases on the mind and behavior. While his crimes are undeniably horrific, understanding the potential influence of his Parkinson’s disease on his actions provides a deeper context for his actions.

1972 – Pablo Manuel Ibar – a Spanish-American citizen, has spent over 20 years fighting for his freedom after being wrongfully convicted of three murders in 1994. Ibar’s case has garnered international attention, highlighting the flaws in the American justice system and the devastating consequences of false convictions.  Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 1, 1972, Ibar grew up in a family of Basque heritage. His father, Cándido Ibar, was a professional pelota player, and Ibar himself pursued the sport with passion. However, his promising career was derailed by a series of personal setbacks, including a broken arm and the diagnosis of his mother’s cancer.  In 1994, Ibar was arrested for allegedly participating in a robbery and murder at Casey’s Nickelodeon, a bar in Miramar, Florida. The case against Ibar relied heavily on eyewitness testimony and flawed forensic evidence, including a blurry security camera image that was later determined to be unreliable.  Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Ibar was convicted in 2000 and sentenced to death. He spent 16 years on Florida’s death row, maintaining his innocence throughout his ordeal. In 2016, the Florida Supreme Court overturned his conviction, citing ineffective counsel and insufficient evidence.  However, Ibar’s legal battle was far from over. In 2019, he was re-tried and again convicted of the murders, but this time sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Ibar’s supporters continue to fight for his exoneration, arguing that the prosecution’s case remains riddled with inconsistencies and unreliable evidence.  Ibar’s case has been featured in documentaries, news articles, and social media campaigns, drawing attention to the challenges of overturning wrongful convictions. His story serves as a stark reminder of the potential for injustice within the justice system and the need for continuous vigilance in protecting the rights of the innocent.

1975 – Robert Lee Thompson – Thompson along with his accomplice, Sammy Butler entered a 7-Evenings convenience store in Houston, Texas with the intention of robbery, they demanded that the clerk Mubarakali Meredia open the register, and when he didn’t move quick enough they shot him in the abdomen, they also shot at Meredia’s cousin Mansor Bhai Rahim Mohammed and Mohammed tried to flee but as he did he was shot three times by Thompson killing him. Thompson later tried to kill Meredia, he put the gun to his neck and pulled the trigger but he had run out of bullets, so he just beat him over the head with the butt of the gun and he survived

1980 – Marlon Latodd Howell – is a man who was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in Mississippi for his role in the killing of a newspaper carrier named Hugh David Pernell in 2000. On the night of the shooting, Howell was in a car with two other men, Curtis Lipsey and Adam Ray. They stopped in front of Pernell’s house and one of them got out to rob him, shooting Pernell in the chest and causing his death at the scene. The police received an anonymous tip about Lipsey’s involvement and later identified him as one of the suspects. Howell was arrested after he was caught on a security camera at a gas station near where he lived. He confessed to his role in the murder during an interview with investigators. Despite appealing his conviction and sentence to the Mississippi Supreme Court and filing a post-conviction petition raising several issues about his trial, his conviction and sentence were affirmed in 2008. However, the Mississippi Supreme Court granted his petition in part, allowing him to have an evidentiary hearing on some of his claims

1984 – Jorge Alfredo Salinas – Salinas and two friends from Mission in Texas, carjacked 29-year-old Geronimo Morales intending to steal his 2001 Chevy Malibu, he was shot once with a 12 gauge shotgun and then dumped his body in an orchard, they possibly didn’t realize at the time of the carjacking is that 21-month-old Leslie Ann Morales was in her car seat in the back of the car, they found an area with tall grass and whilst she was still in her car seat they left her there, she would die of heatstroke, dehydration and being exposed to the elements

Deaths

The gravestone of William Frederick Horry

1872 – William Frederick Horry – born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, on December 17, 1843, was a man whose life was tragically intertwined with the harsh realities of Victorian England. His story is one of violence, poverty, and a failed marriage, culminating in a murder that would forever change the way executions were carried out in Britain.  Horry’s background was one of hardship. His father, a laborer, struggled to provide for his family, and Horry was forced to leave school at an early age to work in a mill. This early introduction to the harsh realities of life left Horry with a deep-seated resentment towards authority and a propensity for violence.  In 1864, Horry married Jane, a young woman from a neighboring village. The marriage was reportedly unhappy, marked by arguments and domestic violence. On the night of January 24, 1872, Horry’s violent tendencies reached a boiling point. In a fit of rage, he strangled Jane to death.  Horry’s crime was quickly discovered, and he was arrested and charged with murder. The trial was a formality, and Horry was found guilty and sentenced to death. His execution was scheduled for April 1, 1872, at Lincoln Castle.  The task of executing Horry fell to William Marwood, a newly appointed hangman who had recently introduced the “long drop” method of hanging. This new method was designed to ensure a quick and painless death, as opposed to the traditional “short drop” method, which often resulted in prolonged suffering.  On the day of Horry’s execution, a large crowd gathered outside Lincoln Castle to witness the event. Marwood meticulously calculated the drop distance based on Horry’s weight and height, ensuring that the execution would be carried out as humanely as possible.  As Horry was led to the gallows, he reportedly showed no signs of fear or remorse. He mounted the platform calmly and stood before the executioner, the noose already around his neck. With a swift pull of the rope, Horry plunged into the depths of the drop.  His death was quick and efficient, marking a significant step forward in the humane treatment of capital punishment. Marwood’s use of the long drop method would become standard practice in Britain, and Horry’s name would forever be associated with this important reform.  While Horry’s legacy is undoubtedly one of violence and tragedy, his death also served to improve the way executions were carried out. His life, though short and marred by misfortune, ultimately had a positive impact on the way we treat those who are convicted of capital crimes.

1924 – Salvatore “Frank” Capone – was born on July 16, 1895, into a family that would become synonymous with organized crime during the Prohibition era in the United States. As the younger brother of Al Capone, one of the most infamous figures in American history, Frank grew up in a tumultuous environment in Brooklyn, New York.  Despite being overshadowed by his older brother’s notoriety, Frank played a significant role in the Capone crime syndicate. He was known for his strategic mind and involvement in various illegal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering. Frank’s charisma and leadership qualities earned him respect within the criminal underworld.  Frank Capone faced challenges and dangers inherent to his chosen lifestyle, including law enforcement scrutiny and rivalries with other criminal factions. His connections with influential figures in the organized crime scene further solidified the Capone family’s dominance.  Tragically, Frank Capone’s life was cut short when he was gunned down on April 1, 1924, at the young age of 28. The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, contributing to the lore surrounding the Capone family. Despite his relatively brief life, Frank Capone’s impact on the criminal landscape of the 1920s remains a significant chapter in the history of organized crime in the United States.

1984 – Marvin Gaye – was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and record producer whose soulful voice and socially conscious lyrics left an indelible mark on the world of music. Born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C., Gaye’s early life was marked by adversity and personal struggles. Despite a challenging upbringing, he found solace and purpose in music, eventually earning a spot in the prestigious Motown Records.  Gaye’s career reached its zenith in the 1960s and 1970s with a string of hits that included timeless classics such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “What’s Going On,” and “Let’s Get It On.” His smooth vocals and innovative approach to blending various genres, including R&B, soul, and funk, solidified his status as one of the greatest musical talents of his generation.  However, the later years of Marvin Gaye’s life were marred by personal turmoil and legal battles. Struggling with addiction and strained relationships, particularly with his father, Marvin Gaye Sr., the singer faced mounting challenges. Tragically, on April 1, 1984, just one day before his 45th birthday, Marvin Gaye’s life was cut short in a shocking incident.  The circumstances surrounding his death are etched in infamy. A heated argument between Marvin Gaye and his father escalated into a fatal confrontation at their Los Angeles home. In a tragic turn of events, Marvin Gaye Sr. shot his son, ending the life of the legendary artist. The shocking incident sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, marking the untimely demise of a musical genius.  Sr pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and received a 6-year suspended sentence and 5 years of probation, unbelievably no jail time!

2002 – Vernice Ballenger – was born on February 16, 1937 in Mississippi. She had a troubled childhood and became involved with drugs and alcohol. She married Mac Ballenger, who was abusive and addicted to drugs. They had two children together, but their marriage deteriorated over time.  In 1983, Vernice Ballenger’s aunt Myrtle Ellis was involved in a car accident that left her with severe injuries and a large medical bill. Vernice Ballenger saw an opportunity to rob her aunt of her life savings and insurance money. She convinced her husband Mac and two other men, James Smith and Willie Jones, to help her plan the murder.  On July 10, 1983, Vernice Ballenger and her accomplices broke into Myrtle Ellis’ home in Leake County, Mississippi. They beat Myrtle Ellis to death with a hammer and set fire to the house. They then fled the scene with the stolen money.  The police soon discovered the crime and arrested Vernice Ballenger and her accomplices. They confessed to the murder after being confronted with evidence. Vernice Ballenger was charged with first-degree murder, arson, conspiracy, and theft.  Vernice Ballenger went on trial in January 1993. She pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty for her accomplices. She was sentenced to death by lethal injection on January 13, 1993. She appealed her sentence several times, but it was upheld by the courts.  Vernice Ballenger died in prison on April 1, 2002, at the age of 65 from natural causes. Her accomplices were also sentenced to death for their roles in the murder. Her case became known as one of the most shocking crimes in Mississippi history.

Events

Cotton Mathers

1693 – Cotton Mathers 4-day old son dies and witchcraft is blamed

1924 – Adolf Hitler is sentenced to 5 years for participating in the “Beer Hall Putsch”, he serves only 9 months

1934 – Clyde Barrow kills two Highway Patrol officers

1936 – Charles “Lucky” Luciano is arrested in Arkansas on a criminal warrant from New York

1976 – Helter Skelter premieres on CBS

1980 – Serial killer Gerald Stano is apprehended

1983 – Serial killer Ottis Toole is arrested

1988 – April Marie Tinsley is murdered by John Miller

1990 – It becomes illegal in Salem, Oregon to be within two feet of nude dancers

1992 – Rocker Billy Idol is fined $2000 for hitting a woman

2006 – The Serious Organized Crime Agency, dubbed the “British FBI” is created in the United Kingdom