Births

Dagmar Overbye

1831 – Thomas Andrew Williamson – He was one of five children born to wealthy farmer Reuben W. Williamson. Known for his miscreant behavior from an early age, he committed numerous thefts around Tazewell County. At the age of 22, he suffered an illness that left him paralyzed on one side. Williamson enlisted in the 7th Illinois Infantry Regiment and later in the 108th Illinois Infantry Regiment. He fought in several battles including the Siege of Vicksburg, the Siege of Corinth, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Battle of Lookout Mountain. In 1868, Williamson was sentenced to death for a murder in Illinois, but his sentence was commuted to 20 years imprisonment. He was released after serving 11 years. After his release, he moved to Missouri, where he murdered his wife and two men in 1889 and 1890, respectively. He was convicted of these murders, sentenced to death again, and executed in 1891. Williamson is known as a 19th-century American serial killer. His life and crimes marked a dark chapter in American history.

1887 – Dagmar Overbye – was a Danish serial killer who remains one of the most notorious figures in the country’s history. Nicknamed “Englemagersken” (The Angel Maker), she is believed to have murdered between 9 and 25 children, including one of her own, between 1913 and 1920. Born in Skanderborg, Denmark, Overbye had a difficult childhood marked by poverty and neglect. She was the youngest of six children and often left to fend for herself. At the age of 12, she committed her first crime, stealing money from a neighbor. This petty theft foreshadowed the grim path she would take later in life. Overbye married early and had three children, but her life took a tragic turn when her youngest son died. Unable to cope with the grief, she is believed to have smothered her other two children. This descent into darkness marked the beginning of her killing spree. Overbye posed as a compassionate caregiver, taking in unwanted or orphaned children. Mothers desperate for a better life for their offspring entrusted their babies to her, unaware of the fate that awaited them. Overbye would then strangle, drown, or burn the children, often disposing of their bodies in the oven or burying them in the attic. In 1920, suspicion finally caught up with Overbye. The disappearance of several children under her care led to an investigation that exposed her horrific crimes. She was arrested and put on trial, becoming the center of one of the most sensational legal cases in Danish history. The trial was a media circus, with the public and press gripped by the gruesome details of Overbye’s crimes. She initially confessed to 16 murders but later retracted her statements. Despite her claims of abuse and mental illness, the court found her guilty of nine murders and sentenced her to death. However, public opinion had shifted against capital punishment, and the King commuted Overbye’s sentence to life imprisonment. She died in prison in 1929, at the age of 42. The case of Dagmar Overbye had a profound impact on Danish society. It led to stricter child protection laws and a reevaluation of the country’s justice system. Overbye’s story continues to fascinate and horrify, serving as a stark reminder of the depths of human evil.

1952 – Aaron Lee Jones – Jones along with his accomplice Arthur Lee Giles, Giles worked as a vegetable picker, and after a night of heavy drinking with Jones, they went to the house of Giles’s employer, Carl & Willene Nelson intending to rob them of money and valuables. Both men went through the home stabbing and slashing, killing Carl & Willene and seriously injuring other members of the family when caught both men were convicted and sentenced to death

1968 – Timothy McVeigh – was an American domestic terrorist responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. This act, which resulted in the deaths of 168 people and injured 680 others, is considered the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. Born in Lockport, New York, McVeigh was raised in Pendleton, New York, by his father following his parents’ divorce. He served in the United States Army and developed an interest in firearms from a young age. His service was marked by distinction, and he was awarded a Bronze Star for his bravery during the Persian Gulf War. McVeigh’s anti-government sentiments were fueled by events such as the Ruby Ridge incident, the Waco Siege, and other government raids. He was also influenced by U.S. foreign policy and the resulting civilian casualties. He aimed to inspire a revolution against the federal government, viewing the bombing as a justified response to a tyrannical government. Following the bombing, McVeigh was arrested and faced charges on both state and federal levels, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction. He was found guilty on all counts in 1997 and was sentenced to death. His execution, by lethal injection, took place on June 11, 2001, at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.

1981 – Yuri Ustimenko – is a Russian national known for his criminal activities. He and Dmitry Medvedev were serial killers operating in Estonia. They arrived in Estonia over the Narva Reservoir in the autumn of 2001, after deserting a submarine school in St. Petersburg. Both men murdered five people, but two of their victims managed to escape. Their crimes began with a bomb explosion at the main door of a gun shop in Tallinn in March 2002. Following the arsenal of weapons taken from the store, five people were assassinated. In the subsequent weeks, they attacked and killed taxi drivers and salespeople in Tartu and Tallinn. On April 24, they attacked money brokers in Sillamäe, shooting a 23-year-old man and severely injuring a 36-year-old pregnant woman. In early May 2002, Ustimenko and Medvedev fled to Latvia, where Medvedev was killed by Latvian police in a shootout. Ustimenko managed to escape but was eventually captured in the Polish border town of Suwalki and extradited to Estonia. He was sentenced to life in prison in Estonia in 2004 for the murder of five people in Estonia and one in Latvia and the attempted murder of two people in Estonia. As of 2018, Ustimenko, serving a life sentence in Tartu Prison, expressed a wish to continue serving his sentence in his native Russia. His transfer request has led to a procedural battle with Estonia’s Ministry of Justice.

1988 – Sarah Anne Kolb – is known for her involvement in the murder of Adrianne Leigh Reynolds, a teenager from East Moline, Illinois. The incident, which took place on January 21, 2005, made national headlines. Sarah was reportedly a popular student at the Black Hawk College Outreach Center, where she met Adrianne. She lived with her mother and stepfather in the nearby town of Milan, Illinois. On the day of the murder, Sarah invited Adrianne to join her and two other friends for lunch. A fight reportedly broke out between Sarah and Adrianne, which ended in Adrianne’s death. After the murder, Sarah and one of the friends, Cory Gregory, attempted to burn Adrianne’s body at Sarah’s grandparents’ farm. When this failed, they dismembered the body and disposed of it at the Black Hawk State Historic Site. Sarah and Cory were both charged with two counts of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide on February 1, 2005. Sarah, who was 16 at the time, was sentenced to 53 years in prison.

Deaths

William Rousan

1907 – Alferd Packer – also known as the “Colorado Cannibal,” was an American prospector whose name remains etched in infamy due to his involvement in a gruesome incident that occurred in 1874. While the details of the story remain shrouded in controversy, Packer’s tale is one of desperation, survival, and the darkest aspects of human nature. Born in Pennsylvania in 1842, Packer led a relatively unremarkable life until his mid-20s when he contracted gold fever and headed west to Colorado. In 1873, he joined a group of 20 men led by Major James Duane on a prospecting expedition to the San Juan Mountains. Packer, despite lacking formal training, positioned himself as the group’s guide, a decision that would have fateful consequences. The expedition quickly became lost and disoriented, their provisions dwindling as the unforgiving winter descended upon them. Hunger gnawed at the men, and tensions rose as they resorted to eating hides and even their own boots. According to Packer’s later accounts, in February 1874, a snowstorm separated him from the remaining five members. He claimed that when he rejoined them days later, they were all dead, some seemingly killed by violence. Packer’s story took a macabre turn when he admitted to consuming portions of the deceased men’s bodies to survive. He eventually stumbled out of the mountains alone, weak and emaciated, carrying human bones and flesh that he claimed were for identification purposes. Packer’s tale was met with disbelief and horror. He was arrested and tried for murder and cannibalism, sparking a sensational trial that gripped the nation. Packer’s defense rested on the claim that he had acted out of necessity to survive. The trial ended in a hung jury, and Packer was eventually acquitted of murder but convicted of assault. He served a short sentence and, upon release, embarked on a bizarre career as a carnival sideshow attraction, capitalizing on his notoriety. Packer’s story continues to fascinate and horrify to this day. The truth of what transpired in the San Juan Mountains remains shrouded in ambiguity. Did Packer kill his companions before resorting to cannibalism, or was he truly a desperate man pushed to the brink by unimaginable circumstances? Packer died in 1907, leaving behind a legacy of morbid curiosity. His tale serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human resilience and the dark choices one might make in the face of extreme hardship. Whether villain or victim, Alferd Packer’s name remains forever intertwined with the harsh realities of the American frontier and the enduring mystery of the “Colorado Cannibal.”

1962 – Amy Archer-Gilligan – wasn’t your typical Connecticut matron. Her life, a twisted tapestry of ambition, deceit, and ultimately, murder, remains etched in American history as a chilling example of a seemingly benevolent figure harboring dark secrets. Born in 1873, Amy’s early life was shrouded in whispers of financial hardships and marital discord. This, perhaps, planted the seeds of her later ruthlessness. Never formally trained, she took on the moniker “Sister Theresa” and ventured into the world of elderly care, opening a nursing home in Newington, Connecticut. What began as a scheme of compassion soon revealed its sinister underbelly. A string of deaths at the Archer Home, particularly after her marriage to wealthy second husband Michael Gilligan’s sudden demise, raised eyebrows. Whispers of “Angel of Death” followed Amy as the body count steadily climbed. Suspicions peaked when Franklin R. Andrews, a seemingly healthy resident, succumbed to a mysterious illness and his sister discovered suspicious letters hinting at insurance fraud. This triggered a full-fledged investigation, unearthing evidence of arsenic poisoning in several deceased residents, including Gilligan. In 1916, Amy stood trial, initially for five murders. Her cunning lawyer managed to whittle it down to just Andrews’ case. Though the evidence was damning, a first trial ended in a death sentence, only to be overturned on appeal. The second trial saw Amy employ an insanity plea, painting herself as a morphine-addled victim of circumstance. It worked. Though convicted of second-degree murder, she escaped the gallows, receiving a life sentence instead. Amy’s remaining years were spent confined to a mental institution, where she died in 1962. While the exact number of her victims remains unknown, estimates place it at least five, solidifying her place as one of America’s most notorious female serial killers. Amy Archer-Gilligan’s story transcends a mere criminal biography. It delves into the human capacity for deception, the lure of greed, and the chilling fragility of trust. Her legacy serves as a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and even the most caring facade can conceal a killer’s heart.

1968 – Roy Tutill – born on February 22, 1954, in Surrey, England, was a bright and promising young boy whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 14. Remembered not only for his personal qualities but also for the chilling mystery surrounding his murder, Roy’s story remains etched in the collective memory of his community and beyond. Growing up in the quiet town of Brockham, Roy was described as a kind and intelligent child with a passion for music and a talent for playing the drums. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, participating in school activities, and exploring the countryside around his home. His life, though brief, was filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future. On April 23, 1968, Roy Tutill’s life came to a sudden and horrific end. While returning home from school, he was abducted, assaulted, and murdered in a crime that sent shockwaves through the local community. Despite extensive investigations and countless leads, the case remained unsolved for 33 agonizing years. In 2001, a glimmer of hope emerged when advancements in DNA technology allowed investigators to revisit the case. Using biological evidence collected from the crime scene, they were able to identify Brian Lunn Field, a local resident, as the perpetrator. Field eventually confessed to the crime, bringing a long-awaited sense of closure to Roy’s family and the community. Although Roy’s life was tragically cut short, his memory continues to live on. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. It also highlights the unwavering pursuit of justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The advancements in forensic science that led to Roy’s case being solved offer hope for other families seeking closure in unsolved cases. Roy Tutill was more than just a victim of a heinous crime. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a vibrant young member of his community. His life, though brief, touched the hearts of many, and his memory continues to inspire and remind us of the preciousness of life and the enduring power of justice.

1992 – Billy Wayne White – was born on October 13, 1957. He is known for a crime he committed on August 23, 1976, in Harris County, Texas, USA. On that day, he entered a furniture store owned by Alge and Martha Spinks to rob it. During the robbery, he was sprayed in the face with chemical Mace by Martha Spinks, after which he shot her. This was his first murder, despite having a history of aggravated robbery. White was arrested on the same day of the murder. During his trial, many observers questioned his mental competence as he consistently fell asleep, earning him the nickname “Sleeping Billy”. His IQ was tested periodically from 1966 to 1992 and ranged from a low of 66 to a high of 80. He was also evaluated the day before his execution by a clinical psychologist, showing “no signs of mental impairment or mental retardation”. White was executed by lethal injection on April 23, 1992. The execution was delayed by 47 minutes due to difficulty finding a vein, as White had a long history of heroin abuse. During the execution, White attempted to assist the authorities in finding a suitable vein.

1998 – James Earl Ray – born in 1928 and died in 1998, was a figure forever tied to one of the most tragic events in American history: the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. His life, however, was a complex tapestry woven with threads of petty crime, escape attempts, racial tension, and the shadow of an iconic murder. Ray’s early life was marked by instability and brushes with the law. Sentenced for various crimes, including robbery and forgery, he established himself as a career criminal. In 1967, he escaped from prison and embarked on a fugitive journey that would culminate in a fateful 1968. On April 4th, Ray fatally shot King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The assassination sent shockwaves through the nation, fueling protests and further highlighting the fraught racial landscape of the time. Ray fled the country, eventually being captured in London. In 1969, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, receiving a 99-year sentence. However, questions and conspiracy theories continued to swirl around the King murder. Ray himself recanted his confession, claiming he was part of a larger conspiracy, though concrete evidence never materialized. Life behind bars for Ray was punctuated by escape attempts and further controversies. He became a symbol for some on the white supremacist fringe, while others viewed him as a scapegoat in a wider web of intrigue. James Earl Ray died in prison in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of infamy and unanswered questions. His role in the King assassination remains etched in American memory, sparking ongoing debates about race, justice, and the complexities of a life steeped in crime and consequence.

1999 – David J. Lawrie – On the day his wife filed for divorce, Lawrie went to the house where his wife and two children plus two neighbors’ kids were sleeping, he covered the house in gasoline and set it on fire, he then broke into the house and stabbed his wife before escaping through a window, his estranged wife passed a child out of the window to Lawrie and that child would survive, however as Mrs. Lawrie attempted to get out, her husband pushed her back into the flames

2014 – Robert Eugene Hendrix – A thief who wasn’t the sharpest tool in the box, he and a friend carried out a burglary but they were caught, his friend Elmer Scott admitted the charges and testified against Hendrix.  Hendrix was furious at this and had told his girlfriend Denise that he was going to kill Scott to stop him from testifying, she dropped Hendrix in the vicinity of Scott’s home and he shot both Scott and his wife. He may have got a couple of years for the burglary but now when he was convicted he received the death penalty and his girlfriend got 75 years!

2014 – William L. Rousan – was involved in a tragic event that took place on September 21, 1993. On this day, Rousan, along with his teenage son, Brent Rousan, and his brother, Robert Rousan, murdered Charles and Grace Lewis at their farm near Bonne Terre. The murders were part of a plot to steal the couple’s cattle and other possessions. Charles Lewis, 67, was cutting the lawn when Brent Rousan, then 16, ambushed him, shooting him six times. Grace Lewis, 62, was shot several times by Brent Rousan after she stepped outside to check on the commotion she heard while on the phone with her daughter. William Rousan followed her back into the house, placed a garment bag over her head, carried her outside, and ordered his son to “finish her off”. Brent Rousan fired a single shot into the side of her head. The men placed the bodies in a tarp and put them near a shed. Later that night, they returned along with another Rousan brother, loaded the bodies in the Lewis pickup truck, and took two cows, a VCR, jewelry, a saddle, and other items. The couple’s bodies were found in a shallow grave covered with concrete and a pile of horse manure on the farm where William Rousan was living. Rousan was sentenced to death for the murder of Grace Lewis and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Charles Lewis. He was executed by the state of Missouri on April 23, 2014. His last words were a thank you to his “Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”.

2024 – Brian

Events

Sirhan Sirhan

1969 – Sirhan Sirhan is sentenced to death

1995 – President Clinton declares a national day of mourning for the Oklahoma City bombing

2018 – A van is deliberately driven into pedestrians in Toronto, Canada killing 10 and injuring 13