Births
Eugene Vodocq
1775 – Eugene Francois Vodocq – wasn’t your average lawman. This French legend started his life on the other side of the bars, amassing a rap sheet longer than his own tall tales. By his teenage years, he was already a petty thief, and the next fifteen years found him bouncing between prison sentences and life on the run. But there was a turning point. In 1809, weary of the criminal life, Vidocq approached the authorities with a radical proposition: he would use his underworld knowledge to become a police informant. To everyone’s surprise, they agreed. This gamble paid off. Vidocq’s unique perspective proved invaluable. He became the founding director of the Sûreté Nationale, France’s first criminal investigation agency. Here, he employed his insider knowledge to infiltrate criminal gangs and solve crimes. Disguises were his specialty, and he became adept at moving through the Parisian underworld undetected. Vidocq wasn’t afraid to break the rules. He often employed former criminals in his brigade, a controversial tactic at the time. His success, however, was undeniable. He is credited with apprehending over 4,000 criminals during his tenure. Vidocq’s time with the Sûreté wasn’t without controversy. In 1827, he resigned and attempted a legitimate business venture, which ultimately failed. He later returned to police work but was dismissed in 1832 under accusations of involvement in a theft. Undeterred, Vidocq carved a new path. He opened the first private detective agency, a prototype for the modern institutions we know today. This innovation cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the field of criminal investigation. Vidocq’s life story captivated the public imagination. His ghost-written autobiography became a bestseller, and his exploits inspired literary giants like Victor Hugo and Edgar Allan Poe. Eugène François Vidocq, the reformed criminal, left an indelible mark on the history of crime-solving, earning him the title of “father of modern criminology”.
1821 – William Poole – better known as “Bill the Butcher,” wasn’t your average shopkeeper. This imposing figure, standing over six feet and weighing well over 200 pounds, carved a fearsome reputation in the rough-and-tumble streets of mid-19th century New York City. Born in 1821 in New Jersey, Poole followed in his father’s footsteps and became a butcher. The profession not only honed his skills with a blade, but also likely contributed to his nickname. However, Poole’s notoriety stemmed far beyond the butcher shop. He became the leader of the Washington Street Gang, which later morphed into the notorious Bowery Boys. This nativist gang, aligned with the anti-immigrant Know Nothing movement, clashed violently with rival groups, particularly the Irish Dead Rabbits. Poole’s temper and fighting style, known for brutality and disregard for the rules, made him a fearsome leader. Newspapers of the time reveled in tales of his bare-knuckle brawls, often fought with a ferocity that extended to biting and gouging. Beyond street brawls, Poole was also involved in election-day intimidation, using muscle to influence the vote against Irish immigrants. He later closed his butcher shop and transitioned to running a saloon, the “Bank Exchange,” which likely became another hub for his gang’s activities. Poole’s reign of terror came to an abrupt end in 1855 when he was murdered at the young age of 33. The exact circumstances remain shrouded in mystery, a fitting end for a man who thrived in the city’s underbelly. Although his life was short and violent, Bill the Butcher left a lasting mark on New York City’s history, becoming a symbol of the city’s gang wars and the anti-immigrant sentiment of the era. He even inspired the main antagonist in Martin Scorsese’s film “Gangs of New York.”
1862 – Hattie Whitten – was an American woman from Maine who gained notoriety for a series of tragedies that befell her family in the early 20th century. While shrouded in some mystery, her story is one of dark deeds and a descent into despair. Born Hattie Livermore in 1862, details about her early life are scarce. Records suggest she came from a respectable family in Dover, Maine, with a sister. Hattie married Harry Whitten and together they had three children: Fannie, Jennie, and Lewis. The first suspicious death came in 1900 when Hattie’s husband, Harry, passed away abruptly under circumstances that raised eyebrows. Whispers of poisoning swirled, but no concrete evidence emerged. Over the next two years, Hattie’s behavior became increasingly erratic, with some attributing it to a growing morphine addiction. Tragedy struck again in 1902 when Hattie’s daughter, Jennie, died unexpectedly. This time, suspicion fell heavily on Hattie. Not long after, her remaining daughter, Fannie, also fell ill and perished. With mounting suspicion and a string of deaths, authorities arrested Hattie Whitten. However, their pursuit of justice was cut short. While in jail awaiting trial, Hattie Whitten committed suicide by hanging herself. The cause of the deaths in her family was never definitively proven, leaving a shroud of mystery over her motives. Though details are limited, Hattie Whitten’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk within families. While the truth behind the deaths may forever remain unknown, her tale stands as a cautionary one.
1877 – Calegero Vizzini – often referred to as Don Calogero or Don Calò, was born on July 24, 1877, in Villalba, a small town in the province of Caltanissetta, Sicily. Growing up in a region notorious for its poverty and social unrest, Vizzini’s early life was steeped in the hardships typical of rural Sicily at the turn of the 20th century. He came from a humble background, and his rise to power was emblematic of the Mafia’s role in providing an alternative social and economic structure in the absence of effective state governance. Vizzini’s involvement with the Mafia began in his youth, as he quickly climbed the ranks through a combination of shrewd business acumen and ruthless enforcement. By the 1920s, he had established himself as a significant Mafia boss in central Sicily. His influence extended beyond criminal activities, as he became a local power broker who mediated disputes, controlled agricultural production, and exerted considerable influence over local politics. Don Calogero’s most notable period of influence came during and after World War II. During the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943, Vizzini and other Mafia leaders played a crucial role in facilitating the American advance. The Allies, seeking local support to secure their operations, found willing collaborators in the Mafia. Vizzini’s intimate knowledge of the terrain and his network of contacts proved invaluable, earning him and his organization significant favor with the American military. After the war, Vizzini emerged as one of the most powerful men in Sicily. He was a key figure in the re-establishment of the Mafia’s power base, which had been somewhat suppressed during the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. Vizzini capitalized on the chaotic post-war environment to expand his influence, controlling large swathes of land and key sectors of the Sicilian economy. He was often seen as the de facto authority in the region, embodying the intersection of organized crime and political influence. Despite his criminal activities, Vizzini managed to cultivate a public image as a benevolent patriarch. Many locals viewed him as a protector and benefactor, providing jobs, settling disputes, and offering a semblance of order in a tumultuous time. This duality in his character made him a complex and enigmatic figure in Sicilian history. Don Calogero Vizzini passed away on July 10, 1954. His funeral was a grand event, attended by thousands, including prominent political figures, which underscored his significant influence and the blurred lines between legality and criminality in Sicily. Vizzini’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of the Mafia in Sicilian society. He exemplified the Mafia boss as a feudal lord, commanding loyalty and fear in equal measure. His life and career highlight the Mafia’s deep-rooted presence in Sicily and its ability to adapt and thrive through significant historical upheavals. Don Calogero Vizzini remains a symbol of the intricate and often controversial relationship between organized crime and local governance in Sicily.
1909 – John George Haigh – He grew up in the village of Outwood, West Riding of Yorkshire, in a strictly religious household. His parents, John Robert Haigh and Emily Hudson, were members of the Plymouth Brethren, a conservative Protestant sect. Haigh’s upbringing was characterized by rigid discipline and isolation from outside influences. He showed early signs of intelligence and musical talent, particularly excelling in the piano. Despite his potential, Haigh’s early adulthood was marked by a series of failed ventures and run-ins with the law. He initially worked as an insurance clerk and later tried his hand at various jobs, including motor sales. His first known criminal activities involved fraud and forgery, leading to multiple convictions and prison sentences in the 1930s. Haigh’s charm and persuasive abilities often helped him gain the trust of his victims, making his fraudulent schemes initially successful. Haigh’s criminal activities took a dark turn in the 1940s when he began committing murders to sustain his lavish lifestyle. He developed a gruesome modus operandi that earned him the nickname “The Acid Bath Murderer.” Haigh would lure his victims with promises of business deals or financial gain, kill them, and then dissolve their bodies in sulfuric acid to destroy the evidence. He believed that without a body, murder could not be proven, a misconception that ultimately led to his downfall. Haigh’s known victims include William McSwan, a wealthy friend; McSwan’s parents, Donald and Amy; and three other individuals: Archibald Henderson, Rosalie Henderson, and Olive Durand-Deacon. His method was meticulous and cold-blooded, involving shooting or bludgeoning his victims before placing their bodies in containers filled with acid. Haigh’s final victim, Olive Durand-Deacon, led to his capture. Durand-Deacon was a wealthy widow who disappeared after visiting Haigh’s workshop in Crawley, Sussex, in 1949. Suspicion quickly fell on Haigh, and a subsequent search of his workshop revealed forensic evidence, including human remains that had not been completely dissolved. Haigh was arrested on February 28, 1949. During his trial, Haigh pleaded insanity, claiming that he had drunk his victims’ blood, a detail that was widely sensationalized in the press. However, this defense was unsuccessful. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence of Haigh’s calculated actions and clear understanding of his crimes. On July 18, 1949, Haigh was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. John George Haigh was executed by hanging at Wandsworth Prison on August 10, 1949. His case remains one of the most notorious in British criminal history, largely due to the macabre nature of his crimes and his misguided belief in the invincibility of his methods. Haigh’s life and crimes have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films. His story serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for ordinary-seeming individuals to commit extraordinary evil. The “Acid Bath Murderer” has left an indelible mark on the annals of criminal history, illustrating both the advances in forensic science and the enduring fascination with the psychology of serial killers.
1934 – Sante Kimes – also known as the “Dragon Lady,” was a notorious American criminal whose life was a whirlwind of deceit and violence. Born Sandra Louise Singhrs in 1934, Sante’s childhood was marred by tragedy. Her father abandoned the family, leaving her mother to resort to prostitution. This hardship exposed Sante to abuse at a young age. Sante’s troubled upbringing appears to have fueled a life of crime. She became a master manipulator, engaging in cons, robberies, and arsons. Many of these acts were committed with her son, Kenneth Kimes Jr., forming a dangerous duo. Sante’s criminal escalation reached a peak with her conviction for two murders. She and Kenneth were found guilty of killing Irene Silverman, along with a long list of other charges. They were also suspected in a third murder, but never charged. Sante spent the rest of her life behind bars at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in New York. She died in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of fear and a cautionary tale of a life gone wrong.
1945 – William Thomas Zeigler Jr – In 1976, Zeigler was convicted of a quadruple murder that took place at his furniture store in Winter Garden, Florida on December 24, 1975. The victims were his wife, Eunice Zeigler, her parents, Perry and Virginia Edwards, and a customer named Charlie Mays. Zeigler himself was also wounded in the incident. Prosecutors believed Zeigler killed his wife and in-laws for insurance money, then attacked Mays to eliminate a witness. Zeigler has maintained his innocence throughout, claiming he was also a victim of an attack. He has argued that DNA testing of evidence from the crime scene would exonerate him. Zeigler’s case has been through numerous appeals, including a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2016, a judge finally granted permission for DNA testing of evidence. As of today, July 18, 2024, information about the results of the DNA testing and Zeigler’s current legal status is not readily available.
1982 – Luka Magnotta – born Eric Clinton Kirk Newman is a Canadian murderer notorious for his crimes in 2012. Details about Magnotta’s upbringing are complex. Reports suggest a troubled childhood with a strained relationship with his parents. He exhibited concerning behavior early on, including animal cruelty. In 2012, Magnotta became the center of a horrifying case. He murdered 33-year-old Jun Lin, a Chinese international student. The act was filmed and uploaded online. Magnotta then dismembered Lin’s body and mailed body parts to various locations. The graphic video and the nature of the crime sparked international outrage and a massive manhunt. Magnotta fled Canada but was eventually apprehended in an internet cafe in Berlin while reading news articles about himself. Magnotta was extradited to Canada and faced trial. He was found guilty of first-degree murder, along with other charges, and sentenced to life in prison. The case gained significant media attention, and Magnotta was dubbed with nicknames like “The Canadian Psycho” due to the brutality of his crimes.
1988 – Luke Muir Mitchell – is a Scottish individual who gained notoriety due to his involvement in a high-profile murder case. In 2003, when Mitchell was just under 15 years old, he was implicated in the murder of Jodi Jones in Scotland. The case drew significant media attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the young age of both the victim and the accused. Mitchell was found guilty of the murder in January 2005 and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 20 years. Despite the conviction, Mitchell has consistently maintained his innocence. His claims have led to several attempts to overturn the verdict, but all have been unsuccessful to date. The case continues to be a topic of discussion and debate within the Scottish legal system and the wider public.
Deaths
Tadeusz Kwasniak
1991 – Tadeusz Kwasniak – was a Polish serial killer and pedophile who terrorized the country between April 1990 and April 1991. Nicknamed the “Ręcznikowy Dusiciel” (Towel Strangler) for his preferred method of murder, Kwaśniak was responsible for the rape and murder of five young boys across Poland. Born in 1951, details about Kwaśniak’s early life are scarce. Public information focuses on his crimes, which began in April 1990. Kwaśniak targeted boys, traveling throughout Poland and committing thefts, assaults, and sexual attacks. His crimes escalated to murder, with Kwaśniak strangling his victims with towels. The brutality of the crimes sparked a nationwide manhunt. Police connected the killings through a calling card left at one crime scene and the signature “Zemsta” (Revenge) left by Kwaśniak at others. The motive behind this message remains unclear. Kwaśniak’s mobility across Poland hampered the investigation initially. However, his spree ended in April 1991. Apprehended by police, Kwaśniak reportedly confessed to his crimes. Tadeusz Kwaśniak never faced trial. On July 24, 1991, he committed suicide by hanging himself in his jail cell. His death resulted in the closure of the case. Kwaśniak’s crimes remain a dark chapter in Polish history, a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of children and the horror of serial killers. A book chronicling the investigation and Kwaśniak’s crimes was published in 2023 by Wydawnictwo Kryminalistyczne.
Events
Mata Hari
1901 – Writer O. Henry is released from prison in Austin, Texas after serving 3 years for embezzlement from a bank
1917 – The trial of exotic dancer Mata Hari begins in Paris for allegedly spying for Germany and thus causing the deaths of 50,000 soldiers
1937 – Alabama drops the charges against three blacks accused of rape in Scottsboro
1974 – The Supreme Court unanimously rules Nixon must turn over Watergate tapes
1979 – Serial killer Rodney Alcala is apprehended
1985 – French DGSE officers Dominique Prieur & Alain Mafart are arrested and charged with murder over the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior
1986 – San Francisco federal jury convicts Navy radioman Jerry Whitworth of espionage
1998 – Russell Eugene Weston Jr bursts into the United States Capitol and opens fire, killing two police officers. He is later ruled to be incompetent to stand trial.
2012 – Four barrels containing 248 human fetuses are found in Sverdlovsk, Russia
2013 – 22 are left dead after a conflict between the Knights Templar cartel & Mexican police in Michoacan