Births
Issei Sagawa
1935 – James Cecil “Humpy” Parker – He was the son of Wade Unum Parker and Nellie Goree Oliver. He grew up in San Jacinto County, Texas, where he served as sheriff. On January 1, 1954, he married Mary Louis Hoot, and they had a son named Gary Cecil Parker. Parker held the office of the San Jacinto County Sheriff from 1969 until 1983. However, his tenure was marked by controversy. In 1983, he pleaded guilty to two felony civil rights charges and one extortion charge. The charges included torturing at least 15 prisoners, conducting illegal strip searches on motorists, and extorting money from a local bail bondsman over six years. The torture method used was often waterboarding. After pleading guilty, Parker resigned from his office and agreed to assist federal officials in an ongoing investigation of alleged corruption in San Jacinto County. He faced a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, but prosecutors recommended a three-year prison sentence and a $15,000 fine. The final ruling on the plea bargain was deferred. Parker passed away on March 13, 1994, in Shepherd, San Jacinto County, Texas.
1946 – Justin Lee May – He worked as a welder before his life took a tragic turn. In 1978, he was involved in a crime spree that resulted in the deaths of five people. One of the victims was Jeanetta Murdaugh, who was shot dead during a shop robbery in Freeport, Texas. The crime went unsolved for more than five years until May and Richard Miles were arrested in 1983. May was convicted of the murder based on the testimonies of two witnesses, one of whom was Richard Miles, the owner of the murder weapon. However, both witnesses later admitted that they lied at his trial. Despite this, May’s conviction and death sentence were upheld on appeal. May suffered from brain damage and mental impairments, which were believed to stem from the physical abuse he suffered as a child. His lawyers presented new evidence that cast doubt on his guilt and argued that the prosecution’s case rested on “fabricated corroboration” and was fundamentally unsafe. Despite these arguments, May was executed on May 7, 1992, in Huntsville, Walker County, Texas. He was the sixth Texas prisoner put to death that year and the 48th since the state resumed capital punishment a decade ago.
1949 – Issei Sagawa – a name forever etched in the annals of true crime, was a Japanese man who committed a heinous act that sent shockwaves across the globe. His life, marked by both intellectual pursuits and unspeakable brutality, remains a subject of fascination and revulsion. Born in 1949 to a wealthy family in Kobe, Japan, Sagawa exhibited a precocious mind from a young age. He developed a love for literature and mythology, immersing himself in stories of cannibalism and violence. Despite his frail health, Sagawa excelled in his studies and secured admission to Wako University, followed by a prestigious postgraduate scholarship to study literature at the Sorbonne in Paris. In 1981, while living in Paris, Sagawa’s dark fascination with cannibalism culminated in a horrific act. He lured a Dutch student, Renée Hartevelt, to his apartment, shot her in the neck, and proceeded to dismember and consume parts of her body over several days. Sagawa’s arrest sent shockwaves through France and Japan. While he confessed to the crime, a series of psychiatric evaluations deemed him unfit to stand trial. He was confined to a mental institution for 13 months before being extradited to Japan. Despite public outrage, Japanese authorities found Sagawa sane and released him in 1986. This legal loophole allowed him to walk free, never facing criminal charges for his actions. Back in Japan, Sagawa became a morbid celebrity, capitalizing on his notoriety by writing books, making films, and appearing on talk shows. His macabre works explored themes of cannibalism, necrophilia, and violence, further sensationalizing his crime. Sagawa’s infamy and exploitation of his crime drew condemnation from Renée Hartevelt’s family and the public. He remained a controversial figure until he died in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of horror and ethical quandaries. Issei Sagawa’s story is a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the complexities of the justice system. His life serves as a cautionary tale, forcing us to confront the darkest corners of the human psyche and grapple with the ethical implications of sensationalizing such heinous acts.
1949 – John Orr – a name synonymous with both heroic firefighting and cold-blooded arson, stands as a stark reminder of the duality humans are capable of. Once a dedicated firefighter and even an arson investigator in Glendale, California, Orr became known as “The Pillow Pyro” – the most prolific serial arsonist in American history, estimated to have set up to 2,000 fires between 1984 and 1991. His meticulous techniques and intimate understanding of fire investigation, initially celebrated, cast suspicion towards him as his presence at and insights into arson scenes became too frequent to ignore. Unmasked, Orr’s double life crumbled, leading to federal convictions in 1992 and later, chillingly, four state murder convictions in 1998. While his story, rife with psychological intrigue, sparks questions about motivation and the blurry line between hero and villain, it’s crucial to remember the devastating impact of his actions, navigating the narrative with ethical considerations and avoiding any glorification that would overshadow the tragic reality for his victims and their families. John Orr’s tale remains a testament to the complexities of human nature, serving as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lie hidden within even the most familiar faces.
1950 – Thomas Quick – had a troubled childhood marked by emotional neglect and abuse. He struggled with school and developed a stutter, leading to social isolation and feelings of inferiority. As a teenager, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope, and by his early twenties, he was diagnosed with personality disorders and admitted to a psychiatric hospital. While in the hospital, Bergwall adopted the pseudonym “Thomas Quick” and began confessing to a string of unsolved murders across Sweden. These confessions, often detailed and gruesome, shocked the nation and made Quick the country’s most notorious serial killer. The confessions fueled a media frenzy and captivated the public, but they lacked physical evidence or witness corroboration. Despite this, Quick was convicted of eight murders between 1994 and 2001, solely based on his confessions. He recanted several times but later retracted, attributed to mental illness and manipulation by authorities. The investigation into Quick’s crimes was marred by significant problems. Police fed him details from case files, leading to accusations of contamination and false memories. Additionally, Quick was heavily medicated during interrogations, raising concerns about the reliability of his confessions. As journalists and researchers began scrutinizing the cases, doubts about Quick’s guilt grew. In 2008, he retracted all his confessions, claiming they were false memories fueled by a desire for attention and drugs. A reinvestigation revealed inconsistencies in his accounts and a lack of supporting evidence, leading to the overturning of his convictions one by one. By 2013, all of Quick’s convictions were overturned, and he was released from the psychiatric hospital after spending over 23 years wrongly incarcerated. The case, dubbed “Sweden’s biggest miscarriage of justice,” exposed flaws in the criminal justice system and highlighted the dangers of relying solely on confessions without corroborating evidence. Bergwall, back to his birth name, has chosen to live a private life and rarely speaks publicly about his ordeal. He has received compensation for his wrongful imprisonment but continues to grapple with the psychological trauma of his experiences.
1961 – Eric Owen Mann – He is a Hispanic male who was convicted and sentenced to death in Arizona state court for the murders of two men, Richard Alberts and Ramon Bazurto. The offense took place on November 23, 1989. Mann decided to conduct a drug “rip-off” of a friend, Richard Alberts and invited Alberts to buy drugs from him at his home. Alberts arrived at Mann’s home on the night of November 23, 1989, with a friend, Ramon Bazurto. When Alberts opened the box, Mann shot him and then shot Bazurto. The bodies were found the next day, November 24, 1989, but the murders remained unsolved until Mann’s girlfriend confessed to witnessing the murders to Washington State authorities in January 1994. His trial commenced on October 25, 1994, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty to the charge of First Degree Murder on November 1, 1994. On February 1, 1995, the judge sentenced Mann to death for the murder charge. In 1997 the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the conviction and sentence on appeal. A Warrant of Execution was issued by the Arizona District Court for the execution of Eric Owen Mann scheduled for June 9, 2003. However, a Stay of Execution was issued by the US District Court.
1962 – Matteo Messina Denaro – also known as Diabolik, was a Sicilian Mafia boss from Castelvetrano. He was born on 26 April 1962. His father, Francesco Messina Denaro, known as Don Ciccio, was the capo mandamento of Castelvetrano. Matteo learned to use a gun at 14. He once bragged: “I filled a cemetery all by myself”. He was considered to be one of the new leaders of the Sicilian mob after the arrests of Bernardo Provenzano on 11 April 2006 and Salvatore Lo Piccolo in November 2007. The son of a Mafia boss, Denaro became known nationally on 12 April 2001 when the magazine L’Espresso put him on the cover with the headline: Ecco il nuovo capo della Mafia (“Here is the new Mafia boss”). Messina Denaro became a fugitive on the most wanted list in 1993; according to Forbes in 2010, he was one of the ten most wanted and powerful criminals in the world. With the deaths of Bernardo Provenzano in 2016 and Salvatore Riina in 2017, Messina Denaro was seen as the unchallenged boss of all bosses within the Mafia. After 30 years on the run, he was arrested on 16 January 2023 near a private clinic in Sicily’s capital, Palermo, where he was reportedly undergoing chemotherapy under a false name. Messina Denaro died in a prison hospital on 25 September 2023 after falling into an irreversible coma at the age of 61 after receiving treatment for colon cancer.
1965 – Michael Anthony Simmons – An American man who had a fairly long rap sheet for violent crimes, he was also mentally disturbed, and on the 30th September 2006 he was at the trailer park home he shared with his wife and her children when he took out a handgun and shot his wife, 39-year-old Detra Rainey and her children William, 16, Hakiem, 13, Malachi, 8 and 6-year-old Samenia. He was arrested the same day walking out of the trailer, gun in hand. He was adjudged to be mentally incapable of going to trial, however, the victim’s family appealed the decision stating that Simmons was faking.
1966 – Jeffrey Paul Sloan – On December 11th, 1985, 19-year-old Sloan massacred his family, each of his victims had been shot including his father, Paul Sloan aged 41, his mom 38-year-old Judith Sloan, and his two brothers Timothy, 18, and Jason aged 9. He was convicted for the murder of Jason and sentenced to death, in February 1996 he was executed.
1969 – Teresa Wilson Bean Lewis – led a life tragically intertwined with poverty, hardship, and ultimately, execution. Her story paints a stark picture of a woman caught in a web of desperation and poor choices, culminating in a case that ignited fierce debate on the death penalty and the complexities of human behavior. Teresa’s childhood was marred by instability. Growing up in a family struggling financially, she dropped out of school at 16 and married young. By the age of 20, she was already a single mother to her daughter, Christie. Life offered few opportunities, and Teresa bounced between low-paying jobs, barely making ends meet. In 2000, a glimmer of hope appeared when Teresa landed a job at the Dan River textile mill. Her supervisor there, Julian Clifton Lewis Jr., a recent widower with three children, offered a sense of stability she craved. Soon, Teresa and her daughter moved into Julian’s home, and the couple married shortly after. However, this newfound security was to be short-lived. Tragedy struck in December 2001 when Julian’s eldest son, Jason, died in a car accident. This event not only plunged the family into grief but also brought a windfall in the form of Jason’s $200,000 life insurance policy. Prosecutors later alleged that Teresa, motivated by greed, saw an opportunity in this tragedy. They accused her of orchestrating the murders of her husband, Julian, and his surviving son, Charles, in October 2002, with the help of two hired accomplices. The motive, according to the prosecution, was to collect on Julian’s life insurance policy, worth $250,000. The trial that followed was highly publicized and emotionally charged. Teresa vehemently denied any involvement in the murders, claiming she was innocent and the victim of a cruel setup. However, the jury found her guilty, and in 2003, she was sentenced to death. Teresa spent eight years on death row, maintaining her innocence and appealing her conviction. Her case became a focal point for abolitionist groups, who argued that her execution would be unjust, especially considering Virginia’s long history of not executing women. Despite ongoing legal challenges and international pleas for clemency, Teresa’s execution was carried out on September 23, 2010. She remains the only woman to be executed in Virginia since 1912, and her case continues to raise questions about the fairness and efficacy of the death penalty.
1976 – Christopher Lee Simmons – story is one of darkness and consequence. Born in 1976 in Missouri, he led a troubled youth marked by violence and criminal behavior. As early as 15, he had run-ins with the law for assault and burglary. By 17, a chilling desire for notoriety and excitement began to take hold. He confided in friends about his desire to “kill someone” and his belief that being a minor would shield him from punishment. In 1993, Simmons’ chilling fantasies materialized into a horrific reality. Along with two accomplices, he lured 46-year-old Shirley Crook to a secluded Missouri state park under the pretense of buying her car. There, the trio brutally murdered her, leaving her body to be discovered in the Meramec River. The crime sent shockwaves through the community and ignited a fierce debate about juvenile justice and the death penalty. Simmons was initially sentenced to death, making him one of the youngest individuals on death row in the United States at the time. However, his case became a legal battleground, culminating in the landmark Supreme Court case “Roper v. Simmons” in 2005. In a landmark 5-4 decision, the Court ruled that executing individuals for crimes committed before the age of 18 constituted cruel and unusual punishment, effectively abolishing the death penalty for minors nationwide. Though spared execution, Simmons was ultimately sentenced to life without parole. He remains incarcerated at the Northeast Correctional Center in Missouri, forever marked by the consequences of his actions. His story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the ongoing debate surrounding juvenile justice and the death penalty. Christopher Lee Simmons’ life is a cautionary tale, a dark chronicle of choices that forever altered the course of his own life and that of his victim. While his crime is unforgivable, his case played a pivotal role in reshaping the legal landscape for juvenile offenders in the United States. By shining a light on the complexities of youth, culpability, and the ultimate penalty, it remains a story that continues to resonate within the realm of criminal justice and societal values.
1979 – Ruben M. Johnson – Johnson and his friend Jarvis Ross went to a massage parlor to rob it, because one of the witnesses recognized Ross he was arrested, Johnson would then find out who the witness was, went to their place of residence and he then shot and killed her, presumably he thought that without a witness there would be no case but he was found out, convicted and sentenced to death.
1981 – Warren Paul Glowatski – His parents were never married but stayed together initially to raise him. Glowatski and his family moved around frequently, living in various places including Estevan, Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, and Castlegar, British Columbia. Glowatski is known for his involvement in the high-profile murder case of Reena Virk. On November 14, 1997, when Glowatski was 16 years old, Virk was beaten and killed by a group of teenagers in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. Glowatski was convicted of Virk’s murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 7 years. He was released on parole on June 23, 2010.
Deaths
Jill Dando
1861 – Pablita “Paula” Angel – a name etched in the annals of New Mexico history, was not just another frontier woman. Her life, though tragically short, was a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and ultimately, a fate that cemented her place in the state’s lore. Born in 1842 to a prominent family in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Pablita was described as shy and reserved, yet captivating with her dark eyes and fiery spirit. Details of her early life are shrouded in some mystery. Some sources claim she was married briefly to a man named Miguel Martin, while others dispute this entirely. Regardless, her life took a fateful turn when she met Juan Miguel Martin, a married man who swept her off her feet. Blinded by love, Pablita became embroiled in a passionate affair, oblivious to the impending storm it would unleash. When Juan Miguel’s wife, Dolores, discovered the infidelity, a jealous rage consumed her. A heated confrontation ensued, ending with Pablita fatally stabbing Dolores in a fit of desperation. This tragic act, fueled by love and betrayal, marked the beginning of Pablita’s descent into a nightmare. Apprehended for murder, Pablita faced a swift and somewhat unorthodox trial. The legal proceedings were marred by inconsistencies and a lack of due process, reflecting the turbulent times of the frontier. Despite pleas for clemency, Pablita was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. On April 26, 1861, a somber crowd gathered under the unforgiving New Mexico sun to witness the execution. Pablita, a mere 19 years old, met her fate with defiance and courage. Her final words, “Adios mundo!” (“Goodbye world!”) echoed through the crowd, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory. Pablita “Paula” Angel’s story transcends the boundaries of a simple historical account. It is a stark reminder of the complexities of human emotions, the devastating consequences of betrayal, and the enduring power of a young woman’s spirit in the face of adversity. She remains the only woman to have been legally executed in New Mexico since its incorporation into the United States, a grim testament to the harsh realities of frontier justice. Though her life was tragically cut short, Pablita’s legacy continues to resonate. Her story has been immortalized in books, documentaries, and even a play, ensuring that her name and the circumstances of her demise are not forgotten. She serves as a cautionary tale of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of unchecked passions, but also as a testament to the unwavering strength of the human spirit in the face of injustice.
1865 – John Wilkes Booth – was a figure of stark contradictions. Son of a celebrated Shakespearean actor, he achieved fame on the stage but etched his name in history for a far more infamous act: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Born into a theatrical dynasty, Booth inherited a passion for the stage. His charismatic presence and powerful performances, particularly in Shakespearean roles, made him a rising star. By his late twenties, he was a well-known figure in American theater, touring major cities and earning both critical praise and the adoration of audiences. However, Booth’s life and career were deeply intertwined with the turbulent politics of the Civil War era. A fervent Confederate sympathizer and staunch defender of slavery, he viewed Lincoln as the architect of the South’s demise. His fiery opinions manifested in onstage outbursts against the president, and soon progressed to more sinister plans. By 1864, Booth’s resentment toward Lincoln morphed into a plot to kidnap the president. As the Union victory became increasingly inevitable, the plot evolved into a plan of assassination. On April 14, 1865, Booth capitalized on his access to Ford’s Theatre and fatally shot Lincoln in his presidential box. Booth’s infamous act plunged the nation into mourning and triggered a nationwide manhunt. Twelve days later, cornered in a Virginia barn, Booth refused capture and was fatally shot by Union soldiers. John Wilkes Booth’s legacy remains one of infamy. While his talent as an actor is undeniable, it is forever overshadowed by his heinous act. He serves as a chilling reminder of the destructive power of fanaticism and the dark potential that lurks even within the hearts of seemingly celebrated figures.
1879 – Stephen Dee Richards – also known as Samuel D. Richards, was born on March 18, 1856, in Wheeling, West Virginia, USA. He was known by several other names, including The Nebraska Fiend, Kearney County Murderer, and The Ohio Monster. Richards’ family later moved to Ohio, where they settled in the Quaker village of Mount Pleasant. In 1876, Richards left his home and headed westward intending to seek his fortune. He found work at a local asylum, where he claimed to have lost all empathy for other people. Richards confessed to committing his first murder in late 1876, two weeks after arriving in Kearney, Nebraska. He went on to commit several other murders, which he later claimed were done in self-defense. His victims included Mary L. Harlson and her three children, and Peter Anderson, a neighbor. Richards was captured in Mount Pleasant and convicted of the murders in 1879. He was executed by hanging on April 26, 1879, in Minden, Nebraska. After his execution, his body was twice stolen, and the final time, his bones were scattered on the streets of Kearney. Despite his heinous crimes, Richards was regarded as handsome and charismatic by some contemporary chroniclers. Many observed that he displayed a complete lack of remorse for his crimes and indifference toward his execution. His crimes and behavior after his capture led to a brief period of notoriety, as Richards was widely talked about in the media at the time. He has been referred to as The Old West’s Ted Bundy.
1901 – Tom Ketchum – was a notorious Wild West outlaw, known for train robberies, gunfights, and a botched execution that cemented his legend. Ketchum’s early life remains shrouded in some mystery. He likely participated in cowboy work but may have crossed paths with the law before heading west to New Mexico. There, he rejoined his older brother, Sam, and their Wild West adventure began. Forming the Ketchum-Hale Gang, they embarked on a spree of train robberies, targeting banks and payrolls across the Southwest. Black Jack, known for his charisma and audacity, became the face of the gang, attracting both notoriety and bounty hunters. He wasn’t shy about gunfights, leaving a trail of violence and escapes in his wake. Despite their cunning, the gang’s luck eventually ran out. Black Jack was captured in 1901 after a failed train robbery attempt. His notorious execution, however, cemented his legend more than his crimes. The hangman miscalculated the rope length, resulting in decapitation. This gruesome spectacle solidified Black Jack’s place in Wild West lore, blurring the lines between outlaw and folk hero. Ketchum’s story is a reminder of the harsh realities of the Wild West. While he was undoubtedly a criminal, his audacious exploits and gruesome end captured the public imagination. He continues to be depicted in books, movies, and legends, serving as a symbol of both lawlessness and a bygone era.
1985 – Alex J. Mengel – born in Guyana in 1955, led a life as chilling as it was brief. His 30 years on Earth were marked by violence, escape, and the grim moniker of “The Scalp Collector.” Though only definitively linked to two murders, Mengel’s suspected involvement in other heinous crimes continues to cast a long shadow, leaving investigators and the public alike to grapple with the depths of his depravity. Mengel’s early life remains shrouded in some obscurity. He immigrated to the United States with his family as a child and settled in New York. Details about his upbringing and any potential indicators of the darkness to come are scarce. What is known is that by his early 20s, Mengel had developed a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior. He faced charges of assault, weapons possession, and even attempted rape, painting a picture of a man increasingly at odds with society. In February 1985, Mengel’s life took a horrifying turn. While returning from the Catskill Mountains, he allegedly shot and killed a police officer in Westchester County, New York. This act ignited a week-long rampage that terrorized communities across the country and into Canada. Mengel, now a fugitive, embarked on a desperate escape bid. He stole the officer’s patrol car and drove north, eventually abducting and murdering a 44-year-old woman in Tarrytown, New York. The gruesome details of the crime, including the mutilation of the victim’s body, sent shockwaves through the nation. Mengel’s nickname, “The Scalp Collector,” arose from the chilling discovery that he had taken the woman’s hair as a trophy. Mengel’s cross-border crime spree finally came to an end in Toronto, Canada. He was apprehended by authorities after a shootout, but his reign of terror wasn’t over. While being transported back to New York, Mengel attempted to disarm a police officer, leading to a struggle that ended in his death. Though Mengel’s life was cut short, the impact of his actions continues to reverberate. While only two murders were definitively attributed to him, investigators believe he may have been responsible for several more unsolved cases. His violent tendencies, coupled with his cunning ability to evade capture, have cemented his place as a figure of infamy in American true crime history. Alex J. Mengel’s story serves as a stark reminder of the capacity for evil that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. His case also highlights the challenges of investigating and apprehending cross-border criminals, a problem that continues to plague law enforcement agencies today. However, Mengel’s legacy is not solely one of darkness. His case has spurred advancements in forensic technology and criminal profiling, helping to better equip authorities to track and apprehend dangerous individuals. Additionally, his story has served as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and awareness in the face of potential threats. In the end, Alex J. Mengel may be gone, but the chilling echoes of his crimes continue to remind us of the fragility of life and the ever-present need to combat the forces of darkness that exist in the world.
1999 – Jill Dando – Dando was an English journalist and television presenter who used to host a popular TV show called Crimewatch UK in which she presented cases so that the public could help solve them similar to “Most Wanted” in America. On this day in 1999, Dando was murdered on her doorstep and a local man was arrested and convicted, however, in 2008 he was acquitted of her murder and so far the real killer has never been found.
2002 – Robert Steinhauser – was a student of the Gutenberg Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany until early October 2001. His academic performance declined in 1999, leading him to drop out of the year shortly before the final exam. He had previously threatened a teacher. He joined a gun club in October 2000 and acquired a gun license. At the end of September 2001, he had spent a few days away from school, for which he presented a mandatory medical certificate which was quickly identified as a forgery. Because of this forgery, Steinhäuser was expelled by the principal. Due to the regulations used in Thuringia at the time, Steinhäuser, on expulsion, found himself with no qualifications at all and therefore had very limited job opportunities. Steinhäuser did not tell his parents he had been expelled and pretended he was still attending school. On 26 April 2002, Steinhäuser committed a mass shooting at the Gutenberg Gymnasium. He shot and killed 16 people, including 13 staff members, two students, and one police officer, before committing suicide. According to students, he ignored them and aimed only for the teachers and administrators, although two students were unintentionally killed by shots fired through a locked door. The investigation revealed that Steinhäuser had been doing research on the Internet into the Columbine High School massacre and had files relating to the crime saved on his computer.
2002 – Alton Coleman – was an American serial killer who, along with his accomplice Debra Brown, committed a crime spree across six states in the Midwest between May and July 1984 that resulted in the deaths of eight people. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Coleman was a middle-school dropout who entered a life of crime early on. He was well known to Illinois law enforcement, having been charged with sex crimes six times between 1973 and 1983. He was scheduled to go on trial in Illinois on charges stemming from the rape of a 14-year-old girl when he fled and began his killing spree. Coleman’s accomplice, Debra Brown, was born on November 11, 1962. She was engaged to another man when she met Coleman in 1983 but left her family and moved in with him shortly afterward. Although a willing participant in Coleman’s assaults and murders, Brown had no history of violence or any criminal history before their relationship. Their first known victim was 9-year-old Vernita Wheat from Kenosha, Wisconsin. Over just 53 days, they committed eight murders, seven rapes, three kidnappings, and 14 armed robberies. Coleman received death sentences in three states and was executed by the state of Ohio in 2002. Brown was sentenced to death in Ohio and Indiana, but the sentences were later reduced to life imprisonment without parole and 140 years, respectively.
2006 – Daryl Linnie Mack – was born on August 28, 1958, and passed away on April 26, 2006. He was an American man who was executed in Nevada for murder. He was sentenced to death for the rape and murder of Betty Jane May in Reno in October 1988. The murder went unsolved for twelve years until DNA evidence linked him to the crime. At the time the DNA evidence was discovered, Mack was already in jail, having been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Kim Parks in April 1994. After being sentenced to death for May’s murder, he waived his appeals and asked to be put to death. Mack was executed via lethal injection at Nevada State Prison on April 26, 2006. He remains the most recent person executed in Nevada.
2014 – Yiya Murano – María de las Mercedes Bernardina Bolla Aponte de Murano, better known as Yiya Murano, was born on May 20, 1930, in Corrientes, Argentina. She is also referred to as “The Poisoner of Monserrat” and is known as an Argentinian serial killer and swindler. Murano was convicted of three murders that took place in February and March of 1979. The victims were Nilda Gamba, a neighbor of Murano’s, Leila Chicha Formisano de Ayala, a friend of Murano’s, and Carmen Zulema del Giorgio de Venturini, Murano’s cousin. All three victims showed signs of cyanide poisoning, and Murano owed money to all of them. Murano was arrested at her home on April 27, 1979. She was found unconscious in prison in 1980 and subsequently had one of her lungs removed. Despite these health issues, she was convicted in 1985 and served 16 years in prison before being sent to an elderly care facility due to her advanced age. Despite her crimes, Murano maintained her innocence, insisting, “I never invited anyone to eat.” After her release from prison, it was reported that she sent the judges who released her a box of chocolates as a token of her appreciation. Yiya Murano passed away on April 26, 2014.
Events
Rod Stewart
1859 – Dan Sickles is acquitted of murder on the grounds of temporary insanity, this was the first time this defense was used
1982 – Singer/songwriter Rod Stewart is mugged, the gunman steals his $50,000 Porsche
1989 – Mike Tyson gets a speeding ticket for drag racing his Lamborghini
1991 – Footballing legend Diego Maradona is arrested in Argentina for the possession and distribution of narcotics
2018 – Bill Cosby is found guilty of sexual assault in Pennsylvania
2018 – The serial killer dubbed “The Golden State Killer” is finally identified as Joseph James DeAngelo after 40 years, he was a former police officer responsible for 12 murders and 50 rapes in California