Births

David Miscavige

1947 – Leslie Grantham – Grantham was a very popular television actor from the UK in the 1980s and 2000s when he portrayed “Dirty” Den Watts in the celebrated BBC soap opera “Eastenders”, however before he became Dirty Den, he received a life sentence for the murder of a taxi driver in Germany, he only served 10 years but whilst inside learned how to be an actor and he was released in 1977.

1955 – Roy Lee Pippin – was born on April 30, 1955, in Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA. He owned and operated an air conditioning business. Pippin was a member of a Colombian drug ring and admitted to his role in laundering drugs and money. He was involved in the 1994 kidnappings and fatal shootings of Miami cousins Elmer and Fabio Buitrago. While Pippin admitted he helped kidnap the men, he maintained that he was not present when they were killed. On March 29, 2007, at the age of 51, Pippin was executed by lethal injection in the Walls Correctional Facility at Huntsville, Texas. He was convicted for the double murder of Elmer Buitrago, 34, and Fabio Buitrago, 55. Despite his conviction, Pippin maintained his innocence until his execution.

1960 – David Miscavige – born in 1960, is the current leader of the Church of Scientology. He took over the reins after the death of the religion’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, in 1986. His official title within the organization is Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center (RTC), which controls the trademarks and copyrights of Scientology. Miscavige’s leadership has been marked by both growth and controversy, making him a highly recognizable and often polarizing figure. Miscavige’s involvement with Scientology began at a young age. He was raised in the church and became a dedicated follower. By his teenage years, he was already working closely with Hubbard, serving as his personal assistant and confidante. Miscavige quickly rose through the ranks of Scientology, joining the Sea Org, a quasi-monastic order within the church, and eventually becoming Hubbard’s right-hand man. After Hubbard’s death, Miscavige faced the challenge of leading the Church of Scientology into a new era. He embarked on a campaign of modernization and expansion, overseeing the construction of new Scientology facilities around the world and launching several high-profile media initiatives. Miscavige also cracked down on internal dissent within the church, implementing strict policies and procedures that have been criticized by some as authoritarian. Miscavige’s leadership has been dogged by controversy since the beginning. He has been accused of financial mismanagement, abuse of power, and orchestrating the harassment and intimidation of critics of the church. Some former members of Scientology have alleged that Miscavige is responsible for creating a culture of fear and paranoia within the organization. These accusations have been vehemently denied by the Church of Scientology and Miscavige himself. One of the most enduring controversies surrounding Miscavige is regarding the disappearance of his wife, Shelly, in 2012. Shelly Miscavige has not been seen in public since then, and her whereabouts remain unknown. The Los Angeles Police Department has opened an investigation into her disappearance, but no charges have been filed. The Church of Scientology has maintained that Shelly is alive and well and simply living a private life. Despite the controversies, Miscavige remains a powerful figure within Scientology. He is revered by many church members as a visionary leader who has safeguarded the legacy of L. Ron Hubbard. However, his critics continue to raise concerns about his leadership and the practices of the Church of Scientology. He or his organization is also believed to be involved in witness intimidation especially when it comes to the rape cases involving actor Danny Masterson. Please note Miscavige has been added to this list due to the numerous law enforcement cases against him, but will be removed, if and when he is cleared of all charges.

1962 – Jacqueline Gibons – is a notorious figure in the annals of true crime. She is known for the ghastly killings of her adoptive parents, Benjamin and Sybil Gibons, in 1982. The murders took place in Illinois, and the bodies were discovered near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gibons was arrested on August 5, 1982, only a week after the murders. A black and white photograph from the time shows her being escorted away by a police officer, wearing a t-shirt that says “BIKE-A-THON” and displaying a smug, almost careless smile. Her co-conspirators, her boyfriend Barry Wilson and their friend Robert St. Pierre were also arrested. Gibons was sentenced to 60 to 80 years in prison for the murder of her adoptive parents. Her story has been documented in the book “Jacqueline Gibons, Daughter & Killer: An anthology of True Crime” by Annie Sims.

1966 – William Joseph Burns – was found guilty of the capital murder of his mother-in-law, Tersey Elizabeth Cooley, involving rape, statutory burglary, and forcible sodomy at her residence in Edinburg, Virginia. The tragic incident unfolded on September 20, 1998, when Burns, heavily intoxicated, engaged in a heated altercation with his wife, Penny. Due to previous instances of physical abuse, Penny chose to leave the house and seek refuge with friends, despite having stayed with her mother during previous violent confrontations. The following day, September 21, 1998, Penny’s sister, Linda, discovered their mother lifeless on the bedroom floor and promptly contacted the police. Cooley had sustained 24 rib fractures and succumbed to multiple head injuries. Subsequent autopsy results revealed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the chest, resulting in heart rupture and neck compression. Upon discovering the crime scene, the police set up a roadblock to gather information from drivers who may have passed through the area during the time of the murder. Burns drove up to the roadblock, admitted to being present at the crime scene, and was taken into custody for fingerprinting. Consent was given for the collection of hair and bodily fluid samples, linking him through DNA evidence to the murder and rape. During the trial, the jury convicted Burns of capital murder in the commission of rape. In the penalty phase, the defense presented evidence of Burns’ history of child abuse by his alcoholic father. A former correctional officer testified to Burns’ non-violent behavior and respectfulness during a prior prison sentence. Burns also had a documented history of mental illness, taking medication for chronic depression. Despite these mitigating factors, the jury determined a high probability of future dangerousness and vileness, recommending the death penalty. Burns received an 18-year sentence for burglary and life imprisonment for each rape and forcible sodomy conviction. Upon appeal, Burns’ attorneys filed 46 separate assignments of error, later reducing them to 26 questions. However, they failed to submit a brief for some assignments, leading the Supreme Court of Virginia to deem them waived. On March 2, 2001, the Supreme Court of Virginia upheld the convictions and death sentence. Subsequently, the defense raised the issue of mental retardation as permitted by Virginia statute for capital murder convictions predating April 29, 2003. The Warden of Sussex objected, but the court ruled against Sussex, remanding the petition for a writ of habeas corpus to the Circuit Court of Shenandoah County. Burns’ IQ, assessed at 77, falls within the low-average range.

1968 – Vince Weiguang Li – On July 30th, 2008, Li was having a really bad day, he was riding a Greyhound bus along the Trans-Canada highway, 19 miles west of the city of Portage la Prairie in Manitoba when he attacked 22-year-old Tim McLean.  Li started stabbing McLean in the neck and chest with a large knife as other passengers on the bus screamed and ran away, the driver and others attempted to help McLean but Li slashed at them, he then proceeded to hack McLean’s head off and displayed it to the onlookers off the bus, later he would be observed eating pieces of flesh.  In March 2009, Li was found not criminally responsible and remanded to a high-security mental health facility, fast forward six years and Li would be released from the facility with a clean bill of health and no further risk to the public under the new name of Will Baker.

1968 – Zheng Minsheng – The Nanping school massacre occurred on 23 March 2010 at the Nanping City Experimental Elementary School in Nanping, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China. A man named Zheng Minsheng used a knife to kill eight children and seriously wound five others. The incident took place around 7:20 am local time. Zheng Minsheng, who had previously worked as a community doctor, was arrested. He later confessed to the crime, telling police investigators that he thought “life was meaningless”. He was found guilty and sentenced to death on 8 April 2010 and was executed by shooting twenty days later. The deceased were four boys and four girls. The school, which has around 2,000 students, closed for the day on 23 March before reopening the following day. This incident was the first in an ongoing string of school attacks in China.

1969 – Oleg Kuznetsov – His childhood was marked by instability and hardship. His parents divorced when he was just five years old, and he primarily lived with his father, with whom he had a strained relationship. He struggled to connect with others and exhibited signs of social isolation from a young age. Despite this, he was an accomplished biathlete and graduated from vocational school. He even served in the Soviet Army in Kyiv, Ukraine. Kuznetsov’s troubled past manifested darkly during his teenage years. He reportedly began engaging in sexual assault at the age of 16, exhibiting a pattern of predatory behavior that would escalate into horrific violence. Between 1985 and 1988, he committed several rapes before his killing spree began. From 1991 to 1992, Balashikha was gripped by fear as a series of brutal murders targeted young women. Ten victims, between the ages of 15 and 30, were found murdered, often with horrific mutilations. The press dubbed the killer “The Balashikha Ripper,” and the city lived in constant anxiety. Kuznetsov typically approached his victims on deserted streets or public transportation, luring them with promises of companionship or work. He would then overpower them, often using knives or axes, before inflicting fatal injuries. His crimes were marked by extreme brutality and sadism. The investigation into the killings was intense, and police finally apprehended Kuznetsov in 1992. He initially denied involvement but eventually confessed to all ten murders. His trial was highly publicized, and he was sentenced to death this was commuted to a life sentence, he would spend only 7 years in prison though as he died in August 2000 of heart failure. Balashikha Ripper case remains one of the most notorious in Russian history. It exposed the dark underbelly of Soviet society and highlighted the dangers of unchecked violence. Kuznetsov’s name became synonymous with terror and brutality, a chilling reminder of the horrors that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals. Oleg Vladimirovich Kuznetsov’s life was a tragic descent into darkness, leaving behind a trail of shattered lives and a legacy of fear. His bio serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence and the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues.The Balashikha Ripper case remains one of the most notorious in Russian history. It exposed the dark underbelly of Soviet society and highlighted the dangers of unchecked violence. Kuznetsov’s name became synonymous with terror and brutality, a chilling reminder of the horrors that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals.

1971 – Antoinette Frank – paints a picture of stark contrasts. She was a young woman who aspired to be a police officer, protecting and serving her community. Yet, she ended up on the other side of the law, convicted of a triple murder that sent shockwaves through New Orleans. Her story is a complex tapestry woven with threads of trauma, manipulation, and a tragic fall from grace. Frank’s childhood was marred by a traumatic upbringing. She suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her father, leaving deep scars on her psyche. This trauma, coupled with the economic hardships of her family, undoubtedly shaped her path in profound ways. Despite the adversity, Frank harbored a strong sense of justice and a desire to help others. This led her to join the New Orleans Police Department in 1993. However, her application wasn’t without red flags. She lied on her application and failed several psychological evaluations, raising concerns about her suitability for the role. However, facing a shortage of officers, the department turned a blind eye, a decision that would have fateful consequences. In 1995, Frank’s life took a dramatic turn for the worse. She became romantically involved with Rogers LaCaze, a known drug dealer, and entangled in a web of addiction and criminal activity. This dark influence culminated in the horrific tragedy at the Kim Anh restaurant. On March 4th, 1995, Frank, aided by LaCaze, robbed the Kim Anh restaurant. The robbery turned violent, leading to the murders of two restaurant workers and Frank’s fellow officer, Ronald Williams II. Frank’s involvement, initially masked by her attempt to appear as a witness, was eventually revealed, shattering the image of the idealistic police officer. The following trial was a media spectacle, turning Frank into a notorious figure. Despite her claims of manipulation and coercion by LaCaze, she was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. She remains the only woman on Louisiana’s death row to this day. An appeal for clemency was denied in October 2023.

1971 – Calvin Letroy Hunter – He was a laborer who had a previous rap sheet for possession of a firearm for which he received a two-year sentence, on the 25th of October 2003, Hunter entered a convenience store with the intention of robbery.  He held up the clerk, an Asian male, and was given an unknown amount of cash, before making his getaway, Hunter shot the victim in the head. 

Deaths

Roland Dean Sundahl

1874 – Juan Moreira – a name that has echoed across the pampas of Argentina for over a century, conjures images of a rugged gaucho, a skilled knife fighter, and a symbol of defiance against injustice. His life, though short and tumultuous, left an indelible mark on Argentine history and folklore. Born into a gaucho family in the Buenos Aires Province sometime in the early 19th century, Moreira’s early life was idyllic, filled with the rhythms of the countryside and the simple traditions of his people. He honed his skills as a horseman, a musician, and a fearless fighter, becoming a respected figure in his community. However, the idyllic scene was shattered by the harsh realities of the era. Powerful landowners and corrupt officials wielded unchecked power, often abusing and manipulating the gauchos like Moreira. When injustice touched his close circle, Moreira’s inherent sense of fairness erupted. A minor altercation with a police officer, spurred by the officer’s cruelty, spiraled into a series of events that would change his life forever. Forced to flee the law, Moreira’s life took a dramatic turn. He became an outlaw, roaming the pampas with a band of loyal gauchos, seeking refuge and enacting revenge on those who had wronged him. His prowess with the knife and his unyielding spirit earned him a reputation as a formidable figure, a Robin Hood of the plains who robbed the rich and aided the poor. Moreira’s legend grew with each daring escape and audacious exploit. Stories of his bravery and skill at knife fighting were embellished and passed down through generations, morphing him into a folk hero, a symbol of the gaucho spirit’s resistance against oppression. Yet, reality paints a more nuanced picture. While celebrated for his defiance, Moreira’s life was fraught with violence and bloodshed. His pursuit of justice often blurred into vengeance, and the line between hero and outlaw became increasingly thin. In 1874, after two years of eluding capture, Moreira met his end in a confrontation with police forces near the town of Lobos. His death, mourned by many but celebrated by some, cemented his place in Argentine lore. Beyond the romanticized version, Juan Moreira’s life offers a poignant reflection on the hardships and injustices faced by the gauchos during a period of social and political upheaval. His story transcends the boundaries of history, reminding us of the complex interplay between individual choices, societal pressures, and the enduring human spirit’s search for justice. So, Juan Moreira remains a multifaceted figure, an outlaw hero, a symbol of resistance, and a reminder of a bygone era. His tale, woven into the fabric of Argentine identity, continues to inspire and captivate, urging us to grapple with the complexities of life, justice, and the enduring allure of the legend.

1952 – Roland Dean Sundahl – was an American murderer who was convicted of the abduction and murder of 16-year-old Bonnie Lou Merrill in Columbus, Nebraska, in 1950. He was sentenced to death and executed in Nebraska’s electric chair in 1952. Sundahl was born in Ord, Nebraska, in 1930. He had a troubled childhood, marked by poverty and neglect. His father left the family when he was young, and his mother struggled to make ends meet. Sundahl dropped out of school in the ninth grade and began working odd jobs. Sundahl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1946 and served in China during the Chinese Civil War. He was discharged in 1948. On August 27, 1950, Bonnie Lou Merrill, a 16-year-old girl from Columbus, Nebraska, was walking home from a movie theater when she was abducted by Sundahl. He took her to a secluded area, where he beat her to death with a hatchet. Sundahl was arrested a few days later after police found a bloody handkerchief with his initials near the crime scene. He initially denied any involvement in the murder, but he eventually confessed after being confronted with the evidence. Sundahl was tried and convicted of first-degree murder in 1951. He was sentenced to death and executed in Nebraska’s electric chair on April 30, 1952.

2002 – Rodolpho Baiza Hernandez – was born on November 18, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas. He had a criminal history that included convictions for aggravated robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle. In March 1985, Hernandez, then 35, was involved in a tragic incident. He agreed to transport five men who had illegally entered the United States from Mexico to Denton, Texas, for $150 each. However, when they reached a secluded area near New Braunfels, Hernandez and his brother-in-law, Jesse Garibay, stopped the car under the pretense of having car trouble. They then took out several firearms, ordered the men out of the car, and told them to lie on the ground face down. When one of the victims tried to run away, Hernandez shot him in the back. Hernandez and Garibay shot each man multiple times with .22-caliber and .25-caliber weapons, took their valuables, and fled. One of the victims, Victor Cervan, 20, was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital. Hernandez was arrested six days later near Poteet, another town near San Antonio. The four surviving victims identified Hernandez and Garibay as the men who shot and robbed them. Two of them testified against Hernandez at his trial. Hernandez was executed by lethal injection on April 30, 2002, in Huntsville, Texas. His name is listed among those executed in the United States in 2002.

2009 – Michael F. Rosales – Rosales was a thief and whilst in the process of robbing the home of 68-year-old Mary Felder she happened to disturb him, at this point Rosales ran to the kitchen and grabbed a knife, he then proceeded to stab Felder more than 130 times before beating her with a hard unknown object which was extreme overkill.  Once he was caught he confessed and showed the officers where he had dumped the murder weapons, they discovered a pair of pliers, a steak knife, and a two-pronged kitchen fork. 

Events

Monica Seles is stabbed

1927 – The Federal Industrial Institute for Women opened in Alderson, West Virginia as the first women’s Federal prison in the United States.

1952 – Roland Dean Sundahl was electrocuted in Nebraska’s electric chair for the abduction and murder of Bonnie Lou Merrill.

1983 – Mary-Jane Malvar was murdered by the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway

1993 – Tennis player Monica Seles is stabbed by Gunter Parche at The Citizen Cup

1997 – Ahmad Suradji is apprehended