Births
Brenda Ann Spencer
1823 – Boss Tweed – was a prominent American politician born on April 3, 1823, in New York City. He led Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party’s political machine that significantly influenced the politics of 19th-century New York City and state. Known for his involvement in extensive political corruption, Tweed played a crucial role in shaping New York City’s growth during the 19th century. Starting his political career as a bookkeeper and a volunteer fireman, he was elected alderman in 1851 and to Congress the following year. He gradually consolidated his position in Tammany Hall and, by 1860, controlled the Democratic Party’s nominations to all city positions. That same year, he opened a law office, earning substantial fees from various corporations for his “legal services”. He became a state senator and the grand sachem (principal leader) of Tammany Hall in 1868. Tweed’s influence extended to both the city and the state, with his candidates being elected mayor of New York City, governor, and speaker of the state assembly. In 1870, he forced the passage of a new city charter creating a board of audit, enabling him and his associates to control the city treasury. The Tweed ring then exploited the city through various fraudulent means, leading to rampant vote fraud at elections. Tweed was arrested in 1871 and convicted of stealing between $30 million and $200 million from New York City taxpayers. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison but escaped to Spain in 1876. He was later arrested in Spain, extradited to the United States, and returned to prison. Tweed died on April 12, 1878, in New York City.
1908 – Bruno Ludke – was a German individual who was alleged to be a serial killer. He was connected by police officials to at least 51 murder victims, primarily women, who were killed over 15 years starting in 1928 and ending with his arrest in 1943. Despite this, he was never given a trial and is considered innocent. Lüdke, who was born in Köpenick and had a mild intellectual disability, worked as a coachman and was known to local police as a petty thief and peeping tom. On 31 January 1943, a woman was found murdered in the woods near Köpenick, strangled with her shawl. The victim showed signs of post-mortem sexual abuse and her purse was missing. Lüdke was brought in for questioning by the police on 18 March 1943, where he quickly confessed to not only murdering the woman but also several other victims, leading to his arrest. However, Lüdke was never put on trial for any of the killings. After being declared insane, he was sent to the SS-run Institute of Criminological Medicine in Vienna, where medical experiments were conducted on him until his death in 1944 when an experiment went wrong.
1941 – Vinko Pintaric – was a notorious Croatian serial killer and outlaw. Over 17 years, he murdered five people and managed to escape from prisons and police stakeouts multiple times. His father, Ilija, joined the Partisan resistance during World War II but was taken away by the Ustaše near the end of the war and never returned. This, along with the physical abuse from his alcoholic stepfather, instilled a permanent sense of betrayal in Pintarić and fueled his anger and resentment. In his adolescence, he developed an interest in firearms, which he used for poaching, and had his illegally owned weapons confiscated by the police on several occasions. Pintarić committed his first murder on 26 April 1973, when he shot and killed two workers and wounded two others at a local factory’s canteen after being rejected for a job. He was arrested in May 1973, escaped from prison in September of the same year, and was recaptured in January 1974. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was commuted to 20 years imprisonment in 1975. He escaped from prison again in February 1982, was recaptured after over a year, and was sentenced to another 20 years in prison. He escaped once more in September 1989 and was eventually killed in a shootout with the police on 25 May 1991.
1962 – Roberto Succo – was an Italian serial killer born on 3 April 1962 in Mestre, Italy. He committed several murders and other violent crimes mostly in Italy and France during the 1980s. On 3 April 1981, he fatally stabbed his mother Maria, and his father, a police officer, after they refused to lend him their car. He hid their bodies in the bathtub covered in water and lime to delay the discovery of the murders and fled with his father’s service pistol. He was arrested two days later at the exit of a pizzeria in San Pietro al Natisone, not far from the border with Yugoslavia, after he had briefly returned to the crime scene. After being caught, he was judged mentally ill and sentenced to ten years in a psychiatric prison in Reggio Emilia. While serving his sentence, he studied geology at the University of Parma and was a model prisoner. On 15 May 1986, while on freedom privileges, Succo escaped from the psychiatric hospital. He evaded police and escaped to France by rail, using fake documents and changing his surname to “Kurt”. In the next few years, he committed numerous crimes, including burglary, rape, and murder. In France, he killed two women, a physician, and two police officers. He kidnapped, hijacked, and terrorized people in three European countries and was considered Public Enemy number one by France, Italy, and Switzerland. After being recognized by a student in Aix-les-Bains, Succo returned to Italy. On 28 February 1988, he was caught in Mestre, his hometown. On 1 March 1988, in the course of an escape attempt, he fell from the roof of the Treviso prison. He killed himself in his cell in Vicenza, in the “San Pius X” prison on 23 May 1988, suffocating himself with a plastic bag.
1962 – Brenda Ann Spencer – is an American who committed a school shooting at the Grover Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego, California on January 29, 1979, resulting in two deaths and nine injuries. Born in San Diego, California, Spencer had a troubled childhood with her parents separating early on and she lived with her alcoholic father, Wallace Spencer. She was known as a loner and struggled to make friends. Spencer was tried as an adult and pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and assault with a deadly weapon, leading to a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years. As of 2023, she remains in prison. When asked why she committed the shooting, Spencer chillingly replied, “I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day.” This statement later inspired the Boomtown Rats song “I Don’t Like Mondays.”
1963 – Dexter Lee Vinson – On May 19th, 1997, Vinson abducted his ex-girlfriend, 25-year-old Angela Felton when she came to collect some belongings as she tried to get away he rammed her car until she stopped, he then beat her up and took her to an abandoned property where he sexually mutilated her, he also cut her up and beat her round the head and face until she died
1981 – Juan Edward Castillo – A Hispanic male with a previous rap sheet for deadly conduct with a firearm who on December 3rd, 2003 along with 3 accomplices attempted to rob 19-year-old Tommy Garcia Jr, the kid fought back and Castillo fatally shot her
1987 – Filip Kapisoda – a charismatic Montenegrin model, was born on April 3, 1987, in Cetinje, Montenegro. His athletic prowess led him to pursue handball, but his captivating looks and undeniable charm soon propelled him into the world of fashion. Kapisoda’s modeling career took off in 2006 when he was crowned the “Best Model” at Belgrade Fashion Week. His chiseled features and captivating aura quickly made him a sought-after model, gracing the covers of magazines and appearing in fashion shows across the region. In 2009, Kapisoda’s star further ascended when he entered the Serbian reality show “Veliki Brat VIP All Stars.” His charismatic personality and witty remarks resonated with the audience, and he made it to the finals, finishing in third place. However, Kapisoda’s life took a tragic turn in March 2010. He and his girlfriend, Serbian pop singer Ksenija Pajčin, were found dead in their Belgrade apartment. The cause of death was ruled as murder-suicide, with Kapisoda suspected of killing Pajčin before taking his own life. The untimely demise of this promising model and reality TV star sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left a void in the lives of those who knew him. Kapisoda’s legacy, however, lives on through his captivating photographs and the memories of his infectious energy and genuine warmth. Filip Kapisoda’s tragic death overshadowed his promising career and the joy he brought to others. His legacy, however, lies in his ability to captivate and inspire. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we share with loved ones.
1994 – Dylann Roof – is an American white supremacist and mass murderer who is currently serving time on death row for the Charleston church shooting on June 17, 2015. In the shooting, Roof killed nine black churchgoers during a prayer meeting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Roof was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on April 3, 1994. He was raised in a working-class family and attended White Knoll High School and Dreher High School. He was a quiet and introverted student who was not known to be involved in any extracurricular activities. In high school, Roof began to express racist and anti-Semitic views. He was known to make racist comments and to listen to white supremacist music. He also became interested in guns and began to collect them. In 2014, Roof dropped out of high school and moved to Charleston. He worked a variety of jobs, including as a cook and a dishwasher. He also continued to express his racist views online and in person. On June 17, 2015, Roof entered Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston and opened fire during a prayer meeting. He killed nine black churchgoers, including three members of the church’s clergy. Roof then surrendered to the police. Roof pleaded guilty to 33 federal charges, including hate crimes. He was sentenced to death on January 11, 2017. His case is currently on appeal. The Charleston church shooting was a horrific act of violence that shocked the nation. It was also a reminder of the enduring problem of racism in America. The shooting has had a lasting impact on the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church community and the city of Charleston.
Deaths
Jesse James
1882 – Jesse Woodson James – born on September 5, 1847, in Clay County, Missouri, was an American outlaw, bank and train robber, guerrilla, and leader of the James–Younger Gang. He grew up in a large family of nine children, and his parents, Robert and Zerelda James, were supporters of the Southern cause during the American Civil War. At the age of 14, he joined William Quantrill’s Confederate guerrilla band, participating in several raids and battles, and honing his skills in horsemanship, marksmanship, and guerrilla warfare. After the Civil War, Jesse and his brother Frank returned to their family farm but soon found themselves involved in a series of daring robberies. In 1867, they joined forces with the Younger brothers to form the James–Younger Gang, notorious for robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches throughout the Midwest. Their most famous robbery was the failed heist of the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota, in 1876. Jesse James was killed by Robert Ford, one of his gang members, on April 3, 1882. Despite his death, his legend lives on, with his grave in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, Missouri, becoming a popular tourist destination. His story has been told and retold countless times, making him one of the most iconic figures in American history. Remembered as a complex and contradictory figure, he was a ruthless outlaw, yet also seen as a Robin Hood-like figure by some. His legacy continues to be debated today.
1936 – Richard Hauptmann – born on November 26, 1899, in Kamenz, Germany, was an unlikely figure to become embroiled in one of the most infamous crimes of the 20th century. A carpenter by trade, Hauptmann led a relatively unremarkable life until he was arrested in 1934 for the kidnapping and murder of Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of aviator Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Hauptmann’s life before the kidnapping was marked by both stability and instability. He grew up in a working-class family and received a basic education. After completing his apprenticeship as a carpenter, he served in the German military during World War I. Following the war, he emigrated to the United States in 1923, hoping for a better life. However, Hauptmann’s life in America was far from easy. He struggled to find steady work and faced financial hardship. In 1934, he became involved with a group of individuals who were plotting to kidnap Lindbergh Jr., believing that the ransom money would solve his financial problems. On March 1, 1932, the Lindbergh baby was abducted from his nursery in Hopewell, New Jersey. The crime sent shockwaves through the nation, and a massive manhunt was launched. Hauptmann was eventually identified as a suspect after a ransom note written in his handwriting was found near the Lindbergh home. In 1935, Hauptmann went on trial for the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby. The trial was a media circus, and the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence against Hauptmann, including the ransom money found in his garage and the ladder used to access the Lindbergh home. Hauptmann maintained his innocence throughout the trial, but the jury convicted him of the kidnapping and murder of Lindbergh Jr. He was sentenced to death, and his execution took place on April 3, 1936, at New Jersey State Prison. Even in death, Hauptmann’s guilt was questioned by some. His supporters argued that there was insufficient evidence to convict him and that the prosecution had railroaded him in a rush to find a scapegoat. However, the overwhelming evidence against Hauptmann, including the ransom money and the ladder, has led most historians to conclude that he was indeed responsible for the crime. The Lindbergh kidnapping was a watershed moment in American history, and the trial of Richard Hauptmann became a media spectacle that captivated the nation. The crime and its aftermath continue to fascinate and horrify people to this day, serving as a reminder of the depths of human depravity and the lengths to which individuals will go for money and fame.
1971 – Joseph Valachi – born in New York City on September 22, 1904, was a notorious mobster who played a pivotal role in exposing the inner workings of the Italian-American Mafia. His decision to testify against his former associates in 1963 shattered the organization’s code of silence, known as omertà, and provided the first glimpse into its secretive world. Valachi’s journey into the criminal underworld began at a young age. He was born into a poor family and turned to petty crime to survive. In the 1930s, he joined the Genovese crime family, one of the five major Mafia families in New York City. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted lieutenant of Vito Genovese, the family’s boss. Despite his elevated position, Valachi’s life within the Mafia was far from glamorous. He was involved in many violent crimes, including extortion, murder, and drug trafficking. He also endured physical and psychological abuse at the hands of his fellow mobsters. In 1962, Valachi’s loyalty to Genovese was tested when he was falsely accused of murdering Albert Anastasia, the boss of the Gambino crime family. Fearing for his life, Valachi sought protection from the FBI, agreeing to testify against his former associates in exchange for immunity. Valachi’s testimony before the McClellan Committee, a Senate subcommittee investigating organized crime, was explosive. He provided detailed accounts of the Mafia’s structure, operations, and rituals, including the use of the term “cosa nostra” (our thing), which became synonymous with the Mafia. Valachi’s revelations caused a sensation, shattering the Mafia’s image of secrecy and impunity. While his testimony did not directly lead to the prosecution of many high-ranking mobsters, it marked a turning point in the government’s efforts to combat organized crime. The years following his testimony were difficult for Valachi. He was ostracized by the Mafia and his family, and his life was in constant danger. He spent the rest of his life under government protection, dying of a heart attack in 1971 at the Federal Correctional Institution in La Tuna, Texas. Joseph Valachi’s legacy is complex and controversial. While he is often portrayed as a hero for exposing the Mafia, his actions also led to the deaths of many individuals, including his own. His life serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of organized crime and the devastating consequences of living a life bound by violence and betrayal.
1995 – James Daniel Simpson – An American mass murderer who suffered from severe depression and visited his old place of employment, Walter Rossler Co. shot his former boss Walter and his wife Joann, and then continued through the building shooting three more employees before leaving by the back door and taking his own life
1997 – David Wayne Spence – was a man who spent the majority of his life entangled in a legal battle that ultimately ended with his execution in 1997. Born in 1956, Spence found himself at the center of the infamous 1982 Lake Waco murders, a brutal crime that left three people dead. He was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death, but the case against him was riddled with inconsistencies and allegations of witness coercion. Despite numerous appeals and claims of innocence, Spence remained behind bars until his execution by lethal injection on April 3, 1997. The Lake Waco murders, which took place on the evening of August 14, 1982, shocked the small town of Waco, Texas. The victims were two brothers, David and Jerry Ray Jones, and their friend, John Jarmon. Their bodies were discovered in a secluded area near Lake Waco, bearing signs of brutal torture and execution. The investigation into the murders led to the arrest and prosecution of three men: Anthony Melendez, Gilbert Melendez, and David Wayne Spence. Anthony and Gilbert Melendez were convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison, but Spence’s trial was particularly controversial. Spence’s defense attorneys argued that the prosecution’s case was based on unreliable witness testimony, including that of two inmates who claimed Spence had confessed to the murders while in jail. However, these inmates later recanted their statements, alleging that they had been pressured by law enforcement to implicate Spence. Despite these inconsistencies and the lack of physical evidence linking Spence to the crime, he was convicted of capital murder in 1984 and sentenced to death. Over the next decade, his case was appealed multiple times, with Spence consistently maintaining his innocence. In 1996, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted Spence a new trial, citing concerns about the fairness of his original trial. However, before the new trial could proceed, Spence was re-sentenced to death by a Texas jury in 1997. Facing the prospect of another execution, Spence’s legal team appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, but their petition was denied. On April 3, 1997, David Wayne Spence was executed by lethal injection at the Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. Spence’s execution sparked renewed debate about the fairness of the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving capital punishment. His case remains a controversial one, with many believing that he was wrongfully convicted and executed.
1998 – Kuang Yingxue – A Chinese former schoolteacher & mass murderer who was apparently frustrated and annoyed that he had been passed over for a citation so he set off a bomb at his primary school during a citation ceremony killing six people including himself, a further 43 people were injured during the bombing
2001 – Jason Eric Massey – was an American murderer who was executed on April 3, 2001, for the brutal murders of two teenagers, 13-year-old Christina Benjamin and her 14-year-old half-brother, James Brian King. The crimes, committed on July 27, 1993, shocked the small town of Telico, Texas, and exposed Massey’s dark and violent nature. Born on January 7, 1973, in Ellis County, Texas, Massey was reportedly raised in a troubled home with a history of violence and instability. As a child, he displayed disturbing behaviors, including cruelty to animals, which culminated in his fascination with decapitating and mutilating dogs, cats, and cows. He even preserved their skulls in coolers as trophies. Massey’s behavior escalated in his teenage years, and he was arrested multiple times for minor offenses. His violent tendencies became more pronounced in 1993 when he began stalking Christina Benjamin, a classmate he had developed a fixation on. On the fateful day of July 27, Massey lured Benjamin and her half-brother, King, to a rural road under the pretense of a camping trip. Once they were isolated, Massey unleashed his pent-up rage, savagely attacking the unsuspecting teenagers. He strangled Benjamin to death, then turned his attention to King, whom he bludgeoned with a pipe and then stabbed multiple times. The horrific crime scene was discovered the following day by a road worker, sending shockwaves through the community. Massey was arrested a short time later and confessed to the murders, revealing disturbing details of the attack. He was charged with capital murder and put on trial, where his history of animal cruelty and stalking behavior was brought to light. The jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to death. While on death row, Massey reportedly converted to Christianity and expressed remorse for his crimes. However, his execution on April 3, 2001, brought closure to the lives of the Benjamin and King families
2003 – Scott Allen Hain – born on June 2, 1970, was an American murderer executed by the state of Oklahoma for the murders of Michael William Houghton and Laura Lee Sanders on January 15, 1988. He was 17 at the time of the crime. Hain was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was the youngest of four children. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather. He dropped out of public school in Tulsa in the eighth grade. Hain and his accomplice, 18-year-old Robert Wayne Lambert, abducted Houghton and Sanders from a convenience store parking lot in Tulsa. They drove the couple to a secluded area, forced them to lie down in a ditch, and then shot them. Hain and Lambert were arrested the following day. Hain confessed to his involvement in the murders, and Lambert pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder. Both were convicted and sentenced to death. Hain’s conviction and sentence were appealed to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals and the Oklahoma Supreme Court, but his appeals were denied. His execution date was set for April 3, 2003. On the day of his execution, Hain declined to make a final statement. He was executed by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Oklahoma, at the age of 32. Hain was the last person executed in the United States for crimes committed as a juvenile. His execution was controversial and sparked numerous protests. His case has been the subject of much debate and discussion. Some believe that he should not have been executed because he was a juvenile, while others believe that he received a fair trial and that the death penalty was the appropriate punishment for his crimes. Hain’s case raises important questions about the death penalty, juvenile justice, and the role of the courts. It is likely to continue to be debated for years to come. Scott Allen Hain’s life and death were tragic and marked by violence and loss. His case is a reminder of the complexities of the death penalty and the challenges of providing justice for victims and their families.
2006 – David “Chippa” Mateane – Furious over a failed relationship with his girlfriend, Superintendent Chippa Mateane barged into her Krugersdorp home, barricading the doors and unleashing a horrific spree of violence. After an eight-hour standoff with his fellow officers, Mateane was eventually killed in a shootout. The brutal incident resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including Mateane’s girlfriend Poppy Mosia, two other women, a one-year-old boy, and four senior police officers. Two more individuals were injured and hospitalized. The tragedy unfolded in Mosia’s Tarlton residence, where Mateane left a note asserting his perceived importance, expressing a desire for love and respect, adorned with an image of a panda bear. The crime scene revealed shattered doors, bullet-riddled floors, and an atmosphere of chaos. As Mosia lay dying, her niece, Masabata Molobi, managed to call for help, alerting a friend named John Amanda. Amanda arrived to find Mateane gone, heading to Kagiso police station where he killed four senior officers. Mosia’s best friend, Nonhlanhla Makgate, revealed Mateane’s extreme jealousy and suspicions of infidelity, leading to the end of their eight-year relationship. Despite warnings from friends about Mateane’s potential for violence, the breakup took a tragic turn. Poppy Mosia, a successful businesswoman, was described by her uncle as an up-and-coming entrepreneur who had achieved financial independence. The motive behind Mateane’s rampage remains unclear, leaving authorities and the community shocked by the unprecedented violence. Mateane’s killing spree extended beyond his personal circle, reaching his brother in Sebokeng, who survived but is in critical condition. A pedestrian was also fatally caught in the crossfire as police pursued Mateane through Sebokeng. Despite initial impressions of Mateane as a “cool guy” and a “nice gentleman” within the police force, the incident left the community and authorities grappling with the incomprehensible rage that led to such senseless carnage. National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi expressed deep concern and an inability to understand the motivations behind Mateane’s actions.
2014 – Tommy Lynn Sells – born on June 28, 1964, in Oakland, California, was an American serial killer who terrorized the United States for over two decades, committing over 70 murders. Known for his brutality and ability to blend into society, Sells had a troubled childhood marked by poverty, neglect, and abuse. His criminal history began at the age of 16 with an arrest for assaulting a neighbor, followed by arrests for crimes including burglary, theft, and drug possession. In 1983, he was convicted of second-degree murder for killing a 9-year-old girl in Missouri and sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released on parole after serving only seven years. His release marked the beginning of a killing spree that spanned over two decades, during which he targeted vulnerable victims across the United States, often torturing them before their deaths. His reign of terror ended in 1999 when he was arrested and sentenced to death for the murder of a 13-year-old girl in Texas. Sells, who also confessed to the murders of two other girls in Texas, was executed by lethal injection on April 3, 2014, at the age of 49. His horrific and senseless crimes, which caused immense pain and suffering, underscore the importance of mental health support, as he had a long history of mental health problems. In the wake of his crimes, efforts to improve mental health services in the United States have helped reduce the number of violent crimes committed by people with mental illness.
2018 – Nasim Najafi Aghdam – a Persian-American woman born on April 4, 1977, in Urmia, Iran, gained notoriety for her tragic actions at the YouTube headquarters in San Bruno, California, on April 3, 2018. Her parents, immigrants from the Republic of Azerbaijan, raised her and her two siblings, Shahran and an unnamed sister. In 1996, the family moved to the United States, settling in San Diego, California, where Nasim developed interests in bodybuilding and veganism. She started a YouTube channel in 2010, posting videos of her workouts, cooking, and lifestyle, and used this platform to promote veganism and animal rights. Claiming to be the first Persian TV commercial and music video maker for this cause, she amassed more than 5,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 1 million views on her videos. She also maintained a page on DailyMotion. However, Nasim grew increasingly unhappy with YouTube’s policies and practices, accusing them of discriminating against her videos by demonetizing them and failing to support Iranian creators. On April 3, 2018, she entered the YouTube headquarters via an exterior parking garage and approached an outdoor patio where employees were having lunch. Armed with a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol, she opened fire, wounding three people before turning the gun on herself. Nasim’s actions sent shockwaves around the world, igniting debates about online harassment, censorship, free speech, gun control, mental health, and animal welfare, and raising questions about the role of social media platforms in propagating hate speech and violence.
Events
The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski is apprehended
1913 – British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst is sentenced to 3 years in jail
1996 – The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski is apprehended
2019 – Jiverly Wong killed 13 people, injured 4, and then shot himself during a shooting in Binghampton, New York
2018 – YouTube HQ shooting