Births

Jack Sheppard

1702 – Jack Sheppard – was a notorious English thief and legendary escape artist of the 18th century. Born into poverty in London, Sheppard’s early life was marked by hardship, and he turned to a life of crime at a young age. Despite his criminal activities, Sheppard’s story is often romanticized, and he became a folk hero for his daring escapes and defiance of authority.  Sheppard gained notoriety for his impressive ability to break out of various prisons, earning him the nickname “Jack the Houdini of London.” His escapes were often dramatic and involved ingenious methods of overcoming locks and constraints. His exploits captured the public’s imagination, and he became a symbol of resistance against the oppressive social conditions of the time.  Throughout his criminal career, Sheppard’s charm and charisma endeared him to many, even as he eluded capture time and again. His escapades were celebrated in popular ballads and stories, further solidifying his status as a folk hero. However, Sheppard’s luck eventually ran out, and he was apprehended in 1724.  Despite numerous attempts to break free, Sheppard was sentenced to death and executed at Tyburn on November 16, 1724. His life and exploits have since been the subject of numerous plays, novels, and films, contributing to his lasting legacy as a charismatic and enigmatic figure in English criminal history. Jack Sheppard’s story continues to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the complex interplay between crime, society, and individual resilience in 18th-century London.

1936 – Robert Garrow – was an American serial killer and rapist who terrorized the Adirondack region of New York in the 1970s. Born in Mineville, New York, Garrow’s early life showed signs of a troubled and violent nature. As a young man, he faced several criminal charges, including assault and burglary, which foreshadowed the dark path he would eventually take.  Garrow’s criminal activities escalated in the early 1970s when he began a spree of violent rapes and murders. His victims were often young women, and the brutality of his crimes shocked the local community. Garrow’s ability to evade capture for an extended period added an element of fear and mystique to his notoriety.  In 1973, Garrow’s reign of terror came to an end when he was apprehended by law enforcement. He was subsequently convicted of multiple counts of murder and sexual assault, leading to a life sentence. While in prison, Garrow attempted to escape but was unsuccessful.  In 1978, Robert Garrow met a violent end when he was killed by a fellow inmate during a prison altercation. His crimes and the subsequent investigation have left a lasting impact on the Adirondack region and serve as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by individuals with a propensity for extreme violence.  The case of Robert Garrow remains a grim chapter in criminal history, prompting ongoing discussions about the nature of violence, the criminal justice system, and the profound effects of such heinous acts on the communities they touch.

1948 – Lindy Chamberlain – Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, born Alice Lynne Murchison is an Australian woman whose life became the center of one of the most infamous legal sagas in the country’s history. Lindy gained international attention due to the tragic and controversial events surrounding the disappearance of her baby daughter, Azaria Chamberlain, on August 17, 1980, during a family camping trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Northern Territory.  Lindy and her husband, Michael Chamberlain, asserted that a dingo (a wild dog) had taken their baby from their tent. However, the circumstances surrounding Azaria’s disappearance, coupled with Lindy’s calm demeanor and religious beliefs, fueled suspicion and skepticism. The case took a dramatic turn when, in 1982, Lindy was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, while Michael was found guilty as an accessory after the fact.  Throughout Lindy’s imprisonment, she maintained her innocence, consistently maintaining that a dingo had taken her daughter. The case underwent several legal reviews and appeals, and in 1986, new evidence emerged, leading to Lindy’s release from prison. A piece of Azaria’s clothing, found near a dingo lair, supported the Chamberlains’ original claim. The case was officially reopened, and Lindy’s conviction was overturned.  The Chamberlain case had a profound impact on public opinion, legal proceedings, and the media’s role in shaping narratives. Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton’s life story highlights the complexities of justice, the impact of public perception on legal outcomes, and the enduring trauma experienced by those wrongfully accused. Lindy has since become an advocate for criminal justice reform and has spoken openly about her journey and the lasting effects of the ordeal on her and her family.

1950 – Louis Jones Jr – was a former United States Army soldier whose life became the focus of attention due to his involvement in a high-profile criminal case. Born in Shelby County, Tennessee, Jones served in the military for over 20 years, rising to the rank of master sergeant.  However, Jones’s life took a dark turn when he kidnapped, raped, and murdered Private Tracie McBride, a young female soldier stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas. The crime occurred in 1995, and Jones was apprehended shortly afterward. During the investigation and trial, it was revealed that Jones had a history of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his military service.  In 1996, Louis Jones Jr. was convicted of the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Tracie McBride. His defense argued that his mental health issues, exacerbated by his military experiences, played a significant role in the commission of the crime. Despite this, Jones was sentenced to death.  Jones’s case drew attention from various advocacy groups and mental health organizations, who highlighted the connection between his military service, mental health struggles, and the heinous crime he committed. Despite pleas for clemency, Louis Jones Jr. was executed by lethal injection on March 18, 2003, at the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.  The case of Louis Jones Jr. remains a tragic example of the intersection between mental health, military service, and the criminal justice system. It prompted discussions about the treatment of veterans with PTSD and raised questions about the appropriateness of the death penalty in cases involving individuals with documented mental health issues.

1959 – Kim Anthony McMichen – His life took a tragic turn when, on November 16, 1990, he committed a heinous crime that resulted in the death of his estranged wife, Luan McMichen, aged 27, and her boyfriend, Jeff Robinson, also aged 27. The incident occurred after a period of harassment following the couple’s separation in January 1990. McMichen, who had no prior criminal convictions, was sentenced to death on August 6, 1993, for the two counts of malice murder. His case was reviewed by the Georgia Supreme Court, which affirmed the death sentence. Kim Anthony McMichen passed away on October 25, 2009.

1962 – Thomas Henry Battle – In the early morning hours of July 5, 1980, Thomas Battle and Tracy Rowan were in Battle’s bedroom, engaging in the consumption of beer and illicit substances. It was during this time that Battle proposed the idea of burglarizing the apartment of Ms. Birdie Johnson, an 80-year-old neighbor of Battle’s.  To gain entry, the duo ripped the screen from an open kitchen window, enabling them to enter Ms. Johnson’s apartment. Upon entering, Battle seized a twelve-inch butcher knife. Tragically, evidence revealed that while inside, Ms. Johnson endured a horrific ordeal of brutal beatings and sexual assault, resulting in the ransacking of her apartment.  At a critical juncture, Battle, aware that Ms. Johnson had witnessed their faces, declared that she must not survive. The elderly victim was subjected to relentless stabbing with the butcher knife, culminating in a fatal thrust below her left eye. Shockingly, Ms. Johnson remained conscious, offering prayers, as Battle and Rowan vacated the apartment.  Between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m., a concerned neighbor, awakened by knocking sounds, approached Ms. Johnson’s residence. Upon hearing moans, the neighbor forcibly entered the apartment and discovered Ms. Johnson lying on the floor. Emergency services were summoned, and Ms. Johnson was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries at 5:45 a.m.  The cause of death was determined to be severe head trauma, cranial hemorrhaging, multiple facial and body bruises, chest and back lacerations, eight rib fractures, lung lacerations, and shock. Subsequent police investigations, prompted by interviews with various individuals, led them to Thomas Battle. Following further inquiry, Battle eventually confessed to his involvement in the brutal beating and stabbing of Ms. Birdie Johnson.

1962 – Tommy Ray Pruitt – is known for his involvement in a tragic and serious criminal case. Born on March 4, 1962, Pruitt became infamous for the murder of Morgan County Warrant Officer Daniel Starnes on June 14, 2001. The incident occurred when Officer Starnes pulled Pruitt over on a rural county road, suspecting him of involvement in a burglary and possession of stolen firearms. A gun battle ensued, resulting in Officer Starnes suffering five gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries nearly a month later, on July 10, 2001.  Pruitt, who was shot seven times during the confrontation, survived and was subsequently arrested. He had prior felony convictions, including Robbery in 1981 and Forgery in 1988. Pruitt was convicted of Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Law Enforcement, and as a Habitual Offender. On November 21, 2003, he was sentenced to death, along with additional years totaling 115 years of imprisonment.  However, Pruitt’s death sentence was later overturned due to findings that he was intellectually disabled, with an IQ of 60, and his trial attorney’s failure to effectively present evidence of his schizophrenia. His case was returned to state court for resentencing.

1963 – Robert Jean Hudson – became enraged when he called his ex-girlfriend, 35-year-old Edith Kendrick, and heard another man’s voice in the background. Fueled by jealousy, Hudson proceeded to her apartment, where he forcefully kicked open the door. Inside, he found Edith standing near the bed and another man, Spearman, hastily pulling up his pants on the couch.  In a fit of rage, Hudson brandished a knife and attacked Edith. Spearman managed to escape through a second exit, promptly calling 911 from a payphone. Meanwhile, as Hudson slashed at Edith, her eight-year-old son, Colby, bravely intervened to protect his mother. Tragically, Hudson inflicted severe cuts on Colby’s throat, neck, and fingers, prompting the bleeding child to flee from the apartment.  Edith, in a desperate attempt to escape the assailant, ran towards the stairs on the front balcony, where Hudson relentlessly stabbed her multiple times. The police swiftly responded to the emergency, apprehending Hudson at a nearby convenience store. Upon returning to Edith’s apartment, witnesses positively identified him.  Notably, Hudson had been on parole for approximately six months following a forgery conviction and had a disturbing criminal history, including eight prior convictions, including a 1987 conviction for murder. The incident revealed a disturbing pattern of violence and criminal behavior in Hudson’s past, culminating in a horrifying attack that left multiple victims, including a young child, severely injured.

1964 – Vincent Juan Prowell – is known for his involvement in a tragic incident that occurred on May 27, 1993, in Evansville, Indiana. On that day, Prowell committed a double homicide, taking the lives of Chris Fillbright and Denise Powers, both 22 years old at the time. The victims were a neighbor and her friend, and the method of murder was shooting.  Prowell was sentenced to death on May 5, 1994, but his sentence was commuted to life in prison on January 11, 2001. He was diagnosed with a paranoid personality disorder and had no significant history of prior criminal conduct. His upbringing was described as dysfunctional, and he may have been physically and emotionally abused. The extreme mental or emotional distress he experienced was considered a mitigating circumstance in his case.  On February 27, 2002, Prowell entered a plea of Guilty But Mentally Ill to two counts of Murder under a Plea Agreement calling for a sentence of up to 100 years imprisonment. On March 9, 2002, Vanderburgh County Circuit Court Judge Carl A. Heldt sentenced Prowell to the maximum 50 years on each count, for a total of 100 years imprisonment.

1967 – Richard Strong – On October 23, 2000, at 3:30 p.m., St. Ann police received a distressing 911 call that was abruptly disconnected. Alarmed by a subsequent replay of the call, which revealed a scream, the dispatcher diligently attempted to redial the number until officers promptly arrived at the location approximately two minutes later.  The originating address was the apartment where Eva resided with her two daughters. Zandrea Thomas, the older daughter, was two years old, and the father of the other child, a three-month-old, was identified as Strong.  Upon arrival, officers knocked on the apartment doors, initially receiving no response. Persistence led them to Strong, who eventually answered the back door. In response to police inquiries, Strong initially claimed Eva and the children were sleeping. However, his inconsistent responses prompted further questioning.  As the police sought information about Eva, Strong asserted that she had gone to work, a statement at odds with the initial claim of her being asleep. When questioned about the children, Strong assured the officers they were inside. Suspicions heightened, the police requested permission to check on the children, but Strong, claiming to have locked himself out, knocked on the door, calling for someone inside to open it.  During this interaction, officers observed Strong sweating profusely, dark stains on his jeans’ knees, and blood on his left hand. Concerned by these indicators, they instructed Strong to step aside and forcibly entered the apartment when he failed to comply. A pursuit ensued when Strong attempted to flee, during which he implored the officers to shoot him. Upon his capture and subsequent restraint, Strong confessed, stating, “I killed them.”  Inside the apartment, a gruesome scene awaited the police: the lifeless bodies of Eva and Zandrea were discovered in a back bedroom, both having suffered multiple stab wounds. A large butcher knife and a three-month-old baby were found on the bed amidst a pool of blood.  Autopsies revealed the extent of the brutality: Eva had endured 21 stab wounds and five slash wounds, with the tip of the knife embedded in her skull. Zandrea, the two-year-old, had suffered nine stab wounds and 12 slash wounds.  Strong faced charges for both murders, leading to a trial in St. Louis County where a jury returned a guilty verdict. In the subsequent penalty phase trial, the jury identified two statutory aggravators for each murder, recommending a death sentence for Strong, which the trial court duly imposed.

1968 – Julian Knight – is an Australian criminal known for committing the Hoddle Street massacre. On the evening of August 9, 1987, Knight carried out a shooting spree in Clifton Hill, Victoria, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to 19 others. Knight, a former staff cadet at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, was sentenced to seven concurrent terms of life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 27 years.  Knight’s early life was marked by frequent relocations due to his family’s strong military ties. He was adopted at ten days old by a family with a history in the army, living in various locations including Melbourne, Puckapunyal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. After his parents’ divorce when he was 12, he attended several schools, including Westbourne Grammar School, Fitzroy High School, and Melbourne High School. Knight was known for his interest in military history, particularly World War II and Nazi Germany.  Despite being eligible for parole in 2014, Knight remains incarcerated due to legislation passed by the Victorian government, which aims to keep him imprisoned until he dies or is no longer deemed a danger to others. His challenges to this legislation have been unsuccessful, with his final appeal to the High Court rejected in August 2017. Knight’s case has been a subject of legal and public debate in Australia.

1969 – Kevin Scott Varga – He became known for his involvement in a criminal case that led to his execution by lethal injection on May 12, 2010, in Huntsville, Texas, at the age of 41. Varga was convicted for the murder of a man during a robbery.  In 1998, Varga, along with his 17-year-old girlfriend Venus Anderson, his friend Billy John Galloway, and Galloway’s girlfriend Deannee Bayless, left South Dakota where they were all on probation or parole. They intended to travel to Mexico but were involved in criminal activities that led to Varga’s conviction and subsequent execution.

1970 – Tyrone Lamont Baker – An American thief who in the process of robbing, murdered 3 elderly people

1971 – Kenneth Wayne Morris – was a convicted murderer who was executed on his 38th birthday, March 4, 2009, for the 1991 robbery-murder of retired Houston paint company owner James Moody Adams. On the morning of May 1, 1991, Adams and his wife were awakened by a loud noise. As Adams investigated, he was confronted by Morris and two accomplices, who demanded guns. When Adams stated he had no firearms and offered cash instead, Morris fatally shot him four times after taking the money.  Morris spent his final moments expressing remorse to the victim’s family and love for his friends, one of whom he had married by proxy. His last meal request was a white cake with lemon icing. The execution took place in Huntsville, Texas, and was one of several that year in the state. Morris’ case is a stark reminder of the irreversible nature of capital punishment and the profound impact violent crimes have on the families involved. His story has been recounted in various sources, reflecting on the consequences of crime and the justice system’s response.

1975 – Jose Ernesto Medellin Rojas – was a Mexican national who was executed by lethal injection in Texas for the murders of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Peña in Houston. Born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Medellín’s case drew international attention due to legal controversies surrounding the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.  On June 24, 1993, Medellín participated in the gang-related murders of 14-year-old Jennifer Ertman and 16-year-old Elizabeth Peña. The girls were brutally raped and killed while taking a shortcut through a park in Houston. Medellín and five others were convicted of the crime, which was part of a gang initiation rite.  Medellín’s conviction became a subject of international dispute when Mexico sued the United States at the International Court of Justice, asserting that the U.S. had violated the Vienna Convention by not informing Medellín of his right to consular assistance. The International Court of Justice ruled that the U.S. had indeed violated its treaty obligations, but the U.S. Supreme Court, in Medellín v. Texas, ultimately allowed the execution to proceed. Medellín’s final words expressed remorse for his actions and conveyed a message of love and forgiveness. His execution on August 5, 2008, marked the end of a case that highlighted complex issues of international law, human rights, and capital punishment.

Deaths

Thomas “Fatty” Walsh

1929 – Thomas “Fatty” Walsh – was a notorious figure in the New York underworld during the Prohibition era. He was born in the early 20th century and met his untimely demise on March 4, 1929.    Walsh was known for his involvement in narcotics and had ties with some of the most infamous names in the mob world, including Dutch Schultz and Charles “Lucky” Luciano. His criminal activities also led him to become an associate of Arnold Rothstein, a prominent figure in organized crime, with whom he served as a bodyguard alongside Jack “Legs” Diamond.  His life was marked by numerous run-ins with the law, having been arrested eight times since 1914, although he was only convicted twice. Despite his criminal record, Walsh managed to maintain a significant presence in the gangster scene of his time.  The end of Walsh’s life was as dramatic as his career. He was killed in a gambling dispute at the Miami Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. The incident occurred in a suite that had been converted into an illicit gambling den, frequented by high-rollers of the underworld. The exact circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery, as the case was never solved, and his ghost is rumored to haunt the hotel elevator, with tales of doors opening and closing and lights blinking on and off.  Thomas “Fatty” Walsh’s life story is a testament to the turbulent times of the Prohibition era, where the lines between law and outlaw were often blurred, and where fortunes—and lives—could be made or lost with the pull of a trigger. His legacy continues to intrigue those fascinated by the history of American organized crime.

1944 – Louis Buchalter – was a notorious figure in the American underworld, best known for his role as the head of the Mafia hit squad Murder, Inc. during the tumultuous 1930s. Born on February 6, 1897, in New York City’s Lower East Side, Buchalter’s life was steeped in crime from a young age.  His criminal career began with petty theft and burglary, but he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the premier labor racketeers in New York City. Buchalter’s operations were vast and lucrative, earning him nearly $50 million a year from his various enterprises.  Buchalter’s family background was as complex as his criminal dealings. His mother, Rose Buchalter, affectionately called him “Lepkeleh” (Yiddish for “little Louis”), which later became “Lepke.” He had one sister and three brothers, who pursued respectable careers as a dentist, a college professor and rabbi, and a pharmacist.  Despite his family’s attempts at a legitimate life, Buchalter’s path was marked by incarceration and criminal enterprise. His first arrest came in the fall of 1915 on burglary charges, but they were dismissed. He was sentenced to 18 months at Sing Sing state penitentiary in New York for larceny in 1917 and returned to Sing Sing on a 30-month sentence for attempted burglary in 1920.  Buchalter’s rise to power was characterized by his association with childhood friend and fellow mobster Jacob “Gurrah” Shapiro. Together, they built a criminal empire that would become the foundation of the modern Mafia. However, Buchalter’s reign came to an end when he became the only major Mafia figure to be executed after being convicted of murder. On March 4, 1944, Buchalter was executed by electrocution at Sing Sing Prison, marking a dramatic close to a life of crime.  Louis “Lepke” Buchalter’s biography is a stark reminder of the dark side of the American Dream, where ambition and ruthlessness often led to power and wealth, but also to a violent and untimely end. His legacy remains a significant chapter in the history of organized crime in the United States.

1944 –  Louis Capone – was a significant figure in the organized crime world of New York during the 1930s, known for his involvement with the infamous Murder, Inc. He was born on September 5, 1896, in Naples, Italy, and immigrated to the United States with his family, settling in the Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York.  Capone was not related to the notorious Al Capone of the Chicago Outfit but made a name for himself as a supervisor for Murder, Inc., a group of contract killers that operated out of Brooklyn. This gang was composed of Jewish and Italian gangsters who carried out hits for the Mafia during the Prohibition era.   His legitimate front was a pasticceria, an Italian-style café that served coffee and pastries, which became a popular hangout for teenagers, including future gang leaders Abe Reles and Harry Maione. Capone used this establishment to build rapport with these young men, who would later become his protégés in crime.   Capone’s criminal activities extended beyond the café, as he had strong connections with the Purple Gang of Detroit and was involved in loansharking operations in both Detroit and New York. He also engaged in labor racketeering with the local Plasterers Union and had close ties with mobster Joe Adonis.  His downfall came with his participation in the murder of Joseph Rosen in 1936, a hit ordered by Louis “Lepke” Buchalter, the boss of Murder, Inc., to silence Rosen, who could have implicated Buchalter in criminal activities. Capone was convicted of murder in 1941 and, after a series of trials and appeals, was sentenced to death.   Louis Capone’s life ended on March 4, 1944, when he was executed by electrocution at Sing Sing Prison alongside his associates Emanuel Weiss and Mendy Weiss. His story is a grim reminder of the violent and ruthless nature of organized crime during one of its most notorious periods.

1944 – Emanuel “Mendy” Weiss – was an American organized crime figure associated with the notorious Louis Buchalter and the criminal organization known as Murder, Inc. during the 1930s. Weiss became one of Buchalter’s most trusted associates, starting as an enforcer for the labor rackets and eventually rising to a position of power within the organization.  Weiss was involved in several high-profile contract killings for the National Crime Syndicate, including the infamous murder of Dutch Schultz on October 23, 1935. Along with Charles “the Bug” Workman, Weiss entered the Palace Chophouse in Newark, New Jersey, and carried out the hit on Schultz and his three associates. Following the murder, Weiss fled the scene, leaving Workman behind, which led to a complaint filed against him by Workman to the “board” of Murder, Inc.  Despite his involvement in narcotics trafficking and multiple drug charges, Weiss was never sentenced for these crimes. However, he was arrested for murder in 1941, convicted, and subsequently executed by electrocution at Sing Sing Prison on March 4, 1944.

1955 – Carl Folk – an American convicted criminal, faced legal troubles in 1930 and 1949. In 1930, he was convicted in DeKalb County, Indiana, for committing a crime while armed with a pistol. The incident involved tying up a young couple, intending to potentially commit immoral acts or rape. Folk fled but was later apprehended and sentenced to one to five years in an Indiana prison.  In 1949, Folk faced charges of rape and contributory delinquency. Before the trial, he was committed to the New Mexico State Insane Asylum but was released in 1950. Despite being declared sane in 1953, Folk’s legal issues persisted. He was initially convicted for the crimes, but the Supreme Court of New Mexico reversed the decision due to concerns about his ability to cooperate with counsel during the trial.  The more significant incident occurred in December 1953 when Folk encountered Raymond and Betty Faye Allen in Arizona. After attempting to rob them, he tied them up, had sexual relations with Mrs. Allen, and subjected her to various forms of abuse. Mr. Allen managed to escape and sought help, leading to Folk’s capture. Mrs. Allen was found dead, and evidence suggested Folk intended to commit further atrocities, including burning their trailer. Folk was shot by Mr. Allen during his apprehension and later convicted of contributory delinquency, receiving a suspended sentence of five years. The evidence overwhelmingly supported Folk’s guilt, including kerosene found in the trailer, indicating an intention to cover up his crimes.

1987 – Eliseo Hernandez Moreno – was an American spree killer who committed a series of murders in Texas on October 11, 1983. Moreno’s rampage began when he sought out his estranged wife, Esther Garza, and ended up killing her along with his brother-in-law, Juan Garza. The violence continued as he murdered a Texas Highway Patrol trooper, Russell Boyd, and three other individuals before being apprehended.  Moreno was convicted of capital murder and multiple counts of murder for his crimes. Despite the severity of his actions, he refused any appeals and was executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit in Texas on March 4, 1987. His case is often cited in discussions about capital punishment in the United States. 

2003 – Jaba Loseliani – was a Georgian politician, writer, and the leader of the paramilitary organization Mkhedrioni. Born on July 10, 1926, in Khashuri, Georgia, he pursued Oriental studies at Leningrad University but did not graduate. Ioseliani’s life took a dramatic turn when he staged a bank robbery in Leningrad in 1948, resulting in a 17-year imprisonment in a Soviet jail. After his release in 1965, he later served another sentence for manslaughter.  Returning to Georgia, Ioseliani graduated from the Georgian Institute of Theater Arts and became a professor, writing several popular plays. His rise to prominence came as the leader of Mkhedrioni, which he founded in 1989. The group was heavily armed and aimed to defeat regional separatist elements in areas like Abkhazia and South Ossetia.  Ioseliani’s political career was marked by controversy and conflict. In December 1991, he escaped from prison and played a key role in a violent coup d’état that ousted President Zviad Gamsakhurdia. He served as a member of the “Military Council” that ruled Georgia from January to March 1992 and later became a member of the Georgian Parliament from 1992 to 1995.  His influence extended to the government of President Eduard Shevardnadze, who relied on Mkhedrioni militiamen due to weak state security forces. However, Ioseliani’s power came to an end when he was arrested in 1995 and sentenced to 11 years for banditry, terrorism, and conspiring to kill Shevardnadze. He denied the charges and was released in 2000 in a general amnesty.  Ioseliani’s health declined, and he suffered a heart attack on February 26, 2003. He passed away in a Tbilisi hospital on March 4, 2003.  His legacy remains a subject of debate, with views of him ranging from a nationalist and populist to a defender of Georgian sovereignty.

2003 – Laverne Pavlinac – was born on December 19, 1932, in Marshland, Oregon, and passed away on March 4, 2003, in West Linn, Oregon. She is known for her false confession to the murder of 23-year-old Taunja Bennett in Portland, Oregon, in 1990. Pavlinac also implicated her boyfriend, John Sosnovske, in the crime. Both were convicted, with Pavlinac receiving a 10-year sentence. They served almost 6 years before being exonerated when serial killer Keith Jesperson confessed to Bennett’s murder.  Pavlinac was raised in Clatskanie and graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1950. She worked as an aide at Dammasch State Hospital in Wilsonville. In her personal life, she married Warren Brown in 1950, who died in 1978, and later married Rudy Pavlinac that year, but he died in 1979.

2009 – Kenneth Wayne Morris – see above

2017 – Mother Divine – Edna Rose Ritchings, known as Mother Divine, was a central figure in the International Peace Mission movement. She was born on April 4, 1925, and gained recognition as Sweet Angel within the movement. She was the spouse of the movement’s founder, Father Divine.  She joined the movement as a young Canadian convert from Vancouver and became one of Father Divine’s personal secretaries. They married in a private ceremony on April 29, 1946. Despite their significant age difference, with her being 21 and Father Divine approximately 65 at the time of their marriage, she was a dedicated follower of his teachings.  After Father Divine passed away in 1965, Mother Divine assumed leadership of the International Peace Mission movement. She continued to lead the movement until her death on March 4, 2017, at the age of 91. She managed the movement’s activities from the Woodmont estate in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, which was both their residence and the headquarters of the Peace Mission.  Mother Divine’s legacy is characterized by her unwavering dedication to the Peace Mission’s principles and her efforts to uphold the movement’s values after Father Divine’s death. Her life exemplified her belief and the influence she had on the Peace Mission’s followers.

Events

Jimmy Hoffa

1804 – The Battle of Vinegar Hill, a colony of New South Wales, Australia when Irish convicts (some of whom had been involved in Ireland’s Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798) led the colony’s only significant convict uprising

1964 – Jimmy Hoffa is convicted of jury tampering

1969 – London East End gang bosses, twins Ronnie & Reggie Kray are found guilty of murder

1974 – Roger Panes killed his wife and four children with an axe before hanging himself with an electric cable