Births
Joseph Weil
1824 – John “Liver Eating” Johnson – born John Jeremiah Garrison Johnston in 1824 in Little York, New Jersey, is a legendary figure in American folklore and Western history. Known for his extraordinary frontier survival skills, Johnson became a mountain man, trapper, and Indian fighter whose life story has been immortalized in tales of adventure and retribution. In the mid-1840s, Johnson joined the Navy, but after striking an officer, he deserted and headed west, where he adopted the rugged lifestyle of a trapper and scout. Standing around 6 feet tall and weighing over 200 pounds, Johnson was a formidable presence in the wild. His moniker “Liver-Eating” came from his vow to exact vengeance on the Crow tribe after they allegedly killed his Flathead Indian wife. According to legend, Johnson would cut out and eat the livers of Crow warriors he killed, believing it to be a way to dishonor them in the afterlife. Over the next 25 years, Johnson’s vendetta against the Crow and his prowess in surviving the harsh conditions of the Rocky Mountains turned him into a figure of both fear and respect. He was known to have engaged in numerous hand-to-hand combats, outwitting and overpowering his adversaries with his brute strength and cunning tactics. In addition to his fierce reputation as a warrior, Johnson also served as a deputy sheriff in Coulson, Montana, and as a town marshal in Red Lodge, Montana. His life on the frontier intersected with other famous personalities of the time, including Kit Carson and Crazy Horse, further cementing his status in Western lore. Johnson’s story reached a broader audience with the publication of Raymond W. Thorp and Robert Bunker’s book “Crow Killer: The Saga of Liver-Eating Johnson” in 1958, and the subsequent film adaptation “Jeremiah Johnson” in 1972, starring Robert Redford. Although some aspects of his life have been exaggerated or mythologized, John “Liver-Eating” Johnson remains an enduring symbol of the rugged individualism and relentless spirit of the American West. Johnson passed away in 1900 in a veteran’s hospital in Los Angeles, California. He was initially buried in a Los Angeles cemetery, but in 1974, his remains were relocated to Cody, Wyoming, a testament to his lasting legacy in the annals of frontier history.
1853 – Elisabeth Wiese – Little is known about her early life, but it is clear that she experienced a difficult upbringing, marked by poverty and hardship. This challenging start would shape her later actions and decisions. Wiese initially trained as a midwife, a profession that provided her with both a cover for her criminal activities and access to vulnerable women. She worked in this capacity for several years, gaining the trust of many in her community. However, it was not long before she turned to more nefarious activities. In the late 19th century, Wiese became involved in illegal baby farming. Baby farming was a term used to describe the practice of taking in unwanted babies for a fee, often with the understanding that the children would be adopted or cared for. However, in many cases, the children were neglected, abused, or even murdered. Wiese was one of the most notorious figures in this grim industry, exploiting the desperation of unwed mothers and impoverished families. Elisabeth Wiese’s criminal activities eventually caught up with her. In 1902, she was arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder. The trial that followed was sensational, drawing significant media attention and public outrage. The evidence against her was overwhelming, including testimonies from numerous witnesses and physical evidence linking her to the deaths of several infants. Wiese was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. Her case highlighted the dire need for reforms in child welfare and the regulation of midwifery and adoption practices in Germany. Elisabeth Wiese was executed by guillotine on February 2, 1905, in Hamburg. Her execution marked the end of one of the most infamous baby farming operations in German history. Her life and crimes have since been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries, serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of women and children in society and the importance of regulatory oversight in professions involving childcare and adoption. The case of Elisabeth Wiese had a profound impact on public awareness regarding child welfare and the dangers of unregulated adoption practices. It also led to increased scrutiny of midwifery and foster care systems, ultimately contributing to reforms aimed at protecting children and supporting vulnerable families. Wiese’s story is a dark chapter in history, but it also serves as a catalyst for positive change in social policies and child protection laws.
1875 – Joseph Weil – was one of America’s most infamous con men, operating primarily in the early 20th century. His career spanned several decades, during which he perfected the art of the con, deceiving thousands and amassing a fortune through his schemes. Joseph Weil was born in Chicago, Illinois, to German immigrant parents. From an early age, he demonstrated a sharp intellect and a knack for persuasion. Despite his potential for legitimate success, Weil found himself drawn to the more thrilling and lucrative life of a confidence man. Weil’s moniker, “Yellow Kid,” was inspired by his charm and cunning, reminiscent of a popular comic strip character of the time. His operations were diverse, ranging from fake investment schemes to elaborate scams involving counterfeit bonds and fraudulent business deals. Weil’s ability to adapt his cons to his victims’ vulnerabilities made him particularly successful. One of Weil’s most famous scams involved selling fraudulent stock in non-existent companies. He often employed fake offices, phony staff, and convincing documents to give his schemes an air of legitimacy. His targets were typically wealthy individuals or businesspeople who were less likely to report the crime to avoid public embarrassment. Despite his prolific criminal career, Weil managed to avoid serious jail time for many years. His silver tongue and quick wit often allowed him to talk his way out of tight situations. However, he did serve several short stints in prison throughout his life, most notably in the 1940s and 1950s. In his later years, Weil became a sort of folk hero, recounting his exploits in interviews and an autobiography, “Con Man: A Master Swindler’s Own Story,” published in 1948. He portrayed himself as a gentleman swindler who avoided violence and primarily targeted those he deemed greedy or unscrupulous. Joseph Weil’s life as a con man left an indelible mark on American culture. His exploits have been referenced in various books, movies, and television shows, contributing to the enduring fascination with the archetype of the charming rogue. Weil’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the complexity of human nature and the perennial allure of the confidence trickster. Joseph “Yellow Kid” Weil passed away in 1976 at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of infamy and a wealth of anecdotes about one of America’s most notorious swindlers.
1941 – Milos Milosevic – also known as Milos Milos, was a Serbian-born American actor, stunt double, and bodyguard. He came from a prominent family with his grandfather serving as the mayor and his father as the chairman of the Guild of Exporters of Yugoslavia. However, his family faced difficulties under Communist rule, which led to the confiscation of their private properties. In the 1950s, Milošević and his friend Stevan Marković became known for their involvement in street fights in Belgrade. This is where they met the French actor Alain Delon, who was filming in the city. Delon hired them as bodyguards, and this connection brought Milošević to Hollywood, California. His career in Hollywood, though brief, was marked by memorable roles. He played a Soviet naval officer in the 1966 comedy “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming,” and the title role in the Esperanto horror movie “Incubus” in the same year. His life came to a tragic end when he died in a murder-suicide incident involving actress Barbara Ann Thomason.
1950 – David Duke – is a controversial figure most recognized for his white supremacist views and leadership within the Ku Klux Klan. Born in 1950, Duke founded a Louisiana chapter of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in his early twenties. He rose through the ranks to become the organization’s Grand Wizard in 1976. Duke attempted to rebrand the KKK, emphasizing a more professional and non-violent image. He also courted new demographics, allowing women and Catholics into the fold for the first time. Duke leveraged his Klan connections to enter politics. He served a term in the Louisiana House of Representatives (1989-1992) under the Republican banner. He even garnered significant support during his 1991 gubernatorial run, ultimately losing the general election. Duke’s ideology centers on white supremacy and antisemitism. He promotes conspiracy theories about Jewish control and denies the Holocaust. The Anti-Defamation League has labeled him “America’s most well-known racist and anti-Semite.” Since his political defeats, Duke has remained active online and in far-right circles. He spreads his white supremacist message through books, websites, and appearances at white nationalist events.
1955 – Ralph Baze Jr – is a convicted murderer currently on death row in Kentucky. In 1992, Baze shot and killed two police officers, Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe, while they attempted to arrest him. He claims the shootings were self-defense, but a jury convicted him of murder and sentenced him to death. Baze, along with another inmate, challenged the constitutionality of Kentucky’s lethal injection protocol, arguing it constituted cruel and unusual punishment. This case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately upheld the protocol in 2008 (Baze v. Rees). Baze remains on death row at Kentucky State Penitentiary. As of June 3, 2024, he is 68 years old.
1957 – Claude Eric Maturana – was a convicted murderer who was sentenced to death for the killing of Glenn Estes in 1990. Born on July 1, 1957, Maturana’s life took a dark turn when he and his co-defendant, Stephen Ballard, lured Estes to a remote location under the guise of partying in the desert. There, Maturana shot Estes 12 times, and Ballard cut his throat. Their motive was believed to be retribution for Estes allegedly stealing a car part from them. Maturana’s case became notable not only for the crime but also for the legal and ethical debates it provoked regarding the treatment of prisoners deemed mentally incompetent to be executed. His mental health deteriorated significantly while on death row, leading to a diagnosis of chronic paranoid schizophrenia. In January 1999, a judge declared him mentally incompetent, and he was transferred to a special unit for treatment. However, the chief medical officer refused to administer therapy aimed at restoring competency for execution on ethical grounds. Maturana died in prison on December 26, 2002, without ever being executed.
1958 – Alan Jeffrey Bannister – often known as A.J. Bannister, was a central figure in a criminal case from Missouri. He was convicted of the murder-for-hire of Darrell Ruestman in 1982 and received a death sentence in 1983. His case garnered attention due to concerns over the adequacy of his defense and further investigations that raised questions about whether the murder was a contract killing or a second-degree murder during a fight involving a gun. Bannister’s background was characterized by a difficult upbringing in a rural, working-class area in central Illinois. Initially a promising student and athlete, he eventually turned to a life of minor criminal activities. His life and the circumstances leading to his conviction were detailed in a documentary titled “Raising Hell: The Life of A.J. Bannister.” Despite having used up all legal appeals, Bannister’s attorneys submitted a clemency petition to Governor Carnahan, pointing out new evidence and flaws in his original trial defense. His execution, set for December 7, 1994, was halted just two hours before it was due to take place, following intense legal and advocacy efforts. He was eventually executed on October 1998.
1959 – James Belcher – life unfolded as a cautionary tale of crime and its repercussions. Born on July 1, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, his early life was marred by petty crimes. As he grew older, his criminal activities escalated, culminating in a notorious act in 1996 when he was 39 years old. On a cold January day in 1996, Belcher committed a heinous crime that would forever tarnish his name. He entered Jennifer Embry’s home and subjected her to a vicious assault that ended in her tragic murder. Embry was sexually assaulted, strangled, and ultimately drowned in her bathtub. This brutal act was not an isolated event but the apex of a series of predatory actions against women. During his trial, Belcher was portrayed as a man who had spent a significant portion of his life incarcerated, with a history of deceiving and assaulting women. At the age of 29, he had already been convicted of assaulting a woman in Florida. Despite the gravity of his offense, he served less than two years before being released, only to commit the murder of Jennifer Embry shortly thereafter. The case against Belcher was solidified with DNA evidence that linked him to the crime scene. The DNA found at the scene matched Belcher’s, leading to his indictment. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sexual battery, and in 2001, he was sentenced to death. This sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. Belcher’s story serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of crime on victims and their loved ones. It also underscores the critical role of the criminal justice system in holding offenders accountable and sparks discussions on the death penalty and life sentences. James Bernard Belcher is currently serving a life sentence in a correctional facility in Florida.
1963 – Kenneth Erskine – is a British serial killer known as “The Stockwell Strangler.” He was convicted for the murders of several elderly individuals in London during the mid-1980s. Erskine had a troubled upbringing. He was born to a British mother and an Antiguan father and has three brothers. After being abandoned by his parents, he spent time in special schools and exhibited violent behavior from a young age. By the age of 12, his parents had divorced, and he had attempted to harm his peers. His turbulent childhood led to homelessness. Erskine’s criminal record began with burglaries, and he was known to have funded his lifestyle through these illegal activities. After serving time in prison for these crimes, he committed a series of murders in 1986. His victims were elderly people whom he assaulted and strangled in their own homes. His first known victim was a 78-year-old woman, whose death was initially not recognized as a murder. Erskine was arrested after his palm print was discovered at a crime scene. In 1988, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in 2009, his convictions were downgraded to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. Erskine was initially placed in a high-security psychiatric hospital before being moved to a different secure hospital. Erskine’s crimes had a significant impact on society and underscored the importance of mental health in preventing such events. His actions continue to be remembered as a dark chapter in British criminal history.
1963 – Paul Blackburn – is a British individual whose life took a dramatic turn when he was wrongfully convicted at the age of 15. The conviction was for the attempted murder and attempted rape of a nine-year-old boy, which occurred on June 25, 1978. The case against Blackburn was significantly flawed, primarily due to a confession that was extracted during an intense police interrogation without any legal representation or a guardian present. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Blackburn was convicted and his appeals were initially refused. It wasn’t until March 2003 that he was released from prison after serving nearly 25 years, a duration extended due to his refusal to admit guilt. His case was eventually reviewed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission and referred to the Court of Appeal. In a landmark moment on May 24, 2005, after almost 27 years since his wrongful conviction, Blackburn’s name was cleared at the Royal Court of Justice in London. The court declared his conviction unsafe, finally acknowledging his innocence. The story of Paul Blackburn is a stark illustration of the imperfections within the justice system and the remarkable resilience one can muster in pursuit of truth and justice. His life after exoneration has been dedicated to advocating for legal reform and supporting others who have faced similar plights.
1966 – John Bittrolff – is an American individual who was convicted of murder and has been associated with the Gilgo Beach serial killings case. Born on July 1, 1966, Bittrolff was charged in July 2014 with the murders of Rita Tangredi and Colleen McNamee, and is also a suspect in the murder of a third woman, Sandra Costilla. Bittrolff’s case gained significant attention due to the potential connection with the Long Island serial killings, which involved the murders of at least 10 people over a nearly 20-year period in New York. His DNA became a point of focus after his brother’s DNA partially matched samples found on the bodies of the victims. In 2017, Bittrolff was found guilty of the second-degree murders of Tangredi and McNamee and was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. He is currently incarcerated at Clinton Correctional Facility. The case remains a subject of ongoing investigation and speculation, particularly concerning Bittrolff’s potential involvement in other unsolved crimes in the area.
1968 – Tony Von Carruthers – became a notable figure due to his involvement in a significant legal case. In 1994, he was arrested for the kidnapping and murder of three people in Memphis, Tennessee. The case gained attention when Carruthers decided to represent himself during his trial in April 1996, facing three counts of first-degree murder and the death penalty. The charges stemmed from the disappearance of Marcellos Anderson, his mother Delois, and their friend Frederick Tucker on February 24, 1994. Their bodies were found a week later, buried under a casket in a cemetery. Throughout the legal proceedings, Carruthers changed attorneys six times and eventually sought to have another appointed. However, the judge denied this, believing Carruthers was trying to delay the trial, and required him to proceed without legal counsel. The trial’s complexity increased due to testimony from Alfredo Shaw, an informant whose credibility was questioned. Shaw initially claimed Carruthers confessed to him but later recanted. Despite this, Carruthers’ cross-examination led Shaw to repeat his incriminating testimony, which played a part in Carruthers’ conviction and subsequent death sentence on April 26, 1996. Carruthers’ self-representation was so detrimental that it contributed to the release of his co-defendant, James Montgomery, who was granted a new trial due to the prejudicial impact of being tried alongside a pro se defendant. The case has sparked discussions about the right to self-representation and its implications in the American legal system. Carruthers’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the legal process’s complexities and the importance of competent legal representation, especially in capital cases.
Deaths
Harold McQueen Jr
1894 – Allan Pinkerton – born in Scotland in 1819, was a man of many hats: cooper, abolitionist, detective, and spy. He carved his name in American history for founding the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, a force that shaped private investigation in the country. Pinkerton’s journey began with a blue-collar background. After emigrating to the U.S., his chance encounter with a counterfeiting ring while working as a cooper propelled him into the world of crime solving. His success led to official appointments as a deputy sheriff and a U.S. Postal Service agent. Capitalizing on his growing reputation, Pinkerton established his detective agency around 1850. With its motto “We Never Sleep” and a watchful eye as its symbol, the agency became synonymous with private investigation. Pinkerton’s agents, often referred to as “private eyes,” tackled various crimes, including robberies and railroad thefts. A fervent abolitionist, Pinkerton offered his services to the Union during the Civil War. He ran a spy network under the alias E.J. Allen, gathering intelligence in the Confederacy. He famously claimed to have thwarted a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln. Historians debate the extent of this plot, but Pinkerton’s role in wartime intelligence is undeniable. Pinkerton’s legacy is complex. He is credited with professionalizing detective work and introducing innovative techniques like undercover operations and mug shots. However, his agency’s methods, particularly strikebreaking tactics used against laborers, earned him criticism for siding with powerful corporations. Allan Pinkerton remains a fascinating figure. Whether remembered as a shrewd detective or a ruthless employer, his influence on American law enforcement and private investigation is undeniable.
1928 – Frankie Yale – Born Francesco Ioele in Italy in 1893, Frankie Yale immigrated to the US as a child and entered the criminal underworld through New York’s Five Points Gang alongside his friend John Torrio. By the time Prohibition arrived, Yale had become a prominent Brooklyn gangster, leading a branch of the Unione Siciliane and operating rackets from his bar, the Harvard Inn. There, he met a young Al Capone, recognizing his potential and possibly mentoring him in the ways of organized crime. Yale’s life was cut short in 1928 when he was gunned down in Brooklyn, a hit believed to be connected to the Mafia’s power struggles. Though overshadowed by Capone, Yale played a crucial role in establishing the Italian Mafia’s dominance in New York and Chicago during Prohibition. His violent death marked a turning point, showcasing the increasing gangland violence and the power shift towards Chicago.
1991 – Joachim Georg Kroll – was a German serial killer, child molester, necrophile, and cannibal. He was known for his heinous crimes in the Ruhr metropolitan region of West Germany, where he murdered at least eight women and young girls between 1955 and his arrest in 1976. Kroll’s disturbing acts included not only murder but also the desecration of his victims’ bodies, leading to his infamy as the ‘Ruhr Cannibal’ or ‘Duisburg Man-Eater’. Born in Hindenburg, Germany, Kroll was the sixth of nine children in a miner’s family. After World War II, his family relocated to North Rhine-Westphalia. Kroll struggled academically and left school with a minimal education, later working as a farmhand and toilet attendant. Kroll’s killing spree began after his mother’s death in 1955. His first known victim was Irmgard Strehl, who was raped and stabbed to death. Over the years, Kroll claimed the lives of several other victims, including young girls and women, often mutilating their bodies post-mortem. Kroll was finally apprehended on 3 July 1976, after a neighbor’s complaint about a clogged pipe led to the discovery of human remains. He was convicted of eight murders and one attempted murder, although he confessed to a total of 14. On 8 April 1982, Kroll was sentenced to life imprisonment. Joachim Georg Kroll died of a heart attack on 1 July 1991 while serving his sentence in the prison of Rheinbach. Kroll’s case is a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the importance of diligent law enforcement in bringing such criminals to justice.
1995 – Roger Dale Stafford – was born on November 4, 1951, in Sheffield, Alabama, U.S. He became known as a convicted serial killer and was executed for his crimes on July 1, 1995, in Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Stafford’s criminal activities spanned several years and states, with his most notorious crimes occurring in 1978. He was convicted for the murders of the Lorenz family and six employees of a Sirloin Stockade restaurant in Oklahoma. Despite never acknowledging his guilt, Stafford’s wife, Verna, implicated him in a total of 34 murders across seven different states. His killing spree began in 1974 with the murder of Jimmy Earl Berry, a student and assistant manager at a McDonald’s restaurant in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This crime remained unsolved until four years later when Stafford and his brother Harold were implicated by Verna. The most heinous of his crimes took place on June 22, 1978, when he, along with Verna and Harold, murdered the Lorenz family who had stopped to help Verna, pretending to be a stranded motorist. Three weeks later, Stafford murdered six employees during a robbery at the Sirloin Stockade restaurant. After a series of trials, Stafford was convicted on October 17, 1979, and sentenced to death. He was executed by lethal injection in 1995, ending a chapter of violence and terror that had gripped the regions where he operated.
1997 – Harold I. McQueen Jr – was an American man known for being the first individual executed by the state of Kentucky after the reinstatement of capital punishment in the United States in 1976. His life was marked by a series of personal challenges and criminal activities that ultimately led to his execution. Born in Richmond, Kentucky, McQueen faced difficulties from a young age. He began drinking alcohol at the age of 10 and struggled with substance abuse throughout his life. Despite attempts to set himself straight, including enlisting in the Army at 19, McQueen’s addictions persisted. On January 17, 1980, McQueen, alongside his half-brother and girlfriend, committed a robbery at a Minit Mart store in Richmond, Kentucky. During the robbery, McQueen fatally shot the store clerk, Rebecca O’Hearn, and fled with cash and food stamps. He was apprehended and convicted of murder and robbery, leading to a death sentence on April 8, 1981. McQueen spent over a decade on death row, with his case going through various appeals. Ultimately, he was executed by electrocution on July 1, 1997, at the Kentucky State Penitentiary. McQueen’s case remains a significant part of Kentucky’s legal history, highlighting the complexities of the death penalty and its implementation.
1999 – Charles Daniel Tuttle – life story is marked by a tragic event that overshadowed his existence. Born on June 26, 1964, Tuttle became infamously known for a grievous crime committed on February 24, 1995, in Smith County, Texas. The crime involved the brutal murder of Catherine Harris, who was 42 years old at the time, using a claw hammer. Caught four days after the incident, Tuttle faced the full extent of the law for his actions. His life ended on July 1, 1999, when he was executed by lethal injection in the state of Texas. In his final moments, Tuttle expressed deep regret for the nightmare he caused and hoped that his decision to drop his appeal would aid in the healing process for the victim’s family.
2000 – Sarah Payne – was a little girl full of life, born on October 13th, 1991. Though details of her childhood are understandably private, her story became known due to her tragic abduction and murder in July 2000. Her disappearance sparked a nationwide search and garnered immense public attention. Her memory lives on through the tireless work of her mother, Sara Payne, who campaigned for stricter laws regarding sex offenders, known as “Sarah’s Law.” While Sarah’s life was brief, her story became a catalyst for significant change in child safety measures in the UK. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the innocence lost and the unwavering love of a mother fighting for her child, even after her death.
2004 – Robert Karl Hicks – became known for his criminal activities, particularly after his conviction for the murder of Toni Strickland Rivers in Spalding County, Georgia, USA. Hicks was born on March 23, 1957, and his life took a tragic turn on July 13, 1985, when he followed Rivers from a store, attempted to abduct her, and upon her escape, chased and fatally stabbed her. Prior to this, Hicks had a history with the law, having been convicted of rape and serving less than half of his 15-year sentence before being released just nine months prior to the murder. During his trial, Hicks was portrayed as a troubled man who claimed his mental disorder made it difficult for him to control his impulses. He initially confessed to the crime but later recanted, suggesting others were responsible. Nonetheless, the evidence against him was conclusive, and he was sentenced to death in January 1986. Hicks spent nearly two decades on death row before his execution on July 1, 2004. In his final moments, he apologized for his actions and expressed a desire for forgiveness.
2008 – Mark Dean Schwab – was born on December 16, 1968, and passed away on July 1, 2008. He was an American individual known for his criminal convictions. Schwab had a difficult upbringing in Dover, Ohio, and left high school before finishing the 11th grade. His criminal behavior started during his teenage years and escalated over time. In 1991, he was convicted for the abduction and subsequent tragedy involving Junny Rios-Martinez Jr., an 11-year-old boy, which garnered widespread media attention. Schwab was incarcerated at Raiford Prison in Florida. His case was particularly significant as his execution marked the resumption of capital punishment in Florida after a brief suspension. The life and actions of Mark Dean Schwab highlight the profound effects of crime on both individuals and society at large.
2010 – Michael James Perry – was born on April 9, 1982, in Harris County, Texas, U.S. His life took a tragic turn when he became involved in a series of crimes that led to his conviction for capital murder. Along with his accomplice, Jason Aaron Burkett, Perry was found guilty of killing three people in Texas in 2001. The case gained notoriety and was later featured in Werner Herzog’s documentary, “Into the Abyss.” Perry’s early life was marked by challenges. He was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 1st grade, oppositional defiant disorder in 7th grade, and conduct disorder in 8th grade. Despite various interventions, including counseling and reform schools, Perry struggled with authority and societal norms. The crimes for which Perry was convicted occurred on October 24, 2001. The victims were Sandra Stotler, 50, Adam Stotler, 17, and Jeremy Richardson, 18. Perry and Burkett’s motive was robbery and the elimination of witnesses. They were apprehended on October 27, 2001. Michael James Perry was executed by lethal injection on July 1, 2010, at the age of 28, at the Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas, U.S. His story serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of crime and the irreversible nature of capital punishment.
Events
US Dept of Justice insignia
1870 – The US Department of Justice came into existence
1874 – The first US kidnapping for ransom takes place when 4-year-old Charles Ross is snatched, a $20,000 ransom is demanded
1935 – Regina, Saskatchewan police and the RCMP ambush strikers who are participating in the On to Ottawa Trek
1993 – Gianluigi Ferri killed 8 people and then himself
2002 – The International Criminal Court is established
2007 – Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces in England. The ban was already in force for the rest of the United Kingdom
2017 – Brazilian police arrest drug kingpin Luiz Carlos da Rocha in Sorriso
2017 – Mexican police kill 19 gunmen in a drug-related shootout in the northern state of Sinaloa
2018 – French gangster Redoine Faid escapes the Sud-Francilien prison in Reau, France by helicopter
2020 – A world record drug haul of 14 tonnes of amphetamines seized by Italian police in Salerno worth approximately $1.1 billion. It is thought to have been made in Syria by the Islamic State
