Births
1854 – Dave Rudabaugh – was a complex figure of the American Wild West. Though some portray him as a hardened criminal, his life was filled with twists and turns, blurring the lines between cowboy, outlaw, and even lawman. Born in 1854 in Illinois, Rudabaugh’s early years are unclear. By the 1870s, he found himself in Kansas and then Texas, possibly drawn by the cattle drives that pulsed through the West. The nickname “Dirty Dave” stuck, though it’s unclear if it was used during his lifetime. Modern accounts suggest it stemmed from his supposed aversion to bathing. Rudabaugh’s outlaw career likely began in Arkansas in the early 1870s. Partnering with other drifters, he allegedly robbed and rustled cattle. Accused of murder, they fled, with some accounts placing Rudabaugh in Texas and others suggesting a stint as a stagecoach robber in the Black Hills. Some stories claim Rudabaugh rubbed shoulders with famed figures like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday in Dodge City. However, evidence for this is thin. By the mid-1870s, he was back in Kansas, even living with his family for a time. Rudabaugh’s notoriety truly soared when he crossed paths with Billy the Kid in 1879. Their partnership in the “Regulators” gang cemented Rudabaugh’s reputation as a dangerous outlaw. They participated in the Lincoln County War, a brutal conflict that cemented Billy the Kid’s legend. Rudabaugh’s luck ran out in 1880. Captured alongside other Regulators, he was sentenced to death. However, Rudabaugh’s resourcefulness shone through. He staged a daring escape, solidifying his outlaw image. He fled to Mexico, where he likely met a violent end in a cantina shootout in 1886. Dave Rudabaugh’s life remains shrouded in some mystery. Separating fact from fiction can be difficult. Regardless, his association with Billy the Kid and his daring escape ensure his place in Wild West lore. While the moniker “Dirty Dave” may be a colorful invention, Rudabaugh’s skill with a gun and willingness to challenge authority secured his place as a formidable figure of the frontier.
1877 – Marie Alexandrine Becker – (née Petitjean), also known as the “Black Widow,” was a Belgian serial killer who terrorized Liège in the 1930s. Born into a poor rural family in 1879, Marie had limited education but craved a life beyond the farm. She eventually left home for Liège at 16, working in a rope shop. Marie sought social advancement through marriage. Her first attempt, with a sawmill owner named Charles Becker, proved unsuccessful as their business floundered. However, a windfall from Charles’ deceased father allowed Marie to open a clothing store, which initially thrived. The Great Depression forced its closure in 1929, and Marie embarked on a series of relationships, most notably with the much younger Lambert Beyer in 1932. This period marked the beginning of her murderous spree. Believed to be motivated by inheritance and financial gain, Marie began poisoning those close to her with digitalis, a heart medication. Her first victim is believed to be her husband, Charles, in 1932. Over the next four years, she allegedly poisoned eleven people to death and attempted to poison five more. A friend, growing suspicious of Marie’s behavior and sudden wealth after deaths in her circle, alerted the authorities. A search of Marie’s home in 1936 uncovered a large number of empty digitalis vials and stolen belongings from deceased acquaintances. Exhumations confirmed the presence of lethal doses of digitalis in several bodies. Despite her denials, Marie was convicted of eleven murders and sentenced to death in 1938. Due to Belgium’s moratorium on capital punishment, her sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Marie Alexandrine Becker died behind bars in 1942, leaving a legacy as one of Belgium’s most prolific serial killers.
1922 – John Ronald Brown – was an American surgeon whose career was marked by controversy and legal trouble. Born in 1922, Brown excelled in academics, graduating high school at 16. Drafted during World War II, his high scores landed him in medical school. He graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1947 and practiced general medicine for nearly 20 years. After a near-fatal patient incident, he pursued formal surgical training. Brown’s medical career took a turn. He faced license revocations in California, Hawaii, Alaska, and even Saint Lucia. Despite this, he continued practicing, often advertising in the US and performing procedures in Mexico. The 1980s saw him delve into unconventional procedures, including penis enlargement surgeries. Media portrayals in magazines and documentaries painted a picture of an incompetent and dangerous surgeon. Brown also performed gender confirmation surgeries, a field with limited qualified practitioners at the time. He took on patients rejected by clinics with stricter requirements, but his methods were often criticized as rudimentary. Tragedy struck in 1998. Brown performed an elective leg amputation on a patient who desired it. The patient died from complications, and Brown was convicted of second-degree murder. He died in prison in 2010. John Ronald Brown’s legacy is complex. While some credit him for serving the transgender community when options were scarce, his methods were widely condemned. His disregard for licensing regulations and some of his surgical practices resulted in serious harm.
1931 – Donald Eugene Webb – born Donald Eugene Perkins in 1931, was a notorious American fugitive who eluded capture for nearly four decades. His life took a dark turn when he became a career criminal, culminating in the 1980 murder of a police chief. Webb’s early years were marked by instability. Born in Oklahoma City, he was raised by his grandfather after his parents weren’t in the picture. He served in the Navy but received a dishonorable discharge. In 1956, he legally changed his name from Perkins to Webb in Massachusetts, possibly to distance himself from his past. Webb bounced around various jobs – butcher, salesman, restaurant manager – but his criminal side grew stronger. He targeted jewelry stores and became a wanted man. By 1980, he was a federal fugitive for a burglary in New York. While on the run, Webb crossed paths with Police Chief Gregory Adams in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. During a routine traffic stop, a violent struggle ensued. Webb fatally shot Chief Adams, leaving a small town devastated. Webb vanished after the murder, leaving his rental car abandoned. Despite a nationwide manhunt, he evaded capture. The FBI even added him to their 10 Most Wanted List, where he remained a record-breaker for his extended stay until 2007. Years later, in 2010, a shocking discovery came to light. Webb’s remains were found buried in the backyard of his ex-wife’s house in Massachusetts. He had apparently died of strokes in 1997, living a hidden life under an assumed identity even after the murder. Donald Eugene Webb’s story is a chilling reminder of the lengths some criminals go to escape justice. While he may have avoided capture, his crime left an indelible mark on the small town of Saxonburg and the family of Chief Adams. The case serves as a testament to the enduring pursuit of justice, even when it takes decades to achieve closure.
1934 – Leo Joseph Koury – a figure shrouded in controversy, left a lasting mark on Richmond, Virginia’s “The Block” district. Koury’s life took a turn that landed him on the wrong side of the law. Koury became known for owning gay bars in Richmond’s The Block. However, his reputation goes beyond simple ownership. Some described him as a “hoodlum” who exploited the city’s LGBTQ+ community, while others saw him as a powerful figure within it [Wikipedia: The Block (Richmond, Virginia)]. This exploitation likely stemmed from the limited options available to the LGBTQ+ community at the time. The FBI paints a much clearer picture of Koury’s later life. In April 1979, he became the 366th person to be named on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Facing charges of racketeering, murder, robbery, and arson, Koury evaded capture for over a decade [FBI website]. This dark chapter in his life speaks volumes about the alleged criminal activities he was involved in. Despite becoming a fugitive, Koury managed to elude authorities for a significant period. However, his time on the run came to an end in June 1991 when he died in a San Diego, California hospital. Even in death, there remained a shroud of secrecy, as he passed away while still a wanted man. Leo Joseph Koury’s life remains a complex and controversial one. While details about his early years and personal life are scarce, his time as a fugitive and the accusations against him paint a picture of a man involved in criminal activities. His story serves as a reminder of a darker time for Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community and the challenges they faced.
1937 – Claude Frizzel Bloodgood – a name that evokes both brilliance and brutality, was a complex and controversial figure in the chess world. Born in 1937, Bloodgood’s early life showed promise. He was active in the Virginia chess scene, even serving as a rating statistician. Unconfirmed reports claim he even played games with actor Humphrey Bogart. However, Bloodgood’s life took a dark turn in the early 1960s. Arrested multiple times for burglary and forgery, he displayed a troubled side. These culminated in the tragic murder of his own mother in 1969, just days after his release from prison. Sentenced to death, his punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment. It was behind bars that Bloodgood’s chess talent truly flourished. He became an avid player, corresponding with opponents and even writing books on chess strategy, most notably on a unique opening called “The Grob.” At his peak, he achieved a remarkable rating, placing him among the top American chess players, all while incarcerated. Claude Frizzel Bloodgood remains a perplexing figure. A gifted chess mind tragically overshadowed by violence, his story raises questions about rehabilitation, the human condition, and the strange intersection of intellect and crime.
1954 – Bobby Joe Mayes – At the time of the murder on August 10, 1998, Bobby Joe Mayes was married to Sondra and lived with her and his 14-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda, in Houston, Missouri. Mayes was scheduled to go to trial the next day, August 11, for committing statutory sodomy on his two minor daughters from a previous relationship. He wanted Sondra and Amanda to testify on his behalf, and they had been endorsed as defense witnesses. Evidence showed that the couple was experiencing financial and marital difficulties. Sondra had informed Mayes that she would not testify unless he signed a document waiving his right to contest her ability to unilaterally convey their marital property. On August 6, 1998, four days before the murder, Mayes briefly discussed his financial troubles with an acquaintance, Michael James, indicating that he avoided going home when his wife was there to prevent conflicts. He also unsuccessfully asked James to help him buy a gun, allegedly to rob another man. On August 7, 1998, Mayes signed the waiver of marital rights in exchange for Sondra’s promise to testify. The State presented evidence that Sondra went to work as usual at 8 a.m. on August 10, 1998. Sondra confided to her co-worker and friend, Cora Wade, that despite Mayes signing the waiver, she still lacked the courage to tell him she would not testify. Although Cora and Sondra planned to discuss it more in the afternoon, Sondra went home during her lunch break, as usual, but never returned to work. Cora called Sondra’s house around 1:15 p.m. when she noticed Sondra had not returned, but no one answered. About 45 minutes later, Duane Sutton, Sondra’s father, arrived at the house and knocked on the door, calling for Sondra through the window, but received no response. At around 4:20 p.m., Mr. Noakes saw Mayes return home. Shortly thereafter, Mayes called 911. When asked what was wrong, he responded, “I don’t know. I just come home and, I don’t know. You just need to send somebody over here,” adding that someone was “hurt” and not breathing. He refused to check for a pulse, stating, “I’m not going in there,” but agreed not to touch anything and to flag down the ambulance. Officer Campbell arrived to find Mayes pacing in the driveway, rubbing his hands with a blue shop cloth. When asked what was wrong, Mayes said he did not know. The officer discovered Sondra’s body in the master bedroom. When another officer arrived and asked what was going on, Mayes threw up his arms and shouted, “I have an alibi, I have an alibi. I’ve been fishing for the last three and a half hours.” He was sweating and fidgety, continuing to wipe his hands with the blue shop cloth. When Chief of Police Kirkman arrived, Mayes claimed he last saw his wife at 7:00 a.m., had been fishing at “Flat Rock” or “White Rock,” and briefly spoke to her on the phone when he returned home to make a sandwich before resuming his fishing. Still massaging his hands, Mayes did not ask about his wife or mention Amanda. Chief Kirkman observed ligature marks on the back of his hands. After investigating Sondra’s murder, police learned that Amanda should have been home but had not been seen. Her partially clothed body was found next to her bed, covered by a blue comforter, with a pronounced ligature mark on her neck. Chief Kirkman advised Mayes of his Miranda rights and arrested him. Police took him to the Texas County jail, where he consented to a search of his person and seizure of his clothing. By early evening, Fred Martin, Mayes’ attorney for his pending trial, met with him briefly. Later, a doctor found a laceration on Mayes’ right hand and constriction injuries on the backs of both hands consistent with the ligature mark on Amanda’s neck.
1968 – Kelly Lamont Rogers – Karen Marie Lauffenburger, a 21-year-old interior design student at Oklahoma State University, worked part-time delivering pizzas for Buy ‘N Bye Pizza. On December 19, 1990, she was last seen heading to deliver a pizza to Audra Lynn Todd, the girlfriend of Kelly Lamont Rogers. Shortly after, her boyfriend found her dead in her apartment, having been stabbed nine times in the chest, neck, and abdomen, and sexually assaulted. Investigators discovered that Lauffenburger’s bank account had been nearly emptied at an ATM between her departure for the delivery and the discovery of her body. During the trial, Todd testified that Rogers had planned to rob the pizza delivery person. She recounted that Rogers bought crack cocaine and drank wine after telling her he had killed “a pizza girl.” Todd, initially charged with murder, pleaded guilty to robbery and received a 10-year prison sentence. Rogers was sentenced to death and an additional 325 years in prison for various charges: 150 years for rape, 75 years for robbery, 50 years for robbing the pizza money, and 50 years for stealing her car. Prosecutors stated that Rogers raped Lauffenburger both while she was alive and after she had been stabbed. At the time of the murder, Rogers had been out of prison for just five weeks, having previous convictions for forgery, escape, and robbery.
1968 – Daniel Juan Revilla – 18-year-old named Revilla was entrusted with babysitting the 13-month-old son of his teenage girlfriend. However, the situation took a horrific turn. Revilla claimed he discovered the child lifeless upon returning home. In a state of panic, his attempts to revive the infant became increasingly erratic. This included striking the child’s abdomen and accidentally burning him with hot bathwater. Despite his actions, the baby tragically did not survive. Medical professionals later determined the extent of the injuries contradicted Revilla’s explanation. An autopsy revealed the child had endured abuse over a two-week period, with bruises, burns, and severe internal injuries. The child’s mother, Michelle McElmurry, alongside other witnesses, painted a disturbing picture. They testified that Revilla exhibited resentment towards the baby due to not being his biological son. Shockingly, they recounted instances of prior abuse, including confining the child in drawers and furniture, submerging him in cold water, and inflicting cruel hanging with duct tape. The jury ultimately rejected Revilla’s claims, holding him accountable for the tragic death.
1971 – Adrian Ernest Bayley – was a serial rapist and murderer who inflicted terror on Melbourne, Australia for over two decades. Born in 1971, Bayley had a difficult childhood. Despite this, he started a family and even trained as a pastry chef. However, his dark side emerged early, with a first rape conviction in 1990 followed by a string of sexual assaults. After a brief imprisonment, Bayley changed his surname and continued to prey on vulnerable people, particularly sex workers. In 2012, Bayley’s crimes escalated to a horrific level. He raped and murdered Jill Meagher, a young Irish woman walking home alone. This high-profile case sent shockwaves through Australia and triggered a massive investigation. Overwhelmed by evidence, Bayley pleaded guilty to Jill Meagher’s murder and received a life sentence with a minimum non-parole period. Further investigations linked him to unsolved sexual assaults, resulting in additional convictions and extending his sentence. Adrian Ernest Bayley’s crimes remain a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by violent sexual predators. His case cast a dark shadow on Australia, sparking conversations about safety and the need for stricter measures to protect the public.
1972 – Paul Michael McManus – McManus was separated from his wife, Melissa, and their two daughters, Lindsay (8) and Shelby (23 months), lived with her. Shelby was born with severe birth defects. On the day of the murders, McManus was served divorce papers at his mother’s house. McManus took a taxi to Melissa’s residence and shot her once in the leg and three times in the head, killing her. He then shot Lindsay three times in the head and Shelby once in the head. After the shootings, he drove to the Henderson bridge between Indiana and Kentucky, where he climbed to the top, equivalent to 11 stories. Despite law enforcement’s efforts to talk him down, he jumped into the Ohio River. Remarkably, he was rescued with only minor back injuries. An insanity defense was presented at trial but was unsuccessful. McManus had told acquaintances the weekend before the murders to “watch the papers,” because he was going to “do something big.”
1987 – Adam Johnson – was an English footballer with undeniable talent. A tricky winger known for his pace and delivery, he carved a path through the Premier League, culminating in trophies with Manchester City. However, his career was tragically cut short due to off-field actions that overshadowed his achievements. Born in Sunderland in 1987, Johnson’s footballing journey began at Middlesbrough. He made a sensational debut at 17, becoming the club’s youngest player to appear in a UEFA Cup match. His early promise secured him loan spells at Leeds United and Watford, where he honed his skills. Manchester City recognized Johnson’s potential and signed him in 2010. Under manager Roberto Mancini, he blossomed. His pace and crossing were instrumental in City’s FA Cup victory in 2011, their first major trophy in 35 years. He continued to impress in the following season, contributing to their historic Premier League title win in 2012. Johnson even earned recognition at international level, featuring in 12 games for England. Johnson’s desire to play for his hometown club Sunderland led him back there in 2012. However, his career trajectory took a drastic turn in 2015 when he was arrested on charges of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. Despite initial denials, he admitted the charges in court and was sentenced to imprisonment. This effectively ended his professional football career. After serving his sentence, Johnson attempted to revive his footballing career in lower leagues but faced significant backlash from fans and clubs. The shadow of his conviction remained, preventing him from regaining a foothold in the sport. Adam Johnson’s story is a cautionary tale of immense talent wasted. He possessed the skill to reach the pinnacle of football, but his off-field actions ultimately destroyed his career and legacy.
Deaths
Billy the Kid
1881 – Billy the Kid – born Henry McCarty (or possibly William H. Bonney), was a notorious gunfighter of the American frontier. Though the exact details of his life are debated, what’s certain is his short, violent existence left a lasting mark on Wild West lore. Born in New York City in 1859, Billy’s early life was marked by poverty and hardship. orphaned by his teens, he drifted west with his family, eventually landing in New Mexico. There, he fell into petty crime and found himself on the wrong side of the law. Billy became embroiled in the Lincoln County War, a bloody land dispute. Aligned with ranchers against a powerful cattle baron, Billy’s reputation as a quick draw grew. During this conflict, he participated in gunfights and killings, though the exact number remains disputed (likely less than the claimed 21). Billy’s fame as an outlaw grew, and he was sentenced to hang for murder. In a daring escape, he became a fugitive. Sheriff Pat Garrett relentlessly pursued him. In 1881, at the young age of 21, Billy was cornered by Garrett and shot dead. Billy the Kid’s legend has been romanticized and exaggerated over time. Was he a ruthless outlaw or a victim of circumstance? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. Regardless, Billy the Kid remains a captivating figure, a symbol of the Wild West’s untamed spirit and the blurred lines between law and outlaw in that era.
1998 – Thomas Martin Thompson – was an American man executed by the state of California for the 1981 murder of Ginger Fleischli. His case remains controversial, with some believing in his innocence and others convinced of his guilt. Thompson was born in Chicago, Illinois. After his parents’ divorce, he moved with his mother and sister to New York, and later to Orange County, California. He attended Villa Park High School and later moved back to Chicago to live with his father. Thompson served in the army, receiving commendations and an honorable discharge. He then attended California State University, Fullerton, and Santa Ana College on the GI Bill, becoming a photographer. On September 11, 1981, Thompson, Ginger Fleischli, and others spent an evening in Laguna Beach, California. Fleischli was reported missing, and her body was found three days later, showing signs of sexual assault and multiple stab wounds. Thompson and his roommate, David Leitch, were arrested. Thompson claimed he had consensual sex with Fleischli and found her gone the next morning, with her blood on his carpet. Thompson was convicted based on testimonies from fellow inmates who claimed he confessed to the crime. Despite evidence linking Leitch to the crime scene, Thompson was sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection on July 14, 1998.
2004 – Stephen Allen Vrabel – was born on October 15, 1956, in Struthers, Ohio. He became widely known due to his involvement in a tragic and heinous crime. On March 3, 1989, Vrabel shot and killed his girlfriend, Susan Clemente, and their 3-year-old daughter, Lisa Clemente, in their apartment in Struthers. After committing the murders, Vrabel fled but returned days later to place Susan’s body in the refrigerator and Lisa’s in the freezer along with her favorite stuffed animals. He continued to live in the apartment for a month until the bodies were discovered by a relative of Susan’s who came to collect overdue rent. Vrabel confessed to the killings and voluntarily dropped his appeals to expedite his execution. He was executed by lethal injection on July 14, 2004, at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, Ohio. His case remains a somber reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities.
2009 – John Fautenberry – was an American serial killer. Born in New London, Connecticut, Fautenberry had a troubled childhood marked by family instability and early run-ins with the law. His father, a former Marine and police officer, abandoned the family when John was just two years old. This led to a tumultuous upbringing, with Fautenberry experiencing neglect and abuse from his stepfathers. As an adult, Fautenberry worked as a long-haul trucker, a job that facilitated his cross-country travels and ultimately his killing spree. Between 1990 and 1991, he murdered five people across four states: Oregon, New Jersey, Ohio, and Alaska. His victims were often people he befriended during his travels. After his arrest, he confessed to an additional murder in 1984, for which another man had been wrongfully convicted. Fautenberry’s crimes were characterized by their brutality and the seemingly random selection of his victims. He was eventually apprehended on March 17, 1991, and faced multiple convictions, including a death sentence in Ohio. He was executed by lethal injection at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in 2009. Despite his heinous acts, Fautenberry’s life story is a grim reminder of the impact of early trauma and the potential for violence in those who feel abandoned and rejected.
Events
1581 – English Jesuit priest Edmund Campion is arrested for sedition in Anglican England (later he was hung, drawn & quartered)
1966 – Richard Speck rapes and kills 8 nurses in a Chicago dormitory
1974 – Denise Naslund & Janice Ott disappeared from Lake Sammamish, Washington DC
1986 – Motley Crue’s Vince Neil begins a 30-day sentence for vehicular homicide
1986 – Richard Miller becomes the first FBI agent to be convicted of espionage
1986 – Shalamar’s Howard Hewett is acquitted in Miami of drug charges
2002 – French President Jacques Chirac escapes an assassination attempt unscathed
2018 – Russian covert agent Marina Butina is arrested by the FBI in Washington DC, she is charged with being an unregistered foreign agent
