Births
Leona Helmsley
1902 – Meyer Lansky – born Maier Suchowljansky, was a notorious American organized crime figure nicknamed the “Mob’s Accountant.” Lansky, along with his associate Charles “Lucky” Luciano, played a pivotal role in the formation of the National Crime Syndicate in the United States. Born in 1902 to a Jewish family in what is now Belarus, Lansky immigrated to the rough Lower East Side of New York City in 1911. There, he befriended Bugsy Siegel, and the two soon found themselves involved in criminal activities. Their partnership blossomed into the Bugs and Meyer Mob, which ran bootlegging operations during Prohibition. Lansky’s sharp mind for numbers made him a valuable asset, helping organize and manage their illegal enterprises. Lansky’s influence grew as he aligned himself with Luciano. Together, they orchestrated a power shift within the New York Mafia, advocating for a more business-like approach focused on profits over violence. This led to the creation of the National Crime Syndicate, a nationwide network of organized crime families. Lansky’s true passion was gambling. He saw its potential for immense profit and worked tirelessly to establish a global network of casinos. From Cuba to Las Vegas, Lansky is believed to have held stakes in various gambling establishments, amassing a significant fortune. Meyer Lansky died in 1983, never admitting to his criminal activities. Despite eluding a major conviction, his legacy remains as a key figure in the development of modern organized crime in the United States. Lansky’s influence on the growth of Las Vegas as a gambling mecca is undeniable, forever etching his name in the city’s history.
1920 – Leona Helmsley – born Leona Mindy Rosenthal in 1920, was a complex and controversial figure. She rose from humble beginnings to become a powerful businesswoman in the cutthroat world of New York City real estate. However, her ruthless tactics and tax evasion conviction earned her the infamous nickname “Queen of Mean.” Helmsley’s early life was marked by ambition. She dropped out of high school and changed her name several times before entering the modeling world. Eventually, she shifted gears and found success in real estate during the 1960s. She specialized in converting Upper East Side rental buildings into luxury condominiums, capitalizing on the city’s gentrification boom. This period saw her become a self-made millionaire. In 1972, Leona married Harry Helmsley, a titan of the Manhattan real estate scene. The couple combined their empires, forming the Helmsley Hotels chain. Leona became known for her flamboyant personality and her exacting standards, which sometimes crossed the line into cruelty towards employees and contractors. Leona Helmsley’s reputation took a sharp turn in the late 1980s. Accusations of stiffing contractors on payments for work on their Connecticut estate led to a federal investigation. In 1989, she was convicted of tax evasion and other charges. Despite a lengthy initial sentence, she only served 19 months in prison. Leona Helmsley remained a controversial figure until her death in 2007. While admired for her business acumen, she was equally scorned for her harsh demeanor and tax crimes. Her legacy is a reminder of the potential pitfalls of unchecked ambition and the high price one can pay for ruthlessness.
1933 – John Felton Parish – was a truck driver from Dallas County, Texas. While not a particularly famous figure, his life story offers a glimpse into the tragedies that can drive people to desperate acts. Parish’s life took a downward turn in 1982. He was estranged from his wife, having lost a child custody battle. This personal turmoil coincided with the death of his older sister from cancer and the need for his brother’s second kidney transplant. On August 9, 1982, these personal struggles reached a boiling point. Parish confronted his supervisor, Eddie Ulrich, at the Western Transfer Company in Grand Prairie, Texas, over a payment dispute. The argument turned violent, and Parish fatally shot Ulrich. Parish himself died by suicide shortly thereafter.
1934 – Jesse Clarence Pratt – is known for his criminal history. He received a life sentence in 1991 after being convicted of aggravated murder related to an incident in 1988 where he sexually assaulted and killed a woman in Klamath Falls. Additionally, he has been connected to other criminal investigations and was referred to as the “Candy Man” in certain circles.
1953 – Leslie Allen Williams – is an American serial killer, rapist, and necrophile currently serving a life sentence without parole in Michigan. He is responsible for the murders and assaults of young women in the early 1990s. In 1990, Williams was paroled after serving eight years for a prior rape conviction. This release sparked controversy as he would go on to commit a string of horrific crimes. Over the next two years, Williams abducted, raped, and murdered four teenage girls in Oakland and Genesee counties. These killings instilled fear in the communities and raised serious questions about the Michigan parole system’s effectiveness. In 1992, Williams was arrested after attempting to abduct and rape another woman. The investigation connected him to the four unsolved murders, and he ultimately confessed to his crimes. In 1992, Williams received a life sentence for the four murders, the attempted rape, and related charges. Leslie Allen Williams’s case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by repeat offenders. It also brought to light the need for stricter parole procedures to protect public safety.
1954 – William Van Poyck – was a complex and controversial figure. Born in Miami, Florida in 1954, his life took a tragic turn in 1987. Involved in a botched prison escape attempt, he was convicted of the murder of a prison guard during the incident. Sentenced to death, he spent the next 26 years on death row. While incarcerated, Van Poyck surprised many by becoming a prolific writer. He authored an award-winning autobiography, “A Checkered Past,” and a novel, “Quietus.” He also penned short stories published in literary journals. This literary output sparked debate, with some seeing it as evidence of rehabilitation and others questioning its appropriateness given the severity of his crime. Van Poyck maintained his innocence regarding the guard’s murder, claiming his accomplice fired the fatal shot. He did express remorse for the loss of life. His case drew international attention, with supporters arguing against his execution. In 2013, at the age of 59, William Van Poyck was executed by the state of Florida. His story continues to be a reminder of the complexities of crime, punishment, and redemption.
1955 – Alice Wynekoop – was a complex figure who carved a successful path in Chicago. On the one hand, she was a well-respected physician, professor, feminist, and advocate for child health. She achieved recognition for her work in public health education. However, there’s a dark side to Wynekoop’s story. In 1928, she was convicted of murdering her 22-year-old daughter-in-law, Rheta Wynekoop. This act shattered her reputation and forever tarnished her legacy. Wynekoop’s life exemplifies the potential for immense achievement to coexist with devastating actions.
1958 – Sheila LaBarre – born Sheila Kay Bailey is an American convicted murderer and possible serial killer. Sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole, LaBarre’s story is one of a troubled upbringing culminating in horrific crimes. Born in Alabama, LaBarre’s life began with hardship. She endured a horrific childhood marked by sexual, physical, and verbal abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father and others. This trauma would cast a long shadow over her life. LaBarre married several times, but none of the unions lasted. She battled mental health issues, including a documented suicide attempt in the early 1980s. Settling in Epping, New Hampshire, LaBarre lived on a farm. This seemingly idyllic setting became a backdrop for her dark side. She lured men to the farm, where she subjected them to torture and control. Authorities believe she may have killed more than the two men she was convicted of murdering – Kenneth Countie and Michael Deloge. LaBarre claimed to be acting as an “avenging angel” purging the world of pedophiles, though there was no evidence to support her accusations. LaBarre’s trial was a media spectacle. Despite her claims of divine mission, she was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Sheila LaBarre’s case serves as a chilling reminder of the lasting impact of trauma and the potential for evil to fester in the human psyche.
1959 – Mark Steven Putnam – Putnam was born on July 4, 1959 and raised in Endicott, New York. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Nyack College. He then went on to earn a Master of Education, a Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Education, all from Teachers College, Columbia University. Putnam’s career path initially began in higher education. He started as an admission counselor at Nyack College in 1983 and went on to hold senior administrative positions at several institutions including Pace University, Alliance Theological Seminary, Connecticut College, and Northeastern University. At Northeastern, he served as senior vice president for executive affairs, chief of staff, and chief planning officer. However, Putnam’s life took a drastic turn in 1990. Prior to his career in higher education, Putnam had served as an FBI agent from 1987 to 1990. In 1989, he was convicted of the murder of Susan Smith, a young woman and informant. This case garnered national attention, marking Putnam as the first FBI agent ever convicted of murder. He was sentenced to 16 years but due to good behavior, he was released after 10 years. There are no public records of Putnam’s activities following his release from prison. Tragically, while he was still incarcerated, his wife passed away from complications of alcoholism.
1960 – Donald Lee Bradley – was convicted for the murder of Jack Jones, which occurred on November 7, 1995. The murder was part of a conspiracy and burglary, orchestrated at the behest of the victim’s wife, Linda Jones. During a supposed home invasion, Jack Jones was killed, leading to the arrest of Bradley and others involved. Linda Jones was sentenced to life in prison, while Bradley received the death penalty for his role in the crime.
1963 – John Fautenberry – was an American serial killer who murdered at least five people across four states between 1990 and 1991. Born on July 4, 1963, in New London, Connecticut, Fautenberry’s early life was marked by instability. His father, a former Marine and police officer, divorced his mother shortly after his sister’s birth. Fautenberry’s upbringing lacked a positive parental figure. Rejected by his father and grandparents, he was placed in his mother’s care. She remarried twice, but Fautenberry reportedly faced neglect and abuse from his stepfathers. Fautenberry worked as a long-haul trucker, which provided him the opportunity to commit his crimes across state lines. Between 1990 and 1991, he befriended and subsequently murdered five people. After his arrest, he confessed to an additional 1984 murder for which another man had been wrongly convicted. Fautenberry was sentenced to death for one of his killings and was executed at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, Ohio in 2009.
1966 – Patrick Lane Moody – was marked by a tragic end. In 1994, he was convicted of murdering Donnie Ray Robbins, the husband of his girlfriend Wanda. Authorities believed they planned the crime together. Moody initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty. Despite appeals highlighting possible manipulation, he was sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection in 2006.
1972 – Rolando Ruiz Jr – life story is a stark reminder of the destructive path choices can take. While details of his early life are obscure, his actions in 1992 cast a long shadow. In San Antonio, Texas, Ruiz Jr. became entangled in a horrific crime. He was convicted of capital murder for the killing of Theresa Rodriguez, a young woman gunned down outside her own home. This act of violence wasn’t a random one; it was a calculated move in a life insurance scam orchestrated by the victim’s husband and brother-in-law. Ruiz Jr., for a mere $2,000, became the instrument of their greed. For over two decades, he fought his conviction on death row. In the face of his impending execution, remorse emerged. His final words expressed sorrow for the pain he inflicted on the victim’s family. Rolando Ruiz Jr.’s story leaves a complex legacy. It stands as a stark warning against the lure of violent crime, but also prompts reflection on the possibility of redemption and the efficacy of capital punishment.
1979 – Mark Andrew Twitchell – life unfolded as a chilling double act. Born in Edmonton, Canada in 1979, Twitchell harbored aspirations of Hollywood grandeur. He graduated from a film program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and even directed a well-received Star Wars fan film. However, beneath the surface of filmmaking ambitions lurked a darkness. In 2011, Twitchell’s life took a horrific turn when he was convicted of first-degree murder. The case garnered significant media attention due to disturbing parallels between Twitchell’s actions and the fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan. Twitchell’s crimes cast a long shadow over his filmmaking endeavors. While his early work garnered some recognition, his legacy is forever tainted by his heinous act.
1982 – Landon Daniel May – In September 2001, a burglary in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, led to the shocking discovery of a double homicide in Ephrata. Terry and Lucy Smith were found murdered in their home, the victims of a brutal attack. The investigation revealed a connection between the Smiths’ deaths and the burglary. Landon May, along with Michael Bourgeois (Lucy Smith’s son) and others, were involved in the initial break-in. Evidence pointed towards May’s involvement in the murders. He confessed to participating in the assaults on Terry and Lucy Smith. An autopsy confirmed the horrific details – Terry Smith had been stabbed and shot numerous times, while Lucy Smith suffered a similar fate that included sexual assault. During the trial, May displayed a disturbing lack of remorse. Despite his initial request for an attorney, he later waived his right and provided a statement to the police. Forensic evidence, including DNA and fingerprints, firmly linked May to the crime scene and the stolen items. The jury found May guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of both Terry and Lucy Smith. He received a life sentence for these crimes, along with an additional sentence for the sexual assault of Lucy Smith. Michael Bourgeois also pleaded guilty to the murders of his parents. The motive for the killings remains unclear, but it is believed the couple may have been tortured for their ATM card PIN numbers. This case shocked the Ephrata community and highlighted the dangers of violent crime.
Deaths
Barry Prudom
1982 – Barry Peter Prudom – Born Barry Edwards in Leeds, England in 1944, Barry Peter Prudom led a complex life that culminated in tragedy. An illegitimate child, Prudom faced challenges from a young age. He spent time in an approved school for delinquency but later served in the Territorial Army showcasing a sense of duty. After establishing himself as a grocer, Prudom sought financial opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Prudom’s life unraveled in 1982. He became a fugitive after killing Constable David Haigh in June. The following days saw a descent into further violence, with the murders of civilian George Luckett and Sergeant David Winter. Nicknamed the “Phantom of the Forest” by the press due to the woodland settings of the crimes, Prudom sparked a massive manhunt, the largest in British history at the time. Prudom’s violent spree ended tragically. Cornered by police in July 1982, he took his own life. He was buried in an unmarked grave, a final chapter to a life marked by both ambition and brutality. Prudom’s crimes cast a dark shadow. The extensive manhunt and the loss of innocent lives remain a stark reminder of the capacity for violence.
1983 – John Bodkin Adams – was born in 1899 in Randalstown, Ireland (now Northern Ireland), into a family steeped in the strict religious traditions of the Plymouth Brethren. His father, a watchmaker and preacher, instilled a strong sense of faith in young John. After completing his schooling, Adams pursued a career in medicine, graduating from Queen’s University Belfast. Dr. Adams set up his practice in Eastbourne, England, where he quickly gained a reputation for being a dedicated and attentive doctor. He was known for being readily available for his patients, particularly a large number of elderly women, many of whom were quite wealthy. However, over time, a disturbing pattern began to emerge. Between 1946 and 1956, a statistically improbable number of Adams’ patients, a staggering 163, died in comas. Even more unsettling was the fact that a significant portion of his deceased patients, a total of 132 out of 310, had left him money or valuables in their wills. Rumors began to circulate that Dr. Adams was prescribing excessive amounts of powerful narcotics, like heroin and morphine, to his patients. These rumors prompted police investigations into Dr. Adams’ practices. However, due to the cremation of many bodies, gathering forensic evidence proved difficult. While Adams was eventually charged with fraud for forging prescriptions, he was never convicted of murder due to the lack of a definitive link between his actions and the deaths of his patients. Despite being acquitted, John Bodkin Adams’ legacy remains tarnished. The sheer number of deaths under his care and the unusual financial windfalls he received from his patients continue to cast a long shadow of suspicion, making him a chilling example of a medical professional who may have abused his position for personal gain.
1997 – Amado Carillo Fuentes – “El Señor de los Cielos,” wasn’t born into wealth, but into a Mexican family already tangled with the drug trade. Rising through the ranks of the Juarez Cartel, he became known for ruthless efficiency and a pioneering use of airplanes for smuggling cocaine. This earned him immense wealth and the nickname “Lord of the Skies.” However, his reign of terror was cut short. In 1997, while attempting to evade capture through extensive plastic surgery, Carrillo died under mysterious circumstances. Though his death sparked a violent power struggle, he remains a significant figure in Mexican drug trafficking history.
1999 – Benjamin Nathaniel Smith – was a young man from Illinois who gained notoriety for a violent act in 1999. Details about Smith’s upbringing are scarce. Born in 1978, he grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and attended New Trier Township High School. During this time, there was an incident where he confronted a police officer and was charged with assault. He later transferred to Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for his senior year. Smith exhibited signs of extremism during his high school years. His senior yearbook quote referenced the phrase used by President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, suggesting a fascination with violence and rebellion. After high school, Smith attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign but dropped out in 1998 due to conflicts with authorities. He then transferred to Indiana University Bloomington, where he expressed white supremacist views. He distributed hate flyers targeting minorities and identified as a follower of the Creativity Movement, a white supremacist organization. In July 1999, over the Fourth of July weekend, Smith embarked on a shooting spree across Illinois and Indiana. Targeting individuals based on race, he murdered two people and injured several others. Following a police chase, Smith died by suicide.
Events
Nancy Baird
1954 – Dr. Sam Sheppard’s wife Marilyn is murdered
1975 – Ted Bundy victim Nancy Baird disappears from Layton, Utah
1987 – Nazi Klaus Barbie the “Butcher of Lyon” is sentenced to life imprisonment
1990 – Aileen Wuornos murders Peter Siems
2003 – LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant is arrested in Eagle, Colorado for sexual assault, the charges would eventually be dismissed
2013 – 12 people are killed and 60 are injured in a wave of shootings across Chicago
2014 – Rolf Harris is sentenced to 5 years & 9 months for indecently assaulting female minors
2019 – Egypt claims 3,000-year-old Tutankhamen bust is stolen as it sells for $6 million at auction at Christie’s
2019 – Notorious Dutch crime boss Willem Holleeder is sentenced to life for ordering five murders in Amsterdam
