Births
Captain Moonlite
1675 – Mary Walcott – born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1675, played a significant, if unsettling, role in the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. At the age of seventeen, she was among the first young women to exhibit strange behavior – contortions, screaming, and accusations of being bewitched. This, along with her prominent family ties, thrust her into the center of the social and judicial hysteria that gripped Salem. Mary Walcott’s father, Captain Jonathan Walcott, was a well-respected member of the community, and her family connections extended to the powerful Putnam family through her stepmother. Despite this seemingly stable background, Mary became a leading accuser, pointing fingers at neighbors and friends. Historians debate her motivations. Was she genuinely convinced she was under a witch’s spell, or was there another reason for her behavior? Some believe Mary Walcott may have been the first to introduce a pattern of manipulative behavior. She’s described as being more composed than other afflicted girls, even knitting calmly during examinations. Her accusations, however, could be just as dramatic, swaying public opinion and the course of the trials. The truth behind Mary Walcott’s actions remains unclear. However, her role in the Salem Witch Trials serves as a reminder of the complex factors that fueled this dark chapter in American history.
1842 – Captain Moonlite – also known as Andrew George Scott, was a complex and controversial figure in Australian history. Born in Ireland to an Anglican clergyman, his life took a dramatic turn away from the expected path. Scott’s upbringing was steeped in religion, but his adventurous spirit craved a different life. He may have studied engineering in London and even fought alongside Garibaldi in Italy (though some aspects of his early years are debated by historians). Eventually, he landed in New Zealand, seeking gold. However, the Maori Wars intervened, and Scott found himself an officer, wounded in battle. A court-martial for alleged malingering left him disillusioned. Arriving in Victoria, Australia, Scott attempted to follow his father’s wishes and train for the clergy. This path proved incompatible with his growing frustration with social inequalities. In 1870, he adopted the persona of Captain Moonlite (sometimes spelled Moonlight) and embarked on a short-lived bushranging career. His targets were primarily banks, and unlike many bushrangers, he rarely harmed anyone. Captain Moonlite’s motives differed from the typical bushranger. Some believe financial desperation drove him, while others suggest he was a social bandit, challenging the wealthy elite. His well-spoken demeanor and focus on stealing money rather than valuables further distinguished him from the stereotype. A significant aspect of Captain Moonlite’s story is his possible same-sex relationship with fellow gang member James Nesbitt. They met in prison, and their bond is believed to have played a role in Moonlite’s actions. A fateful reunion outside prison led to a bank robbery attempt in New South Wales that ended tragically with a shootout and the deaths of Nesbitt, another gang member, and a police constable. Captain Moonlite was captured and hanged in 1880. Despite his short-lived bushranging career, he has become a captivating figure in Australian folklore. His story raises questions about social injustice, rebellion, and the complexities of human relationships. The possible romantic connection between Moonlite and Nesbitt further adds a unique layer to his legacy, sparking discussions about sexuality in the historical context. Captain Moonlite’s life, though tragic, continues to intrigue Australians. He remains a symbol of rebellion against authority, and his story continues to be debated and explored in various media.
1856 – Floyd Allen – was a controversial figure in American history. Born into a large family in Carroll County, Virginia, Allen became a landowner and patriarch of the Allen clan. He achieved some local standing, holding positions like deputy sheriff, constable, and county supervisor. However, Allen’s life took a dramatic turn in 1912. During that year, Allen was convicted of assaulting a sheriff’s deputy. While facing sentencing at the Carroll County Courthouse, a shocking shootout erupted. This incident, known as the Hillsville Courthouse Shootout, left five people dead, including a judge, prosecutor, sheriff, and bystanders. The details surrounding the event remain murky, but Allen and his family members were accused of planning the violence. In the aftermath of the courthouse bloodshed, Floyd Allen was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He was executed in 1913. The case, however, has been a source of debate for decades. Some question whether Allen received a fair trial, while the Allen family maintains they were targeted by local officials. Floyd Allen’s story remains a fascinating, albeit tragic, chapter in Virginia’s history.
1931 – James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke – was a notorious American gangster and associate of the Lucchese crime family. Though not a full-fledged member himself, Burke’s ruthlessness and criminal mastermind made him a significant figure in the underworld. Born in New York City, Burke’s early life was marked by instability. Abandoned by his biological parents, he bounced between foster homes and orphanages, experiencing violence and neglect. This turbulent upbringing is believed to have contributed to his later criminal path. By the 1960s, Burke had established himself as a key figure in the Lucchese family. He ran a Queens tavern as a front for his criminal activities, which included theft, extortion, and association with other gangsters like Henry Hill, who later became a government informant. Burke’s ruthlessness was on display in his handling of the Lufthansa heist in 1978, the largest cash robbery in U.S. history at the time. Believing loose ends were a liability, Burke is believed to have been responsible for the murders of those involved in the heist. Burke’s criminal empire began to crumble when Henry Hill, facing his own legal troubles, turned informant and testified against him. Despite his nickname “Jimmy the Gent,” suggesting a refined demeanor, Burke’s brutality was exposed. He was convicted on racketeering charges and sentenced to prison. While behind bars, he was further implicated in murders and received additional sentences. James Burke died of cancer in prison in 1996. Jimmy Burke’s life of crime achieved a kind of dark immortality through Martin Scorsese’s gangster film “Goodfellas.” The character of Jimmy Conway, played by Robert De Niro, was heavily based on Burke. The film’s portrayal cemented Burke’s place in pop culture as a symbol of the allure and brutality of the mafia underworld.
1942 – Mary Jane Fonder – was an American woman convicted of the 2008 murder of Rhonda Smith, a fellow member of their church in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Born in Philadelphia in 1942, Fonder held various jobs throughout her early life. She never married and didn’t appear to have any close relationships. In 1987, she returned to her family’s home in Springfield to care for her aging parents. Fonder became the prime suspect in the 2008 murder of Rhonda Smith at their church. She was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Authorities also suspected Fonder in the 1993 disappearance of her father, Edward Fonder III, however, the case was never solved. Fonder died in 2018 while serving her life sentence.
1952 – Anthony Rozelle Banks – was a man from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who was convicted of the first-degree murder of Sun I. “Kim” Travis in 1979. He received the death penalty and was executed in 2013. Travis was abducted from her apartment complex, and her body was discovered the following day with evidence of rape and a fatal gunshot wound. DNA evidence later confirmed Banks’ involvement in the crime.
1957 – Donald Leroy Evans – was an American serial killer who terrorized victims across the United States. While the confirmed body count stands at three, Evans himself confessed to killings in over twenty states. Evans’ life began in Watervliet, Michigan, but details of his upbringing remain obscure. Evans’ criminal path started in 1986 with a rape conviction in Galveston, Texas. Sentenced to fifteen years, he served only five before parole. Released in 1991, Evans returned to Galveston and found work at a motel. However, his parole officer disapproved of this placement for a sex offender, leading to his dismissal. Evans then found himself on a fishing boat, where his crimes took a horrific turn. He was apprehended for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a ten-year-old girl. Evans’ arrest unraveled a possible trail of victims. He confessed to numerous killings across the country, targeting victims in parks and rest areas. The extent of these confessions remains unverified due to the lack of physical evidence. Donald Leroy Evans was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He was executed in 1999 at the Mississippi State Penitentiary.
1959 – Veronica Guerin – was an Irish investigative journalist who shone a light on the dark underbelly of Dublin’s criminal world. Guerin’s journey to journalism wasn’t typical. A talented athlete in her youth, she played for Ireland’s national basketball and football teams. After studying accountancy, she ventured into business and politics before finding her calling in journalism in the early 1990s. Guerin’s focus shifted to crime reporting for the Sunday Independent, where her relentless pursuit of the truth exposed the operations of drug cartels. She bravely named and shamed gang leaders, even resorting to using nicknames due to Ireland’s strict libel laws. This courage came at a heavy price. Guerin endured threats, intimidation, and even an attack on her home. Undeterred, she continued her work, determined to expose the drug trade’s destructive grip on Irish society, particularly its impact on vulnerable communities. Tragically, Guerin’s fight for justice ended in 1996 when she was murdered in a gangland shooting. Her death sent shockwaves through Ireland and the world, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists who dare to challenge powerful criminal organizations. Veronica Guerin’s legacy is one of courage, integrity, and a unwavering commitment to truth. Her sacrifice helped spark a crackdown on organized crime in Ireland and continues to inspire journalists worldwide.
1969 – Esa Akerlund – is known for his serious criminal offenses. He was first sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his ex-wife in 1995. After being released on parole, Åkerlund was later convicted of a triple murder in 2010 and received a 15-year sentence. His criminal activities have made him a notable figure in Finland’s legal history.
1973 – Marvallous Keene – Marquise Keene led what he called the Downtown Posse in Dayton, consisting of young individuals. Alongside three accomplices, Keene was responsible for the deaths of Joseph Wilkerson, 34, an individual he knew; Danita Gullette, 18, who was randomly targeted while using a payphone; and Sarah Abraham, 38, a store clerk. Keene also played a role in the elimination of two individuals, Wendy Cottrill, 16, and Marvin Washington, 18, who were potential informants. Washington was fatally shot by DeMarcus Smith, an associate of Keene’s. Laura Taylor, Keene’s partner, murdered Richmond Maddox, 19. These events occurred between December 24 and 26, 1992, and are referred to as the “Christmas Killings.” Taylor and Smith were minors at the time and were exempt from the death penalty. Heather Matthews faced two charges of capital murder but received a plea deal for her testimony against Keene and Taylor. Smith, Taylor, and Matthews are currently serving sentences over 100 years.
1994 – Andres Leonardo Achipiz – also known by the chilling alias “El Pescadito” (The Fish), is a Colombian serial killer and hired assassin. Born in 1994, Achipiz’s early life was marked by hardship. He grew up in a rough neighborhood of Bogotá after his family relocated from Huila seeking a better life. The second of six children, Achipiz dropped out of school in 6th grade to work as a street vendor alongside his father, selling fruits and fish. According to his confessions, his father subjected him to physical and emotional abuse, demanding a minimum amount of money from his sales. Achipiz’s path strayed further as he became involved with a criminal gang in Kennedy and Bosa. He entered the small-scale drug trade and turned to violence. Tragically, by 2009, he was already responsible for at least two murders, landing him in a youth detention center. However, his confinement proved temporary as he managed to escape during a riot. Following his escape, Achipiz’s murderous spree continued. He is believed to have taken the lives of 30 to 35 people in Bogotá, primarily in the Kennedy and Bosa areas. A ruthless killer, he reportedly used firearms and sharp objects to eliminate his targets. Achipiz allegedly operated as a hired assassin, charging between $600,000 and $4,000,000 Colombian pesos per murder. Though convicted of 12 murders, authorities suspect Achipiz is responsible for many more. He is currently incarcerated in La Picota Prison, a high-security facility in Bogotá. The case of Andrés Leonardo Achipiz serves as a chilling reminder of the destructive forces that can shape a young life, turning a boy who once sold fish on the streets into a notorious serial killer.
Deaths
Salvatore Giuliano
1851 – Josefa Segovia – also known as Juanita or Josefa Loaiza, was a Mexican-American woman who became a part of California’s Wild West history. While details surrounding her life are limited, she is remembered as the first and only woman to be hanged in California. Historical records offer glimpses into Josefa’s life during the California Gold Rush. Sometime around 1850, she arrived in the mining town of Downieville, likely accompanying a partner named José (though some accounts suggest they weren’t married). Little is known about their life in the rough and tumble mining community. In July of 1841, Josefa’s life took a tragic turn. She was accused of murdering a local miner named Frederick Cannon. The details of the crime and the evidence against her remain unclear. During that era, frontier justice often prevailed, and Josefa faced a swift trial without the legal protections we see today. She was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. On July 5, 1841, Josefa Segovia was hanged, forever etching her name in California’s history. Her story serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of the Gold Rush era, particularly for women and minorities. Recent scholarship has challenged the stereotypical portrayal of Josefa as a prostitute, suggesting a more nuanced life for this enigmatic figure. While details about Josefa Segovia may be lost to time, her story continues to spark curiosity and inspire research into the lives of women during the California Gold Rush.
1950 – Salvatore Giuliano – born in 1922, was a notorious figure in Italian history. Rising to prominence in the chaos following World War II, he remains a complex and debated character. Giuliano hailed from a peasant family in Montelepre, Sicily. After a brief stint in school, he left to help on the family farm. However, Sicily’s poverty and the breakdown of law and order during the war pushed him towards a life of crime. In 1943, after killing a police officer, he became an outlaw. Giuliano’s legacy is shrouded in ambiguity. Some portray him as a Robin Hood-like figure, stealing from the rich to aid the poor. He did occasionally distribute stolen goods to peasants, but his motives were likely multifaceted. Sicily’s deep-seated social issues and a desire for power also fueled his actions. Giuliano formed a band of outlaws and evaded capture for years. He cultivated a Robin Hood image through staged photographs and letters to the press. However, his activities also included kidnappings, violence, and killings. The authorities relentlessly pursued him, culminating in a massive manhunt in 1949. The exact circumstances surrounding Giuliano’s death in 1950 remain murky. Some believe he was killed by police, while others suspect a mafia plot. His demise at the young age of 27 only added to the legend. Salvatore Giuliano’s story continues to fascinate. He represents a period of social unrest in Italy and the complex relationship between poverty, crime, and rebellion. Films and books explore his life, highlighting the enduring controversy surrounding this Sicilian bandit king.
Events
Alton Sterling
1865 – Great Britain creates the world’s first-speed limit law
1934 – “Bloody Thursday” – police open fire on striking longshoremen in San Francisco
1984 – The Supreme Court weakens the 70-year-old “exclusionary rule” Evidence seized with defective court warrants can now be used in criminal trials
2011 – Casey Anthony is found not guilty
2016 – African American Alton Sterling is shot by Louisiana police in Baton Rouge while being restrained on the ground, the killing is filmed
2017 – A shootout between drug cartels in Las Varas, Northern Mexico kills 14
2017 – 101 people are reportedly shot with 15 killed in Chicago, Illinois over the 4th July weekend
