Births
Anna Marie Hahn
1906 – Anna Marie Hahn – was a German-born American serial killer who terrorized Cincinnati in the 1930s. Nicknamed the “Blonde Borgia” for her ruthless cunning, Hahn preyed on elderly men, poisoning them for their money. Born Anna Marie Filser in Bavaria, Hahn’s early life is a mix of fact and speculation. The youngest of twelve, she came from a well-to-do family. However, tragedy struck early, with several siblings dying before she was born. At 19, she became pregnant out of wedlock, a scandal that sent shockwaves through her conservative family. To escape the shame, she was shipped off to the United States in 1929. In America, Anna Marie Hahn married Philip Hahn and settled into a seemingly normal life. However, beneath the surface lurked a dark secret. Hahn craved money and devised a sinister plan. Posing as a nurse, she befriended wealthy elderly men, gaining their trust and access to their homes. Then, she would lace their food or drinks with arsenic, a slow-acting poison. Hahn’s murderous spree continued for several years, with estimates suggesting she may have killed as many as 15 men. But her luck ran out in 1937. After the death of 78-year-old Jacob Wagner, suspicion fell on Hahn. Authorities discovered traces of arsenic in Wagner’s body, along with life insurance policies naming Hahn as the beneficiary. Hahn’s trial became a national sensation. The press reveled in portraying the attractive young woman as a monster. Found guilty of murder, Hahn became the first woman executed in the electric chair in Ohio in 1938. Anna Marie Hahn’s case remains chilling, a stark reminder of the human capacity for evil. It also sheds light on the social attitudes of the time, where a woman’s ambition and sexuality could be easily demonized.
1924 – Rudolf Pleil – was a notorious German serial killer nicknamed “Der Totmacher,” which translates to “The Deadmaker.” He terrorized the Harz mountain region in the years following World War II. Born in 1924 near the Czechoslovakian border, Pleil’s life was marked by hardship from a young age. His communist father’s arrest by the Nazis forced the family to relocate. By the age of nine, Pleil was already involved in smuggling across the border to support his struggling family. A lack of regular schooling due to these responsibilities likely contributed to his later criminal path. Pleil’s crimes, spanning 1946 to 1950, primarily targeted women. Though convicted of murdering a salesman and nine women, he confessed to killing as many as 25. The chaotic aftermath of the war, with an unclear border zone and strained police cooperation, allowed Pleil and his accomplices to exploit these weaknesses to evade capture. Pleil’s killing spree eventually came to an end. Apprehended and sentenced to life imprisonment, he committed suicide in 1958. Pleil’s crimes remain a chilling reminder of the darkness that can emerge in times of social upheaval.
1940 – Samuel Little – the “most prolific serial killer in U.S. history” according to the FBI, confessed to murdering a staggering 93 people, mostly women, between 1970 and 2005. Born Samuel McDowell in 1940, Little’s upbringing was marked by instability. Abandoned by his teenage mother, he was raised by his grandmother in Ohio. He struggled in school, eventually dropping out and falling into petty crime as a teenager. This path of delinquency would escalate over the years. Little drifted across the country, committing various crimes to support himself. He was frequently arrested but managed to avoid murder convictions for decades. A DNA test in 2012, however, connected him to three unsolved murders in California, leading to his conviction and a life sentence. Behind bars, Little began confessing to a horrifying number of killings. He provided details that helped authorities connect him to at least 60 murders, the most confirmed victims of any serial killer in US history. His chilling confessions brought some closure to families but also highlighted the danger he posed, particularly to marginalized women who were often overlooked by law enforcement. Samuel Little died in prison in 2020. While some of his confessions remain unconfirmed, law enforcement continues to investigate, hoping to identify his remaining victims and bring a measure of justice. Little’s case serves as a grim reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary people and the importance of thorough investigations for all victims.
1954 – Miguel A. Richardson – Oklahoma native Miguel Richardson was on the run for over a year following the robbery and murders of two security guards at a Holiday Inn in the San Antonio area on March 31, 1979. John Ebbert and another guard were responding to a guest’s complaint when they discovered Richardson attempting to break into a room. As they escorted him to the office, a gun concealed in his waistband fell to the floor. Richardson quickly grabbed the gun, held the guards at gunpoint, and handcuffed one of them. After taking their money, he shot both guards. Richardson remained at large until his arrest in Denver, Colorado, in June 1980.
1962 – Rene Enriquez – is a former Mexican-American gang member who carved a path through the violent underworld of California. Born in Artesia, California, to Mexican immigrants, Enriquez’s early life showed promise. However, he dropped out of school and drifted towards crime, influenced by his friend and a local gang, Artesia 13. Enriquez’s ruthlessness earned him respect within the prison system. He eventually rose to become a “made man” in the Mexican Mafia, a powerful prison gang with a nationwide reach. His criminal activities included drug trafficking, extortion, and even violent attacks on other inmates. This brutality cemented his reputation as a dangerous figure. In a surprising turn of events, Enriquez left the Mexican Mafia in 2003 and became a federal witness. This decision exposed the inner workings of the gang and put him at significant risk. Enriquez’s life serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the allure and destructive consequences of gang involvement. His story is documented in the true-crime book, The Black Hand: The Story of Rene “Boxer” Enriquez.
1963 – Pascal Payet – is a French criminal best known for his record-breaking number of escape attempts, all involving helicopters. Born in Montpellier, France, details about Payet’s early life are scarce. By 1988, he had run into trouble with the law, convicted of aggravated assault. Further convictions followed in 1993 for conspiracy. In 1997, Payet’s criminal activity took a violent turn. He was convicted of the murder of a security guard during a robbery in Salon-de-Provence and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Payet’s notoriety stems from his daring escapes. In 2003, he masterminded a helicopter escape from Aix-Luynes prison, freeing himself and three other inmates. They were recaptured shortly after. Undeterred, Payet orchestrated another helicopter escape in 2007, but was again apprehended. He received additional prison time for both escapes. Pascal Payet remains incarcerated. Though a skilled escape artist, his criminal career has resulted in a lengthy prison sentence.
1966 – Richard Earl Shere Jr – was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Drew Snyder, who was reported missing in December 1987. On January 13, 1988, police spoke with Shere, a friend of Snyder’s. Shere waived his Miranda rights, discussed the murder with the police, and led them to several locations where parts of the crime took place. Shere recounted that Bruce Demo, a mutual friend and co-defendant, called him on the night of December 24, 1987. Demo accused Snyder of “ratting” on their illegal activities and threatened to kill Shere if he did not help murder Snyder. Early on December 25, 1987, Shere and Demo convinced Snyder to go hunting with them. Shere claimed that when he left his .22-caliber rifle on the car roof to relieve himself, Demo took the rifle and shot Snyder, who was still in the car, multiple times. Shere alleged he wanted to take Snyder to the hospital, but Demo then used his pistol to shoot Snyder in the head and chest. Demo provided a different account, stating that he was the one who went to relieve himself and heard shots. According to Demo, Shere fired the first shots and then threatened him with the firearm, forcing him to shoot Snyder in the head and chest. The two men put Snyder’s body in the trunk and drove a short distance. Demo claimed he made Shere dig the hole and bury the body, as he was too distraught. They then took some of Snyder’s belongings to Clearwater to make it appear as if Snyder had left town hastily, with Shere enlisting the help of his girlfriend, Heidi Greulich. Shere traded the firearm used in the murder, which police later recovered and confirmed as the murder weapon. Investigators also found evidence of gunshots in Shere’s car and human blood on his boots. Snyder had been shot ten times, with wounds to his head, chest, back, buttocks, arm, and leg. The head wounds were from a pistol, and one leg wound was from a rifle. Heidi Greulich, who married Shere after the murder, testified to seeing blood on Shere’s clothes and in his car on the day of the murder. She also claimed that Shere confessed to killing Snyder alone and warned her that she would be in danger from Demo if she revealed his involvement. Ray Pruden, another friend of Shere’s, testified that Shere admitted to killing Snyder during the hunting trip but did not mention Demo’s involvement.
1972 – Bobby Lee Hines – Hines, on parole after receiving shock probation two years prior for a burglary conviction, was staying with the apartment complex maintenance man. The body of Michelle Haupt, a 26-year-old resident, was discovered in her living room, having been stabbed 18 times with an ice pick and with an electrical wire tightly wrapped around her neck. The previous night, Hines had shown up uninvited at a party, claiming to be part of the maintenance crew at the complex. He brandished a ring of keys, asserting he could access any apartment at any time. Cigarettes and pennies taken from Haupt’s apartment were found under the sofa where Hines slept. A necklace, which Haupt always wore, was discovered in his pocket. Additionally, Hines had scratches on his face and neck, indicative of a struggle with the victim. His fingerprint and bloody palm print were found in her apartment.
1980 – Leon Jermain Winston – On the morning of Friday, April 19, 2002, Rhonda and Anthony Robinson were tragically shot and killed in their home in Lynchburg. When the police arrived, they found that the rear door had been forcibly opened. Anthony’s body was discovered at the foot of the stairs with five 9-millimeter shell casings scattered around and under him. Rhonda’s body was found on the floor of the upstairs bedroom she shared with her two daughters, and four 9-millimeter shell casings were found in the room. Autopsies revealed that neither Rhonda nor Anthony had any traces of alcohol, opiates, or cocaine in their systems. The medical examiner concluded that all wounds were inflicted while they were still alive. Additionally, it was determined that Rhonda was pregnant at the time of her death. Anthony succumbed to blood loss from eight gunshot wounds to his head, chest, abdomen, and extremities. The medical examiner identified that tracks 1 through 7 were caused by a 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun, while track 8 was caused by a .38 caliber revolver. At the trial, it was revealed that on the morning of April 19, 2002, eight-year-old Niesha M. Whitehead was awakened by her mother, Rhonda, calling out that someone was in the house. Niesha saw two black men outside the second-floor bedroom she shared with her sister, five-year-old Tiesha. She testified that her stepfather, Anthony, went downstairs with one of the men, who was dressed in black clothing, wore gloves, and had a tattoo resembling “a big dog.” Niesha called him “Mr. No Name.” Niesha testified that after Anthony went downstairs with “Mr. No Name,” she heard gunshots. Brown, whom Niesha called “Mr. No Name’s Friend,” stayed upstairs with Rhonda until “Mr. No Name” returned. “Mr. No Name” chased Rhonda into the girls’ bedroom and shot her in front of the girls. Niesha then led her sister to a closet where they hid. Later, Niesha discovered the bodies of her mother and stepfather. A cab driver testified that he picked up two black males, one identified as Brown, in the early morning hours of April 19, 2002. He drove them to several homes where they checked windows without entering. One house was on Sussex Street, where the Robinson home was located. Michelle Lipford, who had purchased drugs from Winston and Brown and had been intimate with Winston, testified that around 5:00 a.m. on April 19, 2002, she drove Winston and Brown to the Robinsons’ home. They left the car for about 5 minutes, then returned, went to her home on Pierce Street, and later asked to be driven back to Sussex Street. After about 15 minutes, Lipford heard gunshots and drove away. Winston’s girlfriend received a call from him around 6:00 a.m. on April 19, 2002, asking for a pickup at a carwash near Sussex Street, which she did. A neighbor testified hearing three gunshots, followed by five more shots, on the morning of April 19, 2002. Nathan Rorls, a longtime friend of Winston, testified that Winston called him, saying he “slumped two people down here,” meaning he killed them. When Rorls saw Winston the next day, Winston claimed he killed and robbed two people. Winston showed Rorls a handgun resembling a Glock or a 9-millimeter, along with cash and cocaine, saying he took $2000 and two ounces of cocaine from the Robinsons. Winston said he committed the crimes to make up for being robbed recently. Winston was arrested at his girlfriend’s home on April 25, 2002. She gave police a set of keys belonging to Winston, which fit locks to doors at two nearby apartments. At one of the apartments, police found a 9-millimeter handgun resembling a Glock. Winston had left it there for safekeeping and called from jail to ask for it to be held. Forensic scientists testified that five bullets from the Robinsons’ home and two bullets from Anthony’s body were fired from Winston’s 9-millimeter handgun. Nine cartridge casings from the crime scene were ejected from Winston’s handgun, and biological material on the handgun matched Winston’s DNA, with a probability of a random match being greater than one in six billion.
1982 – Seito Sakakibara – also known by his birth name Shinichiro Azuma, was a 14-year-old boy who committed the Kobe child murders in 1997. The attacks in Kobe, Japan, left two children dead and three others injured. In Japan, juvenile offender identities are protected by law, so Azuma is referred to as “Boy A” in official documents. On March 16, 1997, Azuma, using the alias Seito Sakakibara, lured a 10-year-old girl, Ayaka Yamashita, into a secluded area and murdered her. He left a note at the scene confessing to the crime and promising more attacks. Two months later, on May 27, 1997, Azuma abducted and murdered another child, Jun Hase, who was 11 years old. He again left a cryptic note at the scene. These brutal crimes sent shockwaves through Japan and the world. Azuma was apprehended shortly after the second murder and confessed to both killings. Azuma’s motive for the crimes remains unclear. Some reports suggest a fascination with death and violence, while others point to a troubled childhood. He was tried as a juvenile and sentenced to a maximum of eight years in a juvenile detention facility. Azuma was released on parole in 2004 and given a new identity to protect him from the public. The Kobe child murders led to a national debate in Japan about juvenile crime and the protection of victims’ identities.
1984 – Andrew Walmsley – is an American man from Texas who was convicted on March 5, 2006, for the murders of his parents, Rick and Suzanna Wamsley, which occurred on December 11, 2003. Despite facing the death penalty, he was sentenced to life in prison. On the evening of December 11, 2003, Rick and Suzanna Wamsley, a wealthy couple from Mansfield, Texas, were brutally murdered in their home. They were shot and stabbed to death by Susana Toledano, a friend of their son Andrew. The murders were part of a scheme devised by Andrew, his girlfriend Chelsea Richardson, and Susana Toledano to collect Andrew’s parents’ $1.65 million estate. The conspirators also planned to kill Andrew’s older sister Sarah, but she was not at home on the night of the murders.
Deaths
Adolph Luetgert
1701 – William Stoughton – was a prominent figure in colonial Massachusetts, remembered for both his political leadership and his role in the infamous Salem witch trials. Born in either England or Massachusetts (records are unclear), Stoughton was destined for a religious path. He graduated from Harvard College in 1650 with a theology degree and then continued his studies at Oxford University in England. However, upon returning to England, he lost his ministerial position due to a political shift. Stoughton returned to Massachusetts in 1662 and transitioned from religious pursuits to politics. He served in the Massachusetts General Court and held various administrative roles. Notably, he was a Deputy President of the colony during the short-lived Dominion of New England (1680s). This period also saw him act as an agent for Massachusetts in London. Stoughton’s most well-known, and controversial, role came in 1692. As Chief Justice of the newly formed Court of Oyer and Terminer, he oversaw the Salem witch trials. He is criticized for his strict adherence to spectral evidence (accusations based on dreams or visions), which many believe fueled the hysteria. Despite later accusations being dropped, Stoughton never acknowledged any errors in his judgments. Stoughton continued his political ascent, becoming Lieutenant Governor in 1692 and acting as Governor of Massachusetts Bay from 1694 to 1699. He remained a powerful figure until his death in 1701. William Stoughton’s legacy is complex. While he was a respected leader in the colony, his actions during the Salem witch trials cast a long shadow. He is a reminder of a time when fear and religious fervor could lead to tragic consequences.
1826 – Jereboam Beauchamp – wasn’t your typical criminal. Born and raised in Kentucky, Beauchamp received a decent education and set his sights on a respectable career in law. He even held admiration for a prominent attorney named Solomon P. Sharp, seeing him as a role model in the legal field. However, this admiration took a sharp turn when rumors began to circulate. Anna Cooke, a planter’s daughter, accused Sharp of fathering an illegitimate child that died shortly after birth. Beauchamp, fueled by a desire to defend Cooke’s honor, found himself consumed by anger towards Sharp. This rage would ultimately lead him down a dark path. In 1825, the situation escalated tragically. Beauchamp, no longer the aspiring lawyer with dreams of courtroom victories, confronted Sharp directly. What transpired at Sharp’s home that night remains unclear, but the outcome was undeniable. Beauchamp emerged from the encounter, not as a legal advocate, but as a murderer. The shocking death of a respected figure like Sharp sent shockwaves through Kentucky society. The Beauchamp-Sharp Tragedy became a sensational case. The trial captivated the public, with Beauchamp’s motive – a twisted sense of vengeance for a woman allegedly wronged – sparking heated debate. Ultimately, the justice system prevailed. Found guilty, Beauchamp was hanged in 1826. His story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can unfold when emotions spiral out of control. A promising future was extinguished in a moment of violence, leaving behind a legacy of tragedy and lost potential.
1865 – David Edgar Herold – born in 1842, played a crucial role in the assassination plot that tragically ended Abraham Lincoln’s life. Though not the triggerman himself, Herold’s actions were vital to John Wilkes Booth’s escape attempt. Herold hailed from a well-off Maryland family. His father held a prestigious position at the Washington Navy Yard, and young David received education at prestigious institutions like Gonzaga College High School and Georgetown College. However, his path took a turn when he met John Surratt at Charlotte Hall Military Academy. Surratt introduced him to John Wilkes Booth, the infamous actor who would mastermind Lincoln’s assassination. On the fateful night of April 14th, 1865, Herold became part of a larger conspiracy. While Booth targeted Lincoln, Herold was assigned to attack Vice President Andrew Johnson (though some accounts dispute this). Herold ultimately accompanied Lewis Powell in a failed attempt to assassinate Secretary of State William Seward. After the attacks, Herold joined Booth on his escape. They fled through Maryland and Virginia, with Herold even staying by Booth’s side after Dr. Samuel Mudd treated Booth’s leg injury. Their journey ended in a dramatic standoff in a Virginia barn. Herold surrendered, but Booth was shot and killed by Union soldiers. Herold’s capture did not bring closure. He, along with other conspirators, faced trial and was sentenced to death. Despite his relatively minor role in the physical acts of violence, Herold was hanged on July 7th, 1865, at the age of 23. David Herold’s story serves as a reminder of the wider net cast by such conspiracies. Although not the central figure, Herold’s involvement proved crucial to the assassination plot and cemented his place as a footnote in this dark chapter of American history.
1865 – George Atzerodt – a German immigrant caught up in the tides of the Civil War, played a part in one of the most infamous events in American history: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Born in Germany in 1835, Atzerodt arrived in the United States with his family at a young age. He settled in Maryland and eventually opened a carriage repair business. While not a vocal advocate for the Confederacy, he held Southern sympathies. This drew him into the orbit of John Wilkes Booth, the actor who would become the central figure in the assassination plot. Initially, the plan was to kidnap Lincoln and hold him hostage in exchange for Confederate prisoners of war. However, the scheme morphed into a more violent one – assassination. Booth enlisted Atzerodt, along with others, to target key figures in the Union government. Atzerodt was assigned the task of killing Vice President Andrew Johnson. On the night of April 14th, 1865, as Booth made his way to Ford’s Theatre to shoot Lincoln, Atzerodt found himself outside the Kirkwood House, Johnson’s residence. However, he faltered. Accounts suggest he lacked the resolve to carry out the murder, possibly due to a combination of nerves and intoxication. Instead of entering the house, he wandered the streets and ultimately did nothing. Despite his inaction, Atzerodt was implicated in the conspiracy. He was apprehended, tried by a military tribunal, and sentenced to death. On July 7th, 1865, he was hanged alongside other conspirators. George Atzerodt’s story remains a footnote in the larger narrative of Lincoln’s assassination. Though he never followed through with his assigned role, his involvement in the plot sealed his fate, forever tying him to this dark chapter in American history.
1899 – Adolph Louis Luetgert – born in 1845 in Germany, arrived in Chicago in the 1870s and carved a path to success. He built a thriving business, the A.L. Luetgert Sausage & Packing Company, earning him the title “sausage king” of Chicago. However, his prosperity would be overshadowed by a dark secret. Luetgert married twice. After his first wife’s death in 1877, he married Louisa Bicknese in 1878. Together they had four children. Despite his outward achievements, rumors swirled about Luetgert’s financial troubles and marital discord. In 1897, tragedy struck. Louisa vanished without a trace. As suspicion mounted, authorities investigated Luetgert’s sausage factory. A gruesome discovery awaited them: traces of blood and evidence suggesting Louisa’s body had been dissolved in a vat of lye. The public was gripped by the sensational case, dubbed the “Sausage Vat Murder.” Luetgert, accused of murdering Louisa and attempting to dispose of her body in the factory vats, stood trial. Though the remains were never fully recovered, a sensational trial and circumstantial evidence led to his conviction in 1898. Sentenced to life in prison, Luetgert died behind bars a year and a half later. The Luetgert case captivated Chicago and resonated far beyond. It exposed the harsh realities of life in the bustling city and the lengths some might go to in the pursuit of wealth and power. While Luetgert’s legacy as a successful businessman crumbled, his name became synonymous with a chilling murder and a cautionary tale.
1930 – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – the British author who gifted the world Sherlock Holmes, was a man of many hats. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1859, Doyle came from a family with a touch of the artistic, though his father’s struggles with alcoholism cast a shadow on his early life. Doyle received his education at Jesuit schools and later the University of Edinburgh, where he emerged in 1885 with a medical degree. It was during his time at university that Doyle encountered Dr. Joseph Bell, a professor whose keen observation skills would leave a lasting impression. Dr. Bell would later serve as inspiration for the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes. After graduating, Doyle embarked on a brief medical career while nurturing his passion for writing. The year 1887 marked a turning point, as he introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes in “A Study in Scarlet.” This debut novel launched a series that would redefine detective fiction and make Doyle a household name. Doyle’s literary achievements extended far beyond Sherlock Holmes, though he did grow weary of being constantly associated with the detective. His prolific writing career produced a diverse range of works. He ventured into fantasy with tales of Professor Challenger, explored historical fiction, and even dabbled in the realm of spiritualism. In recognition of his service during the Boer War, Doyle was knighted in 1902. Beyond his literary pursuits, Doyle was a vocal advocate for social justice, actively campaigning for various causes. He also harbored a deep fascination with spiritualism, which became a significant influence in his later years. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle left the world in 1930, but his literary legacy continues to inspire readers. Sherlock Holmes remains a cultural icon, a enduring testament to Doyle’s masterful storytelling. Yet, Doyle’s diverse body of work serves as a reminder that he was much more than a one-character writer. His influence on the literary landscape is undeniable.
1983 – Vicki Morgan – was a woman whose brief life intersected with wealth, scandal, and tragedy. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, her early years were marked by instability. Her parents divorced soon after her birth, and she faced further hardship with the death of her stepfather when she was just nine years old. Raised by her mother in California, Vicki became pregnant at 16 and dropped out of school. Leaving her son with her mother, she struck out on her own, determined to forge her own path. Fate took an unexpected turn when Vicki became involved with Alfred S. Bloomingdale, heir to the Bloomingdale’s department store fortune. Theirs was a passionate but troubled relationship that would propel Vicki into the public eye. After their split, she sued Bloomingdale’s estate for palimony, a legal move that brought significant media attention and exposed the details of their volatile relationship. The palimony case became a national spectacle, shedding light on the complexities of such lawsuits and the darker side of wealth and privilege. Vicki Morgan’s life was tragically cut short in 1983 at the age of 30. She was murdered by her roommate and occasional lover, Marvin Pancoast. The crime sent shockwaves through the public, further fueling the fascination with her life and the circumstances surrounding her death. Even though her life was short-lived, Vicki Morgan’s story continues to be a subject of interest. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the complexities of human relationships.
1984 – Ricky Kasso – a name synonymous with a horrifying crime, was born in 1967. His upbringing in Northport, Long Island, seemed ordinary at first. His father was a teacher and coach, but Kasso’s teenage years were a far cry from normalcy. He clashed with his parents, the friction leading him to spend his nights on the cold streets of his suburban town. Drugs became a constant companion, a dark escape from his inner turmoil. Marijuana, LSD, and PCP became his vice, a dangerous cocktail that would tragically fuel his descent into violence. As Kasso delved deeper into the world of drugs, he developed a fascination with the occult and Satanism. This fixation further isolated him from his peers and family. Fueled by a potent concoction they believed to be mescaline (but most likely LSD), Kasso and three friends embarked on a night trip into the woods in June 1984. What started as a drug-fueled escapade ended in a horrific tragedy. The night culminated in the brutal murder of 17-year-old Gary Lauwers, allegedly at the hands of Kasso himself. The details of the crime were gruesome, a testament to the warped perceptions and violent tendencies unleashed by the powerful hallucinogenic drug. The Lauwers murder sent shockwaves through the quiet community and ignited a media frenzy. News outlets sensationalized the crime, focusing on the alleged satanic rituals involved, adding an extra layer of fear and fascination to the already disturbing story. Kasso initially confessed to the murder, but later recanted. Wracked with guilt and facing a daunting trial, Kasso ended his own life by suicide in jail just weeks after his arrest. The Ricky Kasso case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can arise when a troubled youth collides with potent drugs and dark fascination. While the extent of the satanic elements in the crime remains debated, the tragedy stands as a stark cautionary tale. It’s a story that highlights the devastating consequences of drug abuse, mental health struggles, and the allure of the dark side.
1985 – Laron Ronald Williams – a convicted murderer, escaped prison and went on a violent spree in 1981. He killed a police officer and a priest before being captured and sentenced to death. In a twist of fate, Williams was beaten to death by other inmates before his execution.
1998 – Brigadier Theuns Swanepoel – a name that evokes strong emotions in South Africa, was a high-ranking policeman whose career became synonymous with the harsh realities of the apartheid era. Swanepoel, also known by the nickname “Rooi Rus” (Afrikaans for “Red Russ”), held a central position within the South African Security Branch, a division infamous for its brutal interrogation tactics and human rights abuses. Swanepoel’s actions came under particular scrutiny during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. This pivotal event saw thousands of Black South African students take to the streets in protest against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced racial segregation in schools. The uprising was met with a violent response from security forces, and Swanepoel himself played a part in this crackdown. His own account paints him as a figure maintaining order through the use of “appropriate force.” However, this perspective stands in stark contrast to the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) established in the post-apartheid era. The TRC’s investigation revealed a far more sinister role for Swanepoel, labeling him as someone with a “long history of human rights violations.” Despite the controversy swirling around him, Swanepoel managed to ascend the ranks within the South African Police Force, eventually reaching the prestigious position of Brigadier. This fact only adds to the complexity of his legacy. While some might view him as a law enforcement official simply doing his duty, for many others, Swanepoel embodies the brutality and oppression of the apartheid regime. His life and actions serve as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in South African history.
2006 – Gilbert Paul Jordan – also known as “The Boozing Barber,” was a Canadian serial killer believed to be responsible for the “alcohol murders” in Vancouver, British Columbia. Born in 1931, details about Jordan’s early life are scarce. His criminal record, however, paints a picture of a troubled individual. Arrests for theft, assault, and drug possession began in the 1950s. Jordan’s crimes took a sinister turn in the mid-1960s. He targeted women, often those struggling with addiction or homelessness in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. He lured them with promises of drinks and companionship, then plied them with alcohol to the point of incapacitation or death. Estimates suggest Jordan may have been responsible for the deaths of 8-10 women between 1965 and 1988. Jordan’s use of alcohol as a murder weapon was unique. It made it difficult to pinpoint the cause of death, allowing him to evade suspicion for many years. His lengthy criminal record included convictions for violent crimes, but he was never charged with murder. In 1976, a psychological evaluation labelled him a sociopath. While the details are unclear, Jordan’s killing spree appears to have stopped by the late 1980s. He died in 2006, never having been held accountable for the murders he likely committed. Gilbert Paul Jordan’s crimes exposed the vulnerability of marginalized women and the challenges of investigating unconventional murder methods.
2011 – Humberto Leal Jr – was a Mexican national whose life ended in a highly controversial legal case. Born in Monterrey, Mexico in 1973, Leal immigrated to the United States at a young age. Details about his early life are limited, but reports suggest he may have suffered from brain damage and childhood abuse. Leal’s life took a tragic turn in 1994. He was involved in a horrific crime in San Antonio, Texas, leading to the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a 16-year-old girl, Adria Sauceda. The severity of the crime led to his conviction and a sentence of death. However, Leal’s case became more than just a domestic legal matter. His Mexican nationality raised a complex international legal issue. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations mandates that foreign nationals facing criminal charges be informed of their right to consular assistance from their home country. Leal’s lawyers argued that this right was not properly upheld, sparking appeals from the Mexican government, the U.S. State Department, and even President Obama himself. Despite these appeals, Leal was executed in Texas on July 7, 2011. Humberto Leal Garcia Jr.’s case became a flashpoint for debates on international law, capital punishment, and the rights of immigrants. While the severity of the crime he committed cannot be ignored, the complexities of the legal case surrounding his execution continue to be a topic of discussion. It’s also worth noting a lesser-known detail: Leal reportedly dabbled in acting, with a credit in a film released after his death.
Events
Joan of Arc
1456 – A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death
1865 – Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold & George Atzerodt are executed for their role in the conspiracy to assassinate US President Abraham Lincoln
1875 – Jesse James robs a train in Otterville, Missouri
1957 – James R. Hoffa is elected chairman of the Teamsters
1972 – The first women FBI members are sworn in (Susan Lynn Roley & Joanne E. Pierce)
1982 – Amina Agisheff is murdered by Gary Ridgway
1992 – The New York Court of Appeals rules that women have the same right as men to go topless in public
1994 – A preliminary trial rules that there is enough evidence to try OJ Simpson
2005 – A series of four explosions occur on London’s transport system killing 56 people and injuring 700 others
2016 – In Dallas, Texas, a lone gunman shoots and kills 5 police officers and wounds others during a protest march against fatal police shootings of African Americans
