Births
Jodi Arias
1945 – Geoffrey Wansell – is a distinguished British author, journalist, and broadcaster, known for his extensive work in true crime and biography. Born on July 9, 1945, in Greenock, Scotland, Wansell moved to North London at a young age. He attended Haberdashers’ Aske’s School and later won a scholarship to the London School of Economics, where he graduated in 1966. Wansell’s career in journalism began at the Times Educational Supplement, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become a columnist and news editor. He later joined The Times as one of its youngest reporters and eventually became a full-time feature writer. Throughout his career, Wansell has authored twelve books, including biographies of notable figures such as Cary Grant, Sir James Goldsmith, and Sir Terence Rattigan. His biography of Rattigan was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize as Book of the Year. Wansell is also known for his true crime works, including “The Bus Stop Killer” and “An Evil Love,” which delve into some of the most notorious criminal cases in British history. In addition to his writing, Wansell has produced and appeared in numerous true crime television documentaries, including “Britain’s Most Evil Killers” and “Murder By The Sea.” He is also the official historian of the Garrick Club in London, a prestigious position he has held for over 30 years. Geoffrey Wansell continues to contribute to the Daily Mail as a crime and thrillers reviewer, maintaining his reputation as a leading voice in both journalism and true crime literature.
1947 – OJ Simpson – was a complex figure who achieved immense fame as a football player, only to have his legacy overshadowed by a later legal case. Born in San Francisco, Simpson excelled in college football at USC, winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1968. He went on to a stellar professional career, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, where he shattered records and became one of the most electrifying running backs in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. After retiring from football, Simpson transitioned into acting and broadcasting, capitalizing on his charisma and public image. He became a familiar face in commercials and on television. In 1994, Simpson’s life took a dramatic turn when he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. The sensational trial, televised live, became a national obsession. Simpson was ultimately acquitted, but the verdict proved highly divisive. O.J. Simpson’s later years were marked by controversy. He faced civil lawsuits related to the murders and further legal troubles. While his athletic achievements remain undeniable, they are forever linked to the cloud of the double murder trial.
1950 – Thomas Dillon – was an American serial killer responsible for the murders of at least five men in southeastern Ohio between 1989 and 1992. Nicknamed “Killer” for his boasts about killing large numbers of animals, Dillon presented a facade of normalcy, working as a draftsman and having a wife and son. Born in Canton, Ohio in 1950, details about Dillon’s early life are scarce. However, he reportedly had a troubled childhood with a distant mother. Despite this, he graduated with a journalism degree from Ohio State University in 1972 and secured a stable job. Dillon’s killing spree began in April 1989. His victims, all men, were targeted while outdoors, often while jogging or hunting. He displayed no remorse and even responded to a letter from the mother of one victim, justifying the killing. The FBI eventually joined the investigation due to the nature of one of the murders, leading to Dillon’s capture in 1992. Dillon was convicted of five murders and sentenced to life in prison. He remained unrepentant throughout his incarceration and died in 2011. The Thomas Lee Dillon case serves as a chilling reminder that dangerous criminals can lurk beneath seemingly ordinary exteriors. His crimes continue to be studied by criminologists seeking to understand the motivations of serial killers.
1962 – Steven Avery – life has been an intricate web of legal issues and controversy. Born in 1962 in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, Avery grew up in a family that ran a salvage yard. He reportedly had a below-average IQ and dropped out of school. Early brushes with the law foreshadowed a troubled future, including convictions for burglary and animal cruelty. A pivotal moment arrived in 1985 when a mistaken identification led to Avery’s wrongful conviction for a brutal sexual assault. He endured a grueling 18 years in prison before DNA evidence finally exonerated him in 2003. However, freedom was short-lived. While suing Manitowoc County for his wrongful conviction, Avery became a suspect in the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. A highly controversial trial in 2007 found him guilty, with allegations of police misconduct tainting the entire process. The 2015 Netflix documentary series “Making a Murderer” reignited public interest in Avery’s case. Highlighting inconsistencies in the investigation, the series sparked a national debate about his guilt or innocence and the fairness of the justice system. Steven Avery remains behind bars to this day, convicted of Teresa Halbach’s murder. His story continues to be a subject of public fascination and fierce debate, with strong opinions on both sides of his guilt or innocence.
1965 – Anthony Balaam – is a convicted American serial killer known as “The Trenton Strangler.” Balaam was responsible for the rape and murders of four prostitutes in Trenton, New Jersey between 1994 and 1996. He lured his victims with the promise of drugs in exchange for sex. Balaam was apprehended after a fifth intended victim managed to escape. He was found guilty of his crimes and sentenced to life in prison.
1969 – Volkert Van Der Graaf – is a Dutch man convicted of murdering Pim Fortuyn, a prominent Dutch politician, in 2002. Van der Graaf was born in Middelburg, Netherlands. By the time he attended Wageningen University, he had become a vegan and a strong advocate for animal rights. On May 6, 2002, van der Graaf assassinated Fortuyn, who was the leader of the populist Pim Fortuyn List party, known for its stances on immigration and social issues. The murder sent shockwaves through the Netherlands and became a major turning point in Dutch politics. Van der Graaf was sentenced to life in prison for the murder and served 12 years before being released on parole in May 2014.
1972 – Michael Edward Hooper – Hooper dated Cynthia Jarman for over a year until the summer of 1993. Their relationship was marked by physical violence, and Hooper threatened to kill Cindy on several occasions. Cindy later began dating Hooper’s friend, Bill Stremlow, and eventually moved in with him. On December 7, Cindy drove Stremlow to work and used his car. That night, Stremlow’s truck was found burning in a field in northwest Oklahoma City, with evidence of an accelerant. Cindy was never seen again. Hooper’s fingerprints were later discovered on a whiskey bottle inside the Stremlow residence. A local rancher reported finding blood and shell casings on his property. Police discovered the bodies of Cynthia Jarman and her two children, Tonya (5) and Timothy (3), buried in a shallow grave. Each had been shot twice in the head or face. Police arrested Hooper and searched his parents’ home, recovering a 9mm weapon he had purchased several months before the murders. Ballistics confirmed that the shell casings near the gravesite matched this weapon. Additionally, police found two shovels with soil consistent with that from the grave site and tennis shoes that matched the footprints found there. A witness testified that Hooper had visited this field several times in the past.
1980 – Jodi Arias – is best known for the brutal murder of her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander, in 2008. However, her life leading up to the crime paints a more complex picture. Details about Arias’s childhood are limited. She attended high school in Yreka, California, but did not graduate, later obtaining her GED. Aspiring to be a photographer, she worked various odd jobs before landing a sales position. In 2006, at a work conference in Las Vegas, Arias met Travis Alexander. A motivational speaker and salesman, Alexander belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which Arias converted to and was baptized by him. Their relationship developed quickly, with Arias relocating to Arizona to be with Alexander. The couple’s romance was reportedly passionate but volatile. They dated for about a year before Arias moved back to California in 2007. However, she later returned to Arizona, briefly reuniting with Alexander. In July 2008, Alexander was found murdered in his Mesa, Arizona home. Arias initially denied involvement, then provided conflicting stories, including claims of self-defense and intruders. Arias’s trial in 2013 became a media sensation due to graphic details of the crime and Arias’s own testimony. She was found guilty of first-degree murder, but the jury deadlocked on the death penalty. A subsequent retrial also failed to reach a unanimous decision on capital punishment. Ultimately, Arias was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2015. Some view her as a cunning manipulator, while others see her as a victim of a controlling relationship. The case continues to capture public attention due to its brutal nature and the complexities surrounding Arias’s motivations.
1981 – Kimveer Gill – was a young man who became involved in a horrific event, when he perpetrated the Dawson College shooting on September 13, 2006. Born on July 9, 1981, in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, Gill was a Canadian citizen with roots in the Punjabi community. Details about Gill’s upbringing are limited. He attended Twin Oaks Elementary School from 1988 to 1993 and later went to Rosemere High School. Former classmates have described him as achieving good grades and having friends during his high school years, painting a picture of someone who wasn’t isolated or ostracized. One aspect of Gill’s life that stands out is his brief experience with the military. In 1999, he enrolled in basic training with the Canadian Forces. However, his military career was short-lived. He was discharged before receiving extensive weapons training, deemed unsuitable for service for reasons that haven’t been made public.
1983 – Christopher S. Porco – name became synonymous with a shocking crime in 2004. A seemingly ordinary college student at the time, Porco was accused of a brutal attack that left his father dead and his mother severely injured. The details of the case are gruesome. On November 15, 2004, in their New York home, 21-year-old Christopher allegedly attacked his parents with an axe while they slept. His father, Peter Porco, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Joan Porco, Christopher’s mother, clung to life after the assault, but the attack left her permanently disfigured. The case took a dramatic turn when Joan, despite initial claims that her son was responsible, later recanted her statement. Christopher vehemently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Prosecutors, however, presented a different narrative. They portrayed Christopher as a manipulative individual with a history of lies and financial issues, suggesting the attack stemmed from a desperate attempt to solve his problems. In 2006, at the age of 23, Christopher Porco was found guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder. He received a sentence of at least 50 years in prison. The Christopher Porco case continues to spark debate, with some aspects remaining shrouded in controversy. While Christopher Porco maintains his innocence, the brutal nature of the crime and the inconsistencies in the case have left a lasting impact.
Deaths
Earl Warren
1858 – Isaac L. Wood – born around 1822 in New Jersey, wasn’t known for much until his descent into alleged serial killings. While details of his early life are hazy, he gained notoriety in Dansville, New York, for a series of suspicious deaths and a shocking trial. Isaac’s brother, David, had built a good life in Dansville with his wife, Rhoda. When Isaac arrived, facing financial hardship, David offered a helping hand. He loaned Isaac money for land and even endorsed his new business venture. However, tragedy struck in 1855. David died under mysterious circumstances, initially attributed to cholera. This was just the beginning. Rhoda, David’s wife, soon fell ill and died as well. Whispers of foul play began to swirl, especially after Isaac attempted to poison David’s children. Exhumations revealed the presence of poison in both David and Rhoda’s bodies, pointing the finger directly at Isaac. Isaac’s trial became a sensationalized spectacle. He was convicted of murdering Rhoda and sentenced to death. While never officially charged, he was also suspected of poisoning his own wife and attempting to kill his nieces and nephews. On July 9, 1858, Isaac L. Wood met his end on the gallows, leaving behind a legacy of suspicion and a dark stain on Dansville’s history. While Isaac’s guilt in Rhoda’s murder is established, the extent of his crimes remains debated. Did financial desperation truly drive him to become a multiple murderer, or was there a deeper, more sinister motive?
1944 – Marie “Mary” Clement – was a Luxembourgish immigrant who led a life marked by tragedy and suspicion. Though often described as attractive and charming, she harbored a dark secret: Mary was a serial poisoner. Born with a spinal deformity that limited her mobility, Mary immigrated to the United States with her family in 1871. They settled in Dubuque, Iowa, where a series of deaths began to cast a long shadow. First, her parents, Michel and Margarite, followed by two of her sisters, succumbed to illnesses with baffling symptoms. Though suspicion arose, no charges were ever filed. In 1884, Mary moved to Illinois, using an alias. There, she attempted to poison her sister’s family. This time, the authorities caught her. Arsenic, a common poison at the time, was found in the victims’ food. Mary was convicted and sentenced to a year in prison. After her release, Mary disappears from historical records. Whether she continued her poisoning ways or managed to live a quiet life remains a mystery. Mary Clement’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk beneath a seemingly pleasant exterior. Her crimes raise questions about the motivations of a serial killer and the limitations of forensic science in the late 19th century.
1974 – Earl Warren – a lawyer, politician, and jurist, left a significant mark on American history. Born in 1891, he rose from his working-class roots to become the 30th governor of California and, most notably, the 14th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Warren’s legal career began in California, where he served as a district attorney and Attorney General. He entered politics in 1943, becoming governor during World War II. President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Warren Chief Justice in 1953. It was during his tenure that a pivotal event in American history unfolded – the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. President Lyndon B. Johnson, Kennedy’s successor, established the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination. Earl Warren, known for his integrity and leadership, was chosen to head the commission. The Warren Commission’s conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone remains a subject of debate, but the Commission’s work played a major role in the national discourse surrounding the assassination. During his sixteen years at the Court’s helm, Warren led a period of landmark decisions known as the “Warren Court Era.” These rulings, often liberal-leaning, addressed issues of racial segregation (Brown v. Board of Education), criminal justice rights (Miranda v. Arizona), and legislative apportionment (Reynolds v. Sims). Though praised for his progressive stances, Warren also faced criticism for decisions like the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, a policy he supported as Attorney General. Earl Warren retired from the Supreme Court in 1969. He died in 1974, leaving behind a legacy of judicial activism that continues to shape American law and society.
1985 – Henry Martinez Porter – life spiraled into a tragic collision with law enforcement in 1975. By then, the 33-year-old had become a hardened criminal, his path marked by addiction, violence, and a growing disregard for authority. Details about Porter’s upbringing are elusive, but glimpses from historical records suggest a troubled youth. His criminal record stretched back to his teenage years, with documented instances of car theft, burglary, robbery, assault, and forgery. These early offenses hint at a simmering rage and a defiance of societal norms. Further complicating Porter’s story were his documented struggles with mental illness. Diagnosed with a psychopathic personality and exhibiting signs of paranoid schizophrenia, he likely grappled with internal demons that fueled his criminal behavior. However, it’s important to note that mental illness is not an excuse for crime, but a factor that can contribute to a person’s actions. News reports from the time portray Porter as a “hardcore heroin addict”. Heroin’s grip likely intensified his mental health struggles and fueled his need for money, potentially pushing him towards more serious criminal activity. In November 1975, a series of armed robberies in the Fort Worth area put law enforcement on high alert. When a car matching the suspect’s description was pulled over by Officer Henry Mailloux, a confrontation erupted. Details of the altercation remain unclear, but it culminated in Officer Mailloux’s death. This act solidified Porter’s image as a cop-killer, a dangerous criminal willing to use deadly force against authority figures. The legal system dealt swiftly with Porter. Tried and convicted for the murder of Officer Mailloux, he received the ultimate penalty – execution. In 1985, Henry Martinez Porter’s life ended, leaving behind a cautionary tale of addiction, mental illness, and the devastating consequences of violent crime.
2003 – Riley Dobi Noel – was an American convicted murderer who was executed for the June 1995 murders of Marcell Young, Mustafa Hussian, and Malak Hussian in Varner, Arkansas. Details about his early life are sparse, but he had a history of criminal activity, including convictions for theft, battery, and robbery. On June 4, 1995, Noel, along with accomplices Terry Carroll, Curtis Cochran, and Tracy Calloway, went to the home of Mary Hussian in Little Rock, Arkansas. Noel believed that Mary Hussian’s daughter was involved in the drive-by shooting that killed his brother. Seeking revenge, Noel ordered three of Hussian’s children to lie on the floor and then shot each of them in the head, killing 17-year-old Marcell Young, 12-year-old Mustafa Hussian, and 10-year-old Malak Hussian. Noel was charged with capital murder and attempted capital murder on July 5, 1995. He was convicted and sentenced to death on July 18, 1996. His accomplices received various sentences, with Cochran testifying against the others in exchange for leniency. Riley Dobi Noel was executed by lethal injection on July 9, 2003, at the Cummins Unit in Lincoln County, Arkansas. His last meal included fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, hot rolls, a green garden salad with ranch dressing, Kool-Aid, and cookies. His final words expressed love for his family and Jesus.
Events
Dosa King
1982 – Michael Fagan breaks into Buckingham Palace in London and enters the Queen’s bedroom
1986 – Attorney General Commission on Pornography links hardcore porn to sex crimes
2019 – Indian restauranteur “Dosa King” P. Raja Gopal finally begins his life sentence for organizing a murder, 15 years after he was convicted
