Births
Pat Garrett
1850 – Pat Garrett – born Patrick Floyd Jarvis Garrett in 1850, was an American Old West lawman whose name remains forever entwined with the legend of Billy the Kid. Though Garrett held various law enforcement positions throughout his life, his reputation rests primarily on his pursuit and killing of the notorious outlaw in 1881. Garrett’s life began in Alabama, but his family soon relocated to a Louisiana plantation. Drawn to the wild frontier, he left home at 19 and embarked on a life as a cowboy and buffalo hunter in Texas. This rough-and-tumble existence honed his skills in horsemanship, marksmanship, and survival in the unforgiving wilderness. In 1878, Garrett settled in New Mexico, where he married and became involved in local affairs. His imposing stature and reputation for toughness led to his appointment as deputy sheriff of Lincoln County in 1879. This turbulent region, embroiled in the Lincoln County War, proved a crucible for Garrett’s law enforcement abilities. Garrett’s most defining moment arrived in 1881 when he was appointed sheriff and tasked with capturing Billy the Kid, a young outlaw wanted for multiple murders. Garrett relentlessly pursued the Kid and his gang, culminating in a dramatic nighttime shootout in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. In the ensuing gunfight, Garrett shot and killed Billy the Kid, effectively ending the outlaw’s reign of terror. While Garrett achieved his objective, killing Billy the Kid proved a double-edged sword. He was hailed as a hero by some but criticized by others who questioned the circumstances of the shooting. Despite the controversy, Garrett continued his law enforcement career, serving as sheriff of Doña Ana County and later as a US Customs collector. He also ventured into business ventures, though financial success eluded him. Pat Garrett’s legacy remains complex and contested. He is celebrated as a courageous lawman who brought order to a lawless frontier. However, critics point to his association with powerful interests in the Lincoln County War and raise questions about the morality of his actions, particularly the killing of Billy the Kid. Tragically, Garrett’s own life met a violent end in 1908 when he was ambushed and killed near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, adding another layer of intrigue to his already fascinating story. Pat Garrett’s life and deeds continue to captivate the imagination. He embodies the romanticized image of the Old West lawman, a figure of both heroism and ruthlessness. His pursuit and killing of Billy the Kid remain a central chapter in the Wild West saga, ensuring that Garrett’s name will forever be etched in the annals of American history.
1931 – Richard D. Moore – Eight days after divorcing his second wife, Rhonda Caldwell, Richard Moore committed a heinous act at her parents’ residence on 36th Street in Indianapolis. Moore engaged in a conversation with Rhonda in the carport, but the encounter quickly escalated. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rhonda abruptly headed back into the house, urgently warning her parents to “get inside, lock the doors, Richard’s got a gun.” Armed with a shotgun, Moore unleashed a deadly spree. He fatally shot John Caldwell in the living room, followed by Rhonda in the kitchen. Ruth Caldwell suffered serious injuries, sustaining gunshot wounds to her right arm and buttocks. The tragic incident also claimed the life of Indianapolis Police Officer Gerald Griffin, who responded to the scene in full uniform. Moore, positioned inside the house, fired through the front doorway, fatally striking Officer Griffin. Additionally, Officer Cicero Mukes, also in full uniform, was shot while exiting his marked patrol car, adding to the grim toll of the violent encounter. He was sentenced to death on October 24, 1980, and then resentenced to death on January 13, 2000.
1963 – Colleen Larose – also known as “Jihad Jane” and “Fatima LaRose,” was an American woman convicted of terrorism-related crimes in 2010. Her life story is a tragic tale of personal hardship, online radicalization, and ultimately, a rejection of extremism. Born in Michigan in 1963, LaRose’s childhood was marked by trauma. She experienced abuse from her biological father and early marriage at 16. After a series of unhappy relationships and personal losses, she converted to Islam in 2005. In the late 2000s, LaRose became increasingly immersed in radical online forums. She adopted the alias “Jihad Jane” and interacted with extremist groups, eventually plotting to assassinate Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks in retaliation for his controversial Prophet Muhammad cartoons. LaRose’s activities were monitored by the FBI, and she was arrested in 2009 before carrying out her planned attack. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and providing material support to terrorists, receiving a 10-year prison sentence. While incarcerated, LaRose underwent a significant transformation. She denounced extremism, cooperated with authorities, and expressed remorse for her actions. She was released early in 2018 and has since maintained a low profile, reportedly working to prevent radicalization.
1967 – Troy Alan Burkhart – is a convicted criminal known for his involvement in a tragic incident that occurred in 1997. The incident, which took place in Anderson County, started with a shooting spree inside a truck, leading to the deaths of three people. The event was reportedly linked to a weekend where a group of residents from Townville, South Carolina, spent 72 hours consuming methamphetamine instead of fixing a septic tank. Burkhart was convicted on three counts of murder and three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. His case was heard at the Anderson County Courthouse, where he was sentenced to death. His story has been covered in various media outlets, including a podcast episode titled “A Meth and Murder Marathon: The Tale of Troy Burkhart”.
1993 – Breonna Taylor – was more than just a victim of a tragic event. She was a vibrant young woman with a bright future, whose life was cut short under the most unjust circumstances. To write her bio is not just to tell the story of her death, but to honor the life she lived and the impact she continues to have. Breonna grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, known for her compassion, intelligence, and drive. She excelled in school, a natural leader with a knack for math. Her teachers saw her potential, recognizing her as someone who could make a difference. Breonna’s passion for helping others led her to pursue a healthcare career. She became an Emergency Medical Technician, working tirelessly to save lives. Later, she aspired to become a nurse, driven by a desire to bring comfort and healing to those in need. Beyond her professional pursuits, Breonna was a devoted daughter to her mother, Tamika, and a cherished friend. Her loved ones describe her as a bright light, someone who brought joy and laughter wherever she went. On March 13, 2020, Breonna’s life was tragically cut short when she was shot and killed in her own home during a botched police raid. Her death sparked outrage and ignited a national movement demanding justice and accountability for police brutality against Black Americans. Breonna’s name became synonymous with the fight for racial justice and police reform. Her death sparked protests across the country, leading to calls for legislation against no-knock warrants and greater transparency in police investigations. Breonna Taylor was more than just a statistic. She was a daughter, a friend, a caregiver, and a dreamer. Her life, though tragically cut short, continues to inspire and motivate others to fight for a more just and equitable world. Her name remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of systemic racism and the importance of holding those in power accountable.
Deaths
Howard Arthur Allen
1902 – Louis J. Weichmann – was an American clerk who became one of the chief witnesses for the prosecution in the trial following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Weichmann was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was educated at St. Charles College. He worked as a clerk for several years, and in 1865 he was employed by Mary Surratt, the owner of a boarding house in Washington, D.C. Surratt was later convicted of conspiracy in Lincoln’s assassination. After the assassination, Weichmann was initially suspected of being involved in the conspiracy. However, he was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing and became a key witness for the prosecution. In his testimony, Weichmann described how he had seen John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Lincoln, at Surratt’s boarding house on the night of the assassination. Weichmann’s testimony was controversial, and some historians have questioned its accuracy. However, it was instrumental in securing Surratt’s conviction. After the trial, Weichmann moved to Indiana, where he worked as a teacher and a businessman. He died in Anderson, Indiana, in 1902. Weichmann’s role in the Lincoln assassination remains controversial. Some historians believe that he was a truthful witness who helped to bring the conspirators to justice. Others believe that he was an unreliable witness whose testimony was motivated by self-interest. Despite the controversy, Weichmann’s testimony is an important part of the historical record of the Lincoln assassination. His story provides a unique perspective on the events leading up to the assassination and the trial that followed. In addition to his testimony, Weichmann also wrote a book about the assassination, A True History of the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and of the Conspiracy of 1865. The book was published in 1901 and is a valuable source of information about the assassination. Weichmann’s story is a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of history. It is a story that continues to be debated by historians and the general public alike.
1922 – Henry Julius Jacoby – was an 18-year-old pantry boy who worked in a hotel in London, England. He was born in 1904. On March 14, 1922, Jacoby murdered Lady Alice White, a 65-year-old widow and former London County Council Chairman. The crime took place in the Spencer Hotel, where Jacoby was employed. Lady White was found lying on her bed, dying of head wounds. There were no signs of forced entry, leading the police to suspect someone with a connection to the hotel. Jacoby confessed to the crime, stating that he had intended to steal from the hotel rooms and had taken a hammer with him to ‘use if necessary’. He had found the door to Lady White’s room unlocked and had entered. When she woke up, he beat her to prevent her from raising the alarm. He was tried at the Old Bailey in April 1922 and found guilty of murder, with a recommendation to mercy. Despite the jury’s recommendation, Jacoby was executed by hanging at Pentonville Prison by John Ellis on June 7, 1922. Jacoby is remembered as one of the youngest men to be executed at Pentonville.
1937 – Owen Cosby Phillips – also known as the 1st Baron Kylsant (1863-1937), was a British businessman and politician. He was born on March 25, 1863, in Warminster, Wiltshire. He was the third son of Reverend Sir James Erasmus Philipps and his wife, Mary Margaret Best. He was educated at Newton College in Newton Abbot, Devon. Philipps began his career in the shipping industry as an apprentice with Dent & Co., a shipping firm in Newcastle upon Tyne. After completing his apprenticeship, he joined a Glasgow shipping firm, Allan & Gow. With financial assistance from his eldest brother, John Philipps, Philipps established his own shipping firm, Philipps & Co., in 1888. Over the years, Philipps expanded his business and acquired a controlling interest in more than twenty other companies, including the Union-Castle Line and the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. He also became chairman of Harland and Wolff, the Belfast shipbuilders. In addition to his business career, Philipps was also involved in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament for Pembroke and Haverfordwest as a Liberal from 1906 to 1910 and as a Conservative from 1916 to 1922. However, Philipps’ career took a downturn when he was charged with publishing a document with intent to induce a person to advance property, a violation of section 84 of the Larceny Act 1861. The charges stemmed from his actions as chairman and chief executive of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. He was accused of acting unilaterally and autocratically, without consulting other board members, and of hiding trading losses in individual firms by moving reserves around. Philipps was tried at the Old Bailey in July 1931. The trial lasted for nine days and ended with Philipps being found guilty. He was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment. After his release from prison, Philipps lived a quiet life until his death on June 5, 1937. Despite his downfall, Philipps left a significant mark on the shipping industry and British politics.
2009 – Zhang Yunliang – was born on November 26, 1948. He is known for a tragic event that occurred on June 5, 2009, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zhang Yunliang carried out an arson attack on a bus, which resulted in the death of 26 people, including himself. The attack also caused injuries to 76 people. Before the incident, Zhang Yunliang was unemployed and had reportedly threatened suicide after his family reduced his financial support. The night before the arson, Zhang told his daughter he wanted to “die differently”. He had been addicted to gambling before arriving in Chengdu in 2006 and was dependent on financial assistance from his daughter. The attack had a significant impact, affecting 101 families. It led to increased attention to the safety of public transport and prompted the chairman of the bus company to resign.
2012 – Henry Curtis Jackson Jr – was a man from Mississippi who was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death for the stabbing deaths of four children, his nieces, and nephews. The tragic event took place on November 1, 1990, when Jackson reportedly attempted to steal money from his mother’s safe while she was away at church. The children who were killed ranged in age from 2 to 5. Jackson was convicted in the Leflore County Circuit Court in 1991. Despite pleas from his two sisters, one of whom was a survivor of the stabbing attack, Jackson was executed on June 6, 2012. His execution took place at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. Jackson did not request a last meal and ate none of the standard dinner offered to him. This case is a tragic example of family violence that resulted in the loss of young lives and had a profound impact on the surviving family members.
2020 – Howard Arthur Allen – was an American serial killer who targeted elderly people in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on February 10, 1949, in a poor family of eight children. He had learning difficulties and was enrolled in special education classes. He dropped out of school and worked various jobs, such as a farmer, a salesman, and a ranch hand. He also developed a habit of stealing and committing petty crimes. In 1974, he killed his first victim, Opal Cooper, an 85-year-old woman whom he beat to death during a burglary. He was sentenced to 2-21 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter but was paroled in 1985. After his release, he resumed his criminal activities and assaulted several elderly people in their homes. In 1987, he killed two more women: Laverne Hale, 87, who died nine days after being attacked by Allen; and Ernestine Griffin, 73, who was stabbed with a butcher knife and a toaster in her kitchen. Allen also set fire to the house of an elderly man whom he had robbed. Allen was arrested on August 4, 1987, after leaving his name and phone number at Griffin’s house. He was linked to the other crimes by witness testimony and forensic evidence. He was convicted of murder, robbery, theft, arson, and battery, and was sentenced to death for Griffin’s murder. However, his death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after he claimed that he was mentally disabled and ineligible for execution. He spent the rest of his life in prison, where he died on June 5, 2020, at the age of 71.
Events
Richard Speck
1878 – American outlaw John Wesley Hardin is convicted of the murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb and sentenced to 25 years in prison
1893 – The trial of Lizzie Borden for the murder of her father and stepmother begins in New Bedford, Massachusetts
1960 – The Lake Bodom murders take place
1967 – American mass murderer Richard Speck is sentenced to death in the electric chair
1968 – Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot by Sirhan Sirhan, he would die the following day.
2013 – The first article based on NSA leaked documents by Edward Snowden is published by the Guardian newspaper in the UK
2018 – Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault in New York
2018 – US Judge Aaron Persky is criticized for his leniency toward campus sex attacker Brock Turner, first Judge voted out in 80 years in Santa Clara, California
2019 – Ohio doctor William Husel is charged with 25 counts of murder for prescribing potentially fatal doses of opioids in Franklin County
