Serial killers and true crime

An apparent serial killer had the city on edge in 1919. The attacks were as gruesome as they were terrifying: An ax-wielding man was breaking into homes and attacking people across New Orleans.

 

Most of the victims were Italians who lived in rooms adjoining their corner stores, leading to suspicions of Mafia involvement.

In March of 1919, a person claiming to be the killer wrote to The Times-Picayune, taunting police and promising another attack early on March 19. But the writer claimed to be a jazz enthusiast and said he would spare people in homes where jazz was playing. On that night, music reportedly flowed from homes across much of the city, and no one was killed.

Most of the attacks ascribed to the Axman occurred in the middle of the night. The killer typically would use a chisel to remove a panel from a door to gain entry, then slaughter the sleeping inhabitants, taking no money.

Most of the victims were Italians who lived in rooms adjoining their corner stores, leading to suspicions of Mafia involvement. But a detective working on the case argued the Mafia would not kill a woman under any circumstances; the Axman’s victims included women and a young girl.

By the time the attacks abruptly ended in August, at least six people had been hacked to death.

Police theorized that the attacker was a respectable citizen with a violent alter ego. The last attack came in October of 1919, when grocer Mike Pepitone was slain. The Axman was never caught.

More here

Sorry if I have not been around much. Besides my normal day to day work has been extra busy. My friend’s house burnt down and I am watching a few of their pets.

I am still watching and promise better updates soon.