The Axeman of New Orleans Serial Murder Case story details
The Axeman of New Orleans Serial Murder Case story 1919
The story of unsolved murder mystery serial murders
Historic Serial Murder Case -
The Axeman of New Orleans is one of the most infamous and mysterious crime cases in American history.
It involved a series of brutal murders that took place between May 1918 and October 1919 in New Orleans and nearby areas.
The killer, dubbed "The Axeman," targeted Italian-American grocers and their families, creating widespread fear and speculation about his motives.
Here's a breakdown of the case:
The Crimes
Modus Operandi:
The Axeman typically broke into homes by chiseling a panel out of the door.
He used the victims' own axes or straight razors, which were often found at the crime scenes, to commit the murders.
The attacks were characterized by extreme violence, with victims being bludgeoned or hacked to death.
Victims:
The Axeman primarily targeted Italian-American grocers and their families.
Some of the notable victims include:
Joseph and Catherine Maggio (May 1918):
The first known victims, killed in their home.
Their throats were slashed, and their skulls were crushed.
Louis Besumer and Harriet Lowe (June 1918):
Besumer survived with severe injuries, but Lowe later succumbed.
Anna and Pauline Bruno (August 1918):
Killed while sleeping; their house was ransacked.
Mike Pepitone (October 1919):
The final known victim; his wife claimed to have seen a figure fleeing the scene.
Theories and Speculations:
Racial and Ethnic Motive:
Many victims were Italian-Americans, leading to suspicions of ethnic prejudice or mafia connections.
Supernatural Belief:
A chilling letter allegedly written by the Axeman claimed he was a demon or a spirit from hell, adding to the fear.
The Infamous Letter
On March 13, 1919, the local newspaper received a letter purportedly from the Axeman.
It read in part:
"I am not a human being but a spirit and a demon from the hottest hell... I shall pass over New Orleans... at 12:15 (earthly time).
I am very fond of jazz music, and I swear by all the devils that every person shall be spared in whose home a jazz band is in full swing."
This led to a night of frenzied jazz performances across the city, with people hosting parties to "appease" the Axeman.
No murders occurred that night, fueling the urban legend.
Investigation
Challenges:
Lack of forensic tools:
In the early 20th century, modern forensic methods like fingerprinting and DNA analysis were unavailable.
Inconsistent evidence:
Witnesses provided conflicting descriptions, and many potential suspects had alibis.
Fear and silence:
The victims' ethnic community was reluctant to cooperate, possibly due to fear of reprisals or mistrust of law enforcement.
Suspects:
Joseph Momfre:
A man named Momfre was linked to the case due to a claim that Pepitone's widow killed him in revenge.
However, historical records regarding Momfre are inconclusive.
Random Drifter:
Some theorized the Axeman was a drifter or someone with a vendetta against grocers.
Outcome:
The case was never solved.
The Axeman vanished after October 1919, leaving behind a legacy of terror and unanswered questions.
Cultural Impact
The Axeman of New Orleans has inspired numerous books, TV shows, and films, including a storyline in American Horror Story: Coven.
His connection to jazz music adds a haunting yet unique twist to his legend.
