Who was the Axeman of New Orleans?

The Axeman of New Orleans was a serial killer active in the city between 1918 and 1919, responsible for at least 5 murders and up to 17 attacks.

How did the Axeman's letter to the Times-Picayune impact New Orleans?

The Axeman's letter, published in March 1919, threatened to attack again on March 19 at 12:15 am, but promised to spare homes playing jazz music. This prompted the entire city to blast jazz music throughout the night, potentially saving many lives.

Why was the Axeman never caught?

Despite many suspects, the Axeman's identity remained a mystery. Police at the time were allegedly reluctant to believe the murders were related, and there were no reliable eyewitness accounts or strong evidence at the crime scenes.

Home / Crime and Justice / Unsolved Century-Old Murders: The Chilling Axeman of New Orleans

Unsolved Century-Old Murders: The Chilling Axeman of New Orleans

2 Nov

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Summary

Axeman killed at least 5, attacked over a dozen in New Orleans
Killer's identity remains unknown despite many suspects
Axeman's letter threatened to spare homes playing jazz music

Unsolved Century-Old Murders: The Chilling Axeman of New Orleans

In the early 20th century, a serial killer known as the Axeman of New Orleans carried out a reign of terror in the city. Between May 1918 and October 1919, the unidentified murderer broke into homes and attacked victims in their sleep, often using their own axes.

The Axeman was responsible for at least 5 confirmed murders and up to 17 attacks. Victims included Italian grocers and their families, leading some to believe they were targeted for their success. Despite many suspects, the killer's identity was never conclusively determined.

The Axeman's crimes reached a peak in March 1919 when the Times-Picayune published a letter allegedly from the killer. In the letter, the Axeman threatened to attack again on March 19 at 12:15 am, but promised not to enter any homes playing jazz music. This prompted the entire city of New Orleans to blast jazz music throughout the night, potentially saving many lives.