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Unsolved Century-Old Murders: The Chilling Axeman of New Orleans
2 Nov
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
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.
Over a century later, the Axeman of New Orleans remains one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in American history. The killer's chilling crimes and elusive identity continue to captivate true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.
