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The Axeman of New OrleansAmerican serial killer
Country:
 USA |
Content:
American Serial Killer
The American serial killer was active in New Orleans, Louisiana, and its surroundings from May 1918 to October 1919. Some sources accused him of a series of murders in 1911, but later research cast doubt on these claims. As his nickname suggests, he attacked his victims with an axe, often breaking down the doors of their homes. The mysterious killer was never caught, and the attacks ceased as suddenly as they began. The identity of the Axeman remains unknown, and there are numerous theories surrounding his true identity.
The Axeman's Targets
Not all of the Axeman's victims were killed. What struck fear in the city's residents was the incredible brutality and senselessness of his actions. Among his early victims were many Italian-Americans, including the son of Pietro Pepitone, who had previously taken revenge on a local gangster named Paul Di Cristina. This led the press to speculate that the Axeman's actions were more carefully planned than they appeared, and that he was working for the mafia. This theory was partially supported by the case of the Chicago mass murderer known as The Shotgun Man, who also carried out his crimes on the orders of local crime bosses. However, it later became clear that the Axeman had no connection to the mafia, as his actions became increasingly senseless.
Taunting the City
The Axeman was likely inspired by the infamous Jack the Ripper. Periodically, teasing letters with hints about future murders and the killer's demonic nature were sent to local newspapers. On March 13, 1919, a letter signed by the Axeman was published in the newspapers, stating that he would strike again 15 minutes after midnight on March 19. However, he promised not to attack any homes or establishments where jazz music was being played. On the night of March 19, local dance halls were packed, with musicians playing jazz throughout the city. Interestingly, the Axeman did not claim any victims that night.
Theories and Speculations
For a long time, there was speculation that the Axeman was Joseph Momfre. The killings stopped after Momfre's widow, Esther Albano, shot him dead in December 1920 in Los Angeles. This theory was proposed by writer Colin Wilson and is still frequently mentioned in literature and on thematic websites. However, another investigation conducted by writer Michael Newton casts serious doubt on Wilson's theory. Newton found no mention of Joseph Momfre's murder or the arrest of Mrs. Pepitone or Esther Albano in the police archives of New Orleans and Los Angeles. Currently, Wilson's theory is considered more of an urban legend than a serious version. It is worth mentioning that a certain Momfre was one of the main suspects in the Schiambra family murder case, but the Schiambra family was killed in 1912, so there is no basis for connecting them to the Axeman.
