H. H. Holmes, originally named Herman Webster Mudgett, gained infamy for his role as one of the earliest modern serial killers in the United States. By the time of his arrest in Boston, suspicion against him had reached a boiling point due to his mysterious past and the disappearances linked to him. Holmes had been active during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, where he had constructed a hotel designed specifically for murder and robbery, often luring victims into his clutches. His hotel was equipped with hidden chambers and trap doors, where he committed unspeakable acts. The charm and allure he presented to potential victims contrasted sharply with his sinister intentions.

Prior to his capture, Holmes had become a master manipulator, evading the law by carefully crafting a criminal life that included various aliases and fraudulent activities. However, the situation shifted as a diligent detective work matched the alibi holes and witness testimonies to incriminate him. He was eventually arrested not only for the disappearances surrounding him but also for the murder of those he conned. His arrest was a significant moment; it not only culminated years of heinous deeds but also signaled a shift in how law enforcement would approach serial crimes moving forward.

Holmes's trial attracted media attention and shocked the public, who were fascinated and horrified by the details of his crimes. The case led to broader conversations about criminal psychology and law enforcement techniques that would later evolve to address the growing concerns around serial killers and their modus operandi. The legacy of Holmes also sparked an interest in true crime that persists in American culture today, influencing literature, films, and television shows based on his life and crimes.