Historical Events tagged with "crime"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Wah Mee Massacre in Seattle

February 18th, 1983 42 years ago

In Seattle, a notorious robbery at the Wah Mee Club resulted in the deaths of thirteen people and left one individual seriously injured. The perpetrators, members of a local gang, targeted the club where a large group of Asian men had gathered. During the heist, the assailants opened fire, leading to one of the deadliest mass murders driven by robbery motives in U.S. history. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community and raised urgent questions about crime and safety in the region.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Shergar Kidnapping: A Notorious Horse Heist

February 8th, 1983 42 years ago

Irish race horse Shergar was stolen by armed men from the Ballymany Stud in Ireland in an audacious ransom attempt. Allegations arose that members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) were involved in the heist, demanding a ransom for the prized thoroughbred. Despite extensive efforts to locate Shergar, including media appeals and searches, the horse was never found, leading to widespread speculation about his fate. This incident captured public attention and highlighted the intersection of sport and crime during a tumultuous period in Irish history.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Hinckley Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

June 21st, 1982 42 years ago

John Hinckley was acquitted after being found not guilty by reason of insanity for attempting to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. His actions on March 30, 1981, left Reagan injured and raised questions about mental health defenses in the legal system. Hinckley stated he was motivated by a desire to impress actress Jodie Foster.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Roberto Calvi Found Hanging Under Blackfriars Bridge

June 18th, 1982 42 years ago

Roberto Calvi, an Italian banker, was found deceased beneath Blackfriars Bridge in London. His body was discovered by passersby, and the circumstances surrounding his death raised immediate questions. Calvi had been the chairman of the Banco Ambrosiano, which was embroiled in controversy and faced significant financial challenges. His death was later ruled a homicide, leading to speculation about connections to organized crime and political corruption.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Mark David Chapman Sentenced for Lennon Murder

August 24th, 1981 43 years ago

Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of John Lennon, a former member of the iconic band The Beatles. This sentencing followed Chapman's conviction for shooting Lennon outside his residence in New York City in December 1980. The event was highly publicized, capturing the attention of fans and media worldwide, as Lennon was not only a music legend but also a significant cultural figure. Chapman's motive was reportedly rooted in a desire for notoriety, making his actions shocking to the public and leaving them to grapple with the loss of a beloved artist.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Arrest of Serial Killer Peter Sutcliffe

January 2nd, 1981 44 years ago

Peter Sutcliffe, infamously known as the Yorkshire Ripper, was arrested by police in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. His capture concluded one of the most extensive investigations by a British police force, which sought to apprehend the perpetrator responsible for a series of brutal murders of women across Northern England. This arrest marked a significant breakthrough in a case that had terrified communities and strained police resources for several years.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

FBI Accidentally Detonates Bomb at Hotel

August 26th, 1980 44 years ago

John Birges planted a bomb at Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada, leading to a significant incident when the FBI attempted to disarm it. During the disarming process, an unexpected detonation occurred, resulting in injuries to several agents. The explosive had originally been placed with the intent of extortion, making the situation more complex for law enforcement. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement in bomb disposal efforts.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Dramatic Bank Heist and Shootout in Norco

May 9th, 1980 44 years ago

Five masked gunmen executed a robbery at Security Pacific Bank in Norco, California, leading to a violent shootout with law enforcement. The brazen assault escalated into one of the largest police pursuits in California history, with extensive vehicle destruction and casualties. As the chaos unfolded, two of the gunmen and one police officer were killed, highlighting the severity of the situation and the risk faced by officers in the line of duty.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Hastie Fire Leads to Arrest of Bruce Lee

December 4th, 1979 45 years ago

A tragic fire at a Hull school killed three boys and led to the arrest of Bruce George Peter Lee. The fire occurred in the playground, sparking a massive police investigation. Initial reports suggested it was an accident, but subsequent evidence pointed to foul play as Lee's involvement became apparent.

Continue Reading