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

Murder of the Clutter Family in Kansas

November 15th, 1959 65 years ago

Four members of the Clutter family were brutally murdered in their home near Holcomb, Kansas, by Perry Smith and Richard Hickock. The crime was methodically planned, inspired by the promise of money from a supposed safe in the Clutter household. However, the murders shocked the small community and garnered national attention due to the senselessness and brutality of the act, marking a significant moment in true crime history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mexican tour guide Fernando Rios dies from attack

September 28th, 1958 66 years ago

Fernando Rios, a Mexican tour guide in New Orleans, succumbed to his injuries following a brutal incident of gay bashing. Rios was known for his vibrant personality and was an active part of the local community. The attack highlighted the pervasive violence against LGBTQ+ individuals during this era, sparking discussions on civil rights and safety. His untimely death resonated within both the local and broader LGBTQ+ communities, leading to increased activism and awareness around the issues of hate crimes.

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Crime & Law

Mafia Leaders Arrested at Apalachin Meeting

November 14th, 1957 67 years ago

A significant meeting of Mafia leaders in rural Tioga County was disrupted when law enforcement raided the gathering. Many high-profile figures attempted to flee but were apprehended. The event revealed the depth of Mafia influence across the United States.

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Crime & Law

Walter James Bolton executed in New Zealand

February 18th, 1957 68 years ago

Walter James Bolton was executed in New Zealand, becoming the last person to face the death penalty in the country. He was convicted of the murder of 18-month-old Joan Frances Bolton, his daughter, in 1956. The case drew significant media attention and instigated a debate about the death penalty. The execution took place at Auckland Prison, and Bolton was hanged. His fate ended a longstanding use of capital punishment in New Zealand, marking a significant shift in the country’s legal landscape that would lead to the eventual abolition of the death penalty altogether.

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Crime & Law

Arrest of New York's Mad Bomber

January 22nd, 1957 68 years ago

George P. Metesky, infamously known as the 'Mad Bomber', was arrested in Waterbury, Connecticut, after a lengthy investigation that uncovered his connection to over 30 bombings in New York City. His bombings had created widespread fear and chaos from 1940 to 1956. The FBI and local police utilized innovative techniques, including psychological profiling, to track him down. Metesky, motivated by personal grievances, targeted theaters and public places, leading to numerous injuries but no fatalities. His arrest marked a significant breakthrough in the fight against domestic terrorism.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Deadly Bombing of United Air Lines Flight 629

November 1st, 1955 69 years ago

United Air Lines Flight 629, a Douglas DC-6B airliner, was bombed near Longmont, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of all 39 passengers and five crew members on board. The aircraft had taken off from Denver, Colorado, when it suddenly exploded mid-air. Evidence later pointed to a bomb concealed in a suitcase aboard the aircraft, leading investigators to probe into potential motives behind the attack. The incident marked a significant event in the history of commercial aviation safety.

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Crime & Law

First CBC Televised Broadcast of the Boyd Gang Escapade

September 8th, 1952 72 years ago

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) aired its first televised broadcast, featuring the dramatic second escape attempt of the Boyd Gang. This gang, notorious for its bank robberies and heists, attempted to escape from a provincial facility, garnering significant media attention. The televised event captivated the Canadian public, highlighting the growing importance of television in news reporting and its ability to bring live events into people's homes.

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Crime & Law

Hypnosis Murders Shock Copenhagen Community

March 29th, 1951 73 years ago

A series of murders associated with hypnosis captivated Copenhagen. In these incidents, individuals were reportedly hypnotized to commit crimes, leading to public anxiety about the safety of mental practices. Investigations revealed a pattern involving manipulation and coercion. The police began a thorough investigation to uncover the motives behind these crimes and the alleged hypnotists involved, drawing significant media attention and raising concerns about the ethics of hypnotism.

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Crime & Law

Bold Heist at Brink's Armored Car Company

January 17th, 1950 75 years ago

Eleven thieves executed a meticulously planned robbery at Brink's Armored Car Company in Boston, stealing more than $2 million. The operation involved insider knowledge, as the thieves had prior information about the company's schedules. They overpowered guards, made their way into the vault, and escaped with a considerable sum. The brazen heist captured the attention of the nation due to its scale and precision, marked by the thieves' organization and the involvement of local criminals, making it one of the largest armoured car robberies in U.S. history at the time.

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