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

Discovery of Elizabeth Short's corpse

January 15th, 1947 78 years ago

The remains of Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, were found in a vacant lot in Los Angeles. Her body was severed at the waist and extensively mutilated, stirring public intrigue and media frenzy. Short had been reported missing prior to the discovery of her body, and her untimely death quickly became a sensational story that captivated the nation, leading to one of the most infamous unsolved murder cases in American history.

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Crime & Law

Rayleigh Bath Chair Murder Investigation

July 23rd, 1943 81 years ago

In Rayleigh, Essex, the brutal murder of a local resident revealed an unexpected connection to a crime wave across the region. The victim was found in a bath chair, raising immediate concerns about safety and community integrity. The investigation quickly drew public attention, as the police sought to unravel a complex web of motives and suspects linked to the crime. Local residents were shocked, sparking numerous rumors and a heightened sense of vigilance in the area amidst the growing fear.

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Crime & Law

Frank Nitti Takes His Own Life in Chicago

March 19th, 1943 81 years ago

Frank Nitti, a prominent figure in organized crime and the Chicago Outfit, committed suicide at the Chicago Central Railyard. Facing mounting pressure from law enforcement and the decline of the Outfit's influence following Al Capone's imprisonment, Nitti's death marked a significant turning point in Chicago's criminal landscape. He left behind a legacy mingled with fear and respect, as he was known for his ruthless control over the city's illegal activities.

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Crime & Law

Assassination of Carlo Tresca in New York City

January 11th, 1943 82 years ago

Carlo Tresca, an Italian-American anarchist, was assassinated outside a New York City bar. Known for his fierce opposition to fascism and advocacy for workers' rights, Tresca's assassination was attributed to organized crime influences. The incident shocked the political community, highlighting tensions between social movements and mob elements. He was shot multiple times as he left the bar, marking a significant moment in radical politics during World War II.

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Crime & Law

FBI Convicts 33 Members of Duquesne Spy Ring

January 2nd, 1942 83 years ago

The Federal Bureau of Investigation secured the conviction of 33 individuals involved in a German espionage ring led by Fritz Joubert Duquesne. This case was notable for being the largest espionage case in United States history. The arrests were a culmination of extensive investigation efforts conducted by the FBI, which sought to uncover foreign espionage activities during World War II. The ring had been gathering intelligence on military and industrial targets critical to the American war effort.

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Crime & Law

George Metesky's First Bomb at Con Edison Building

November 16th, 1940 84 years ago

George Metesky, known as the 'Mad Bomber', placed his first bomb at a Consolidated Edison office building in Manhattan, New York City. The bomb exploded in the building's basement, causing damage but no injuries. This act marked the beginning of a series of bombings attributed to Metesky, who was motivated by his belief that the company was responsible for his personal misfortunes, including an injury sustained at work. The explosion created widespread fear and prompted an extensive investigation into the threat of such bombings in urban settings.

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Crime & Law

Deadly Arson Attack on Flamman Offices

March 3rd, 1940 85 years ago

Five people were killed in an arson attack that targeted the offices of Flamman, a communist newspaper, located in Luleå, Sweden. The assailants apparently aimed to intimidate the publication and its staff, leading to a devastating fire that claimed lives and destroyed property. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames engulf the building, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly, but they were unable to save the victims.

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Crime & Law

Final Execution by Guillotine in France

June 17th, 1939 85 years ago

Eugen Weidmann was publicly executed by guillotine in Versailles, outside Saint-Pierre prison. This event marked the end of public executions in France and was attended by a sizable crowd. Weidmann, convicted of multiple murders, had made headlines for his gruesome crimes, leading to significant public interest. The execution was performed by the authorities in a spectacle intended to serve as a deterrent to crime.

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Crime & Law

Dod Orsborne Convicted for Girl Pat Theft

October 22nd, 1936 88 years ago

Dod Orsborne, the captain of the fishing vessel Girl Pat, was convicted of theft after causing sensational media attention when the boat went missing. The incident captured public interest due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the disappearance and Orsborne's subsequent arrest. The drama unfolded with conflicting reports of the boat's fate and accusations against Orsborne, who maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.

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