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

Lizzie Borden Acquitted of Double Murder

June 20th, 1893 131 years ago

Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murders of her father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby Borden, after a widely publicized trial. The brutal deaths occurred in the family's Fall River home, leading to an intense investigation that captivated the nation. Despite substantial circumstantial evidence, including the lack of a concrete alibi and her presence at the crime scene, Borden was ultimately found not guilty by the jury. The trial showcased the power of public opinion and media in criminal cases and sparked debates about gender and societal expectations.

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Crime & Law

Lizzie Borden's Murder Trial Begins in New Bedford

June 5th, 1893 131 years ago

Lizzie Borden stood trial for the alleged murders of her father Andrew Borden and her step-mother Abby Borden in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The case gained significant public attention due to the gruesome nature of the crimes and Borden's status as a well-known local figure. The prosecution presented evidence centered around the contentious family dynamics and financial motives, while the defense argued a lack of direct evidence linking Borden to the crime. This trial would captivate a nation and mark a pivotal moment in American justice.

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Crime & Law

Murder of Andrew and Abby Borden

August 4th, 1892 132 years ago

Andrew Borden and his wife Abby are found murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. The gruesome discovery is made by their daughter Lizzie Borden, who soon becomes the prime suspect. The murders spark sensational media coverage and public fascination, leading to a highly publicized trial a year later where Lizzie is acquitted, despite considerable circumstantial evidence against her. The case remains one of the most infamous unsolved murder mysteries in American history.

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Crime & Law

Last woman executed in Sweden, Anna Månsdotter

August 7th, 1890 134 years ago

Anna Månsdotter was found guilty of the Yngsjö murder, leading to her execution. In 1889, she was accused of murdering a young man, which captured the public's attention and highlighted issues of justice in Sweden. The trial drew significant media coverage, as it was one of the few instances involving a female perpetrator. Månsdotter's case raised questions about the death penalty and its applicability in Swedish law, ultimately leading to debates about ethical treatment in the justice system.

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Crime & Law

William Kemmler Executed by Electric Chair

August 6th, 1890 134 years ago

William Kemmler was the first person to undergo execution by electric chair at Auburn Prison in New York. This landmark event occurred following his conviction for the murder of his girlfriend, Matilda Ziegler, in 1889. The use of the electric chair was implemented as a more humane alternative to previous methods of execution, such as hanging. The execution, conducted on the morning of August 6, 1890, was fraught with complications and sparked a nationwide debate on the ethics and efficacy of capital punishment.

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Crime & Law

Mary Jane Kelly Murdered by Jack the Ripper

November 9th, 1888 136 years ago

Mary Jane Kelly, the final canonical victim of Jack the Ripper, was murdered in her room at 13 Miller's Court, Dorset Street, in Whitechapel, London. On the morning of November 9, her body was discovered by her landlord, who had been sent by neighbors to check on her after she had not been seen. The gruesome nature of the crime, featuring extensive mutilation, shocked the public and intensified the hysteria surrounding the Ripper's identity.

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Crime & Law

Jack the Ripper's Infamous 'From Hell' Letter

October 15th, 1888 136 years ago

The 'From Hell' letter, allegedly written by Jack the Ripper, was received by the Whitechapel murder investigation team on October 15, 1888. This letter not only taunted the police but also included a piece of human kidney, purportedly from one of the Ripper's victims. The gruesome nature of the letter shocked investigators and the public, intensifying the fears surrounding the Ripper's identity. The police believed this correspondence offered critical insights into the mind of the killer, heightening interest in the case overall.

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Crime & Law

Jack the Ripper Claims Two More Victims

September 30th, 1888 136 years ago

Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes became the third and fourth confirmed victims of the unidentified serial killer known as Jack the Ripper. Stride was found in Dutfield's Yard, while Eddowes was discovered in Mitre Square just an hour later. Both women were engaged in street prostitution and were killed within the Whitechapel district, an area infamous for such activities and rampant violence. The brutality and similarities in their murders led to widespread panic and intensified police efforts to capture the killer.

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Crime & Law

Discovery of Annie Chapman, Ripper's Second Victim

September 8th, 1888 136 years ago

Annie Chapman was discovered murdered in a backyard in Hanbury Street, London. This shocking crime occurred early in the morning, following a horrific pattern of violent killings that captivated the public. The brutal nature of the crime, including her throat slashed and abdomen mutilated, pointed to a calculated killer. Police were alerted immediately, drawing significant media attention and public speculation about the identity of the murderer, who would later be infamously known as Jack the Ripper.

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