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

Mary Ann Nichols Murdered, First Ripper Victim

August 31st, 1888 136 years ago

Mary Ann Nichols was notably the first confirmed victim of the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper. Her body was discovered in the early morning hours in Buck's Row, Whitechapel, London. Nichols, a 43-year-old woman, was known to have been struggling with poverty and had spent the previous evening in a lodging house. Her brutal murder, characterized by deep throat slashes and abdominal mutilations, shocked the local community and set off a widespread panic as the hunt for her killer began. The gruesome nature of the crime marked the beginning of a series of killings that would remain unsolved.

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Crime & Law

Murder Begins in Whitechapel's Dark Streets

April 3rd, 1888 136 years ago

A brutal murder of a woman in Whitechapel marks the start of the Jack the Ripper case, featuring a string of unsolved killings in London's East End. The first victim, Mary Ann Nichols, was discovered early in the morning by a constable. Her throat had been slashed, and her body showed signs of extreme violence. The crime scene and subsequent investigations revealed that the area was rife with poverty and crime, setting the stage for one of the most infamous murder cases in history.

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Crime & Law

Charles J. Guiteau's Execution for Garfield's Assassination

June 30th, 1882 142 years ago

Charles J. Guiteau was executed in Washington, D.C. for the assassination of President James A. Garfield, who had been shot by Guiteau in July of the previous year. The assassination stemmed from Guiteau's delusional belief that he was entitled to a political position within the Garfield administration. His trial attracted national attention, culminating in a conviction for murder and sentencing to death. Guiteau’s public declarations and eccentric behavior garnered curiosity and outrage across the country as the execution date approached.

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Crime & Law

Robert Ford Assassinated Jesse James

April 3rd, 1882 142 years ago

In St. Joseph, Missouri, Robert Ford shot Jesse James, a notorious outlaw. Ford purportedly aimed to collect the bounty on James and sought notoriety. At the time, James was in the process of adjusting a picture on the wall of his home when Ford shot him in the back.

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Politics & Government

Charles J. Guiteau Assassinated President Garfield

July 2nd, 1881 143 years ago

Charles J. Guiteau, an embittered office-seeker, shot U.S. President James A. Garfield at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Guiteau had been frustrated by his failure to secure a government position, believing that Garfield's death would benefit the nation. The president was wounded severely, and he succumbed to infections and complications from his injuries later in September.

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Crime & Law

Billy the Kid's Notorious Jailbreak

April 28th, 1881 143 years ago

Billy the Kid escaped from the Lincoln County jail in Mesilla, New Mexico, on April 28, 1881, during a well-planned breakout. Taking advantage of a moment of distraction, he killed two guards and managed to flee captivity. This audacious escape further solidified his reputation as a legendary outlaw of the American West. His actions sparked intense manhunts and media frenzy, contributing to his infamy.

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Crime & Law

Ned Kelly is hanged at Melbourne Gaol

November 11th, 1880 144 years ago

Ned Kelly, an infamous Australian bushranger, was hanged at the Melbourne Gaol after being convicted of murder and robbery. His execution followed a series of infamous criminal exploits where he and his gang fought against colonial authorities. Kelly was captured in 1880 after a violent confrontation at Glenrowan, leading to his trial and ultimate sentence. The hanging was met with considerable public attention and debate.

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Crime & Law

Ned Kelly Captured After Glenrowan Siege

June 28th, 1880 144 years ago

Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian bushranger, was captured at Glenrowan following a gunfight with police. The confrontation, which took place in a small town in Victoria, Australia, saw Kelly and his gang attempting to hold out against law enforcement. After a lengthy standoff, they were overwhelmed by police reinforcements. Kelly, clad in his iconic armor, was injured and eventually surrendered, marking the end of his notorious criminal career and igniting discussions about law, rebellion, and folklore in Australian society.

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Crime & Law

Jesse James Fails to Rob Northfield Bank

September 7th, 1876 148 years ago

Jesse James and the James–Younger Gang attempted to rob the bank in Northfield, Minnesota, but faced unexpected resistance from armed citizens. The gang's plan was thwarted, resulting in a hasty retreat from the town. This confrontation highlighted the dangers of outlaws operating in the Midwest and showcased the determination of local communities to defend their property.

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