Historical Events tagged with "murder"

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

Fritz Haarmann Sentenced for Serial Murders

December 19th, 1924 100 years ago

Fritz Haarmann, known as the 'Butcher of Hanover', was sentenced to death for a series of brutal murders that took place in Germany during the early 1920s. Convicted of killing at least 24 young men and boys, Haarmann earned notoriety due to his method of luring victims and the gruesome nature of his crimes. His trial highlighted the failures of the police and judicial system at the time, leading to widespread media coverage and public outcry over safety measures in society.

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Crime & Law

Loeb and Leopold Murder Bobby Franks

May 21st, 1924 100 years ago

University of Chicago students Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold, Jr. committed the murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago, Illinois. Described as a 'thrill killing,' the pair believed they could commit the perfect crime. They kidnapped Bobby and ultimately killed him, disposing of his body nearby. Their motives were later revealed to include a desire for intellectual superiority and a fascination with Nietzschean philosophy.

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Crime & Law

Arson and Murder at Taliesin House

August 15th, 1914 110 years ago

An employee of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright set fire to Taliesin, his Wisconsin home, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals. The assailant, Julian Carlton, was a disgruntled servant who used an axe during the attack and then ignited the building. This shocking incident not only claimed lives but also raised questions about safety and security in the home of one of America's most prominent architects.

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Crime & Law

Andrey Yushchinsky's Murder Sparks Controversy

March 25th, 1911 113 years ago

Andrey Yushchinsky, a Jewish boy, was murdered in Kiev, prompting allegations against a Jewish man, Mendel Beilis. The crime attracted widespread attention, leading to a notable court trial that ignited discussions about anti-Semitism in Russia and the broader implications of such accusations. The case became a symbol of societal tensions and fueled public outrage among Jewish communities, who perceived the trial as a manifestation of deep-rooted prejudice against them.

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Crime & Law

Johan Alfred Ander Executed in Sweden

November 23rd, 1910 114 years ago

Johan Alfred Ander was executed in Sweden for the murder of a woman named Anna Hultqvist. He had been convicted of killing her in Stockholm, which led to his death sentence. The execution took place by guillotine, marking the end of capital punishment in Sweden. This event is notable as it represents a significant shift in Swedish legal practices.

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Crime & Law

Hawley Harvey Crippen Convicted of Poisoning

October 22nd, 1910 114 years ago

Hawley Harvey Crippen was convicted for the murder of his wife, Cora, after a dramatic manhunt that utilized radio communication. Crippen fled from England to Canada in 1910, where he was apprehended aboard a ship. His trial brought international attention to the case, highlighting the role of emerging technology in crime-solving.

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Crime & Law

Chester Gillette's Murder of Grace Brown

July 11th, 1906 118 years ago

Chester Gillette murdered Grace Brown near Big Moose Lake, New York, after their tumultuous relationship deteriorated. Grace, a young factory worker, was found drowned, leading to a sensational trial that captured the public's attention. Gillette claimed accidental drowning, but the evidence of premeditation, including a witness who saw them together before her death, contradicted his defense. The case became a national sensation and inspired Theodore Dreiser's novel, 'An American Tragedy,' exploring themes of ambition, morality, and social stratification.

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Crime & Law

Harry Thaw Kills Stanford White in NYC

June 25th, 1906 118 years ago

Harry Thaw, a millionaire from Pittsburgh, shot and killed architect Stanford White during a public event in New York City. This act was spurred by Thaw's jealousy over White’s previous relationship with Thaw's wife, Evelyn Nesbit, a famous actress and model, which was publicly known. The shooting took place in the rooftop garden of Madison Square Garden, where Thaw felt compelled to confront White, leading to the tragic incident.

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Crime & Law

First Use of Fingerprint Evidence in Murder Trial

May 5th, 1905 119 years ago

The trial of the Stratton Brothers commenced in London, marking a pivotal moment in criminal justice as it featured the inaugural use of fingerprint evidence to secure a murder conviction. This groundbreaking case involved the circumstantial evidence surrounding the brutal murder of a local man. The introduction of fingerprinting techniques, pioneered by Edward Henry, sought to solve the crime and establish a new standard for forensic evidence in the legal system.

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