Historical Events tagged with "murders"

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.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Indictment of Edgar Ray Killen for 1964 Murders

January 6th, 2005 20 years ago

Edgar Ray Killen was indicted for his involvement in the 1964 murders of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and James Chaney in Neshoba County, Mississippi. This indictment came decades after the crimes occurred during a time of heightened racial tensions and civil rights activism. The case was reopened as part of efforts to address unresolved civil rights violations, exemplifying ongoing struggles for justice. Killen, identified as a Ku Klux Klan leader, faced charges both of murder and conspiracy, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of accountability for racially motivated violence.

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Crime & Law

Charles Brooks Jr. Executed by Lethal Injection

December 7th, 1982 42 years ago

Charles Brooks Jr. became the first person executed by lethal injection in the United States. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death for the 1981 killing of a gas station attendant in Texas. The execution took place at the Huntsville Unit in Texas, marking a significant shift in the methods used for capital punishment in the country. Lethal injection was introduced as a more humane alternative to previous execution methods.

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Crime & Law

John List commits family murders in New Jersey

November 9th, 1971 53 years ago

John List murdered his wife, mother, and three children using handguns in their home in Westfield, New Jersey. The murders were premeditated, as List meticulously planned the killings before carrying them out. He left behind a letter detailing his reasons for the tragic act, citing financial difficulties and the desire to spare his family from embarrassment. After the murders, he disappeared, becoming one of America's most wanted fugitives.

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Military & Warfare

Charges Against William Calley for My Lai Massacre

September 5th, 1969 55 years ago

William Calley, a U.S. Army Lieutenant, faced charges for his involvement in the My Lai Massacre, where 109 Vietnamese civilians were killed. This incident occurred during the Vietnam War in My Lai village, highlighting the brutalities of war and the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers. The charges included six specifications of premeditated murder, drawing significant public and media attention.

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Crime & Law

Manson Cult Murders Leno and Rosemary LaBianca

August 10th, 1969 55 years ago

Following the brutal murder of Sharon Tate, members of Charles Manson's cult targeted Leno and Rosemary LaBianca in their home. This occurred in Los Angeles, California. The killings were part of Manson's campaign to incite chaos and racial tensions in America. Both victims were stabbed multiple times, and messages were written in blood, connecting the crime to Manson’s ideology.

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Crime & Law

Zodiac Killer's First Victims in Benicia

December 20th, 1968 56 years ago

David Arthur Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen were murdered on Lake Herman Road in Benicia, California, marking the first two victims officially linked to the Zodiac Killer. The couple was shot while parked in Faraday's car, a brutal act that shocked the local community. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, and the crime scene was discovered soon after, raising alarms about a potential serial killer in the area. The Zodiac Killer would later taunt authorities and the public with letters, claiming responsibility for the murders and other attacks.

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Crime & Law

Life Sentences for Moors Murders Conspirators

May 6th, 1966 58 years ago

Myra Hindley and Ian Brady were sentenced to life imprisonment for the Moors murders, a notorious case involving the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of five children in the Manchester area. Their criminal activities garnered significant media attention and public outrage. Both were arrested in 1965, and during the trial, disturbing details emerged about their horrific acts. The case is often remembered for the psychological manipulation employed by the couple, particularly how they used Hindley's image to gain sympathy, despite the heinous nature of their crimes.

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Crime & Law

Unsolved Mysteries of Lake Bodom Murders

June 5th, 1960 64 years ago

In the early hours near Lake Bodom, four teenagers were attacked while camping. Three were killed, and one survived with serious injuries. The case quickly gained notoriety as the surviving victim's testimonies varied, leading to widespread speculation and media frenzy. Investigators struggled to find conclusive evidence or a suspect, making it one of Finland's most infamous unsolved murders.

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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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