Historical Events tagged with "true 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.

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

Internet-Influenced Murder of Bruce Miller

November 8th, 1999 25 years ago

Bruce Miller was murdered at his junkyard in Flint, Michigan, following a plot orchestrated by his wife, Sharee Miller. She convinced her online lover, Jerry Cassaday, to carry out the killing. This gruesome act became notorious, as it was highlighted as the world's first murder facilitated through Internet communication, marking a significant intersection between technology and criminal behavior.

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Crime & Law

Discovery of Adam Walsh's Severed Head

August 10th, 1981 43 years ago

The severed head of Adam Walsh, a six-year-old boy, was discovered in a canal in Florida. Adam had been abducted from a shopping mall in Hollywood, Florida, weeks earlier. His disappearance and subsequent murder garnered significant media attention, leading to heightened awareness around child safety issues. The case played a pivotal role in shaping public policy regarding missing children and ultimately inspired John Walsh, Adam's father, to co-create the television series 'America's Most Wanted,' focusing on capturing fugitives and raising awareness of missing children.

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Crime & Law

The Mysterious Disappearance of Five Men

February 24th, 1978 47 years ago

Five men went missing in Yuba County, California, under mysterious circumstances. Their car was found abandoned in the area of the Plumas National Forest, leading authorities to initiate an extensive search. After four months of investigation, the bodies of four of the men were discovered in a remote area, raising questions about their fate and the events leading to their disappearance. The surviving man, Gary Mathias, was not among the bodies discovered at that time.

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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

Albert DeSalvo Convicted as Boston Strangler

January 18th, 1967 58 years ago

Albert DeSalvo was convicted of numerous crimes, including the killings attributed to the Boston Strangler. In a courtroom packed with media and onlookers, DeSalvo was sentenced to life imprisonment. His confessions, somewhat dubious in nature, led law enforcement and the public to believe he was the infamous killer responsible for the deaths of 13 women in the Boston area during the early 1960s. This high-profile case garnered significant media attention and raised questions about the judicial process and mental health considerations in criminal cases.

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