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The Terrifying Axeman of New Orleans

BuzzFeed Unsolved Network・21 minutes read

The Axeman Killer of New Orleans terrorized the community for 18 months with brutal attacks, leaving behind a trail of fear and uncertainty. Despite theories and suspects, the true identity of the Axeman remains a mystery, with the case of the unsolved killings haunting New Orleans to this day.

Insights

  • The Axeman Killer of New Orleans operated at night using victims' tools, leaving an axe behind, and possibly committed 12 attacks and 6 killings, causing fear and uncertainty in the community.
  • Despite various suspects like Louis Besumer and Joseph Mumfre, the identity of the New Orleans Axeman remains unknown, with theories suggesting multiple perpetrators, copycats, or connections to a blackmailing gang targeting Italians, leaving the case unsolved and shrouded in mystery.

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Recent questions

  • Who was the Axeman Killer of New Orleans?

    An unidentified serial killer active in 1918-1919.

  • How did the Axeman choose his victims?

    By using weapons found in their homes.

  • What was the Axeman's signature weapon?

    An axe found at the crime scene.

  • How did the Axeman communicate with the public?

    Through a letter sent to a newspaper.

  • What was the outcome of the Axeman's final threat?

    No casualties due to jazz music playing.

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Summary

00:00

"The Axeman Killer of New Orleans"

  • The Axeman Killer of New Orleans was active from 1918 for roughly 18 months, striking at night and possibly responsible for 12 attacks and 6 killings.
  • The Axeman never used his own tools, only what he found in victims' homes, typically leaving behind an axe at the crime scene.
  • The first suspected attack occurred on May 23rd, 1918, where Catherine and Joseph Maggio were violently attacked with an axe and a straight razor.
  • A month later, on June 28th, 1918, Louis Besumer and Anna Lowe were found severely injured, with Anna describing a large white man with a hatchet as the attacker.
  • On August 5th, 1918, Mrs. Ed Schneider was found alive after an attack, with their axe missing from the shed, and she later gave birth successfully.
  • Five days later, on August 10th, 1918, 80-year-old Joseph Romano was found with his head bashed in, described by witnesses as tall, dark, and wearing a dark suit and slouch hat.
  • On March 10th, 1919, the Cortimiglia family was attacked, resulting in the death of their two-year-old daughter Mary, with the axe used belonging to the family.
  • Five days after the attack, a letter from the Axeman was received by a newspaper, where he boasted of being invisible and a spirit from hell, threatening the police and the community.
  • The letter also contained a chilling threat of potentially slaying thousands of citizens, claiming a close relationship with the angel of death.
  • The Axeman's dramatic and terrifying presence in New Orleans left the community in fear and uncertainty, with his threats instilling terror among the residents.

09:40

Unmasking the Jazz-loving Axeman of New Orleans

  • The Axeman plans to pass over New Orleans at 12:15 on a Tuesday night and offers to spare those with jazz bands playing at that time.
  • March 19th, 1919, was the specified Tuesday night, and the city was alive with jazz music, leading to no casualties.
  • Steve Boca was attacked in August 1919, surviving with memory loss due to head injuries.
  • Sarah Laumann was attacked in September 1919, unable to recall details of the incident.
  • Esther and Mike Pepitone were attacked in October 1919, with Esther witnessing her husband's fatal injuries.
  • The suspected weapon was a bolt with a heavy nut, possibly from a nearby circus tent.
  • Theories suggest some killings may not be the Axeman's work, with one attack possibly linked to the mafia.
  • Louis Besumer was charged with the murder of Anna Lowe, but theories vary on the true nature of the attack.
  • Joseph Mumfre is a legitimate suspect, with Esther Pepitone shooting him dead in 1921 after he threatened her.
  • Mumfre was linked to a blackmailing gang in New Orleans that targeted Italians, similar to the Axeman's victims.

20:07

Unsolved mystery of New Orleans Axeman

  • The identity of the New Orleans Axeman remains a mystery, with speculation of multiple people involved, possibly copycat killers, leading a blackmailing gang targeting Italians, but ultimately, the case remains unsolved.
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