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True Crime Literature
True Crime is a popular literary genre that details actual criminals and crime, most often murder.
426 Questions
What was the role of the bloody glove in the OJ Simpson case?
The bloody glove in the O.J. Simpson case became a pivotal piece of evidence during the trial. Found at the scene of Nicole Brown Simpson's murder, it was linked to O.J. Simpson through DNA evidence, suggesting his involvement. The defense famously argued that the glove did not fit Simpson's hand, leading to the memorable phrase, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." This moment significantly influenced the jury's perception and the trial's outcome.
How is jack the ripper used in gothic fiction?
Jack the Ripper serves as a quintessential figure in Gothic fiction, embodying themes of horror, mystery, and psychological terror. His shadowy presence and gruesome acts evoke a sense of dread and fascination, allowing authors to explore the darker aspects of human nature and societal fears. The Ripper's anonymity and the gruesome nature of his crimes create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, often used to critique the Victorian era's moral and social issues. Ultimately, he represents the intersection of reality and the macabre, making him a compelling subject in Gothic narratives.
Was the murderer of Dian Fossey prosecuted?
No, her murder was never solved. They have always assumed that it was a poacher, but a concrete suspect was never named.
Who is the biggest murderer of the 20th century?
Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, is often cited as one of the biggest murderers of the 20th century due to the millions of deaths under his regime resulting from forced labor camps, purges, and man-made famines.
Patty Hearst is clearly a victim with the Stockholm Syndrome what happened?
When Patty Hearst was kidnapped on February 4, 1974, most people had never heard of the Stockholm Syndrome. There has been so much research done and much more is known about this condition then when Hearst was forced to participate in armed robberies for the radical extreme-left cult, the SLA. The jury felt Hearst was a spoiled rich heiress getting her 'kicks' by tormenting the 'establishment'. In retrospect it is clear that Hearst was not only a victim of her captors but by the legal system as well.
But Patty was made of stronger stuff. After serving her prison sentence and was paroled, she married and had children, and despite everything, did not let this ruin her life. This horrible injustice does not define her.
*President Jimmy Carter granted Heast executive clemency in January 1979.
Is there any way to tell if someone will be a serial killer?
There are signs, behaviours that act as 'red flags' to warn that all is not well. Most serial killers, no matter their geographical location or social standing, the warning signs are pretty constant.
Bed wetting even into the early teens. Fire starting. Cruelty to animals, even their own pets. Trouble in school or with peers. Telling lies or stealing. If children have these behaviours it does not mean they will grow up to be killers. But any of the above problems may not just be 'kids being kids'. Ted Bundy, when he was a pre-schooler, took all the kitchen knives and layed them on the bed where his aunt was sleeping. When she woke up, she was surrounded by knives pointed toward her and little Teddy smiling down at her.
It is hard to tell whether this upset the other family members, but I can imagine it must have raised some eyebrows, since it was remembered decades after it happened. The Son of Sam, David Berkowitz, was big on starting fires. He confessed that he had started hundreds of fires as a teen. Jeffrey Dahmer would kill animals and mount their heads on stakes in the woods by his home.
Hindsight is 20/20, and its always easy to predict something after the fact. But more research needs to be done and hopefully someday we will not only understand the killers but may be able to prevent them from ever killing in the first place.
How are men and woman serial killers motives different?
For men, there is usually a sexual element to their murders. At some point in their development they begin to associate sex and violence. When women kill it is usually for reasons such as financial gain. Serial killer Aileen Wuornos is a good example. Her crimes were thought to be sexual in nature, commonly seen in male killers. But Wuornos was the rule and not the exception. She killed her male victims for the simple fact that they possessed what she wanted. Money and a car. Killing them was the easiest way to get them. For Wuornos, sex or even control had very little to do with her crimes.
How old would left eye be now?
Left Eye, whose real name was Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, was born on May 27, 1971. If she were still alive today, she would be 50 years old.
Who was the serial killer from mishawaka Indiana?
Herbert Baumeister, also known as the "I-70 Strangler," was a serial killer from Westfield, Indiana, not Mishawaka. Baumeister targeted gay men and is believed to be responsible for the murders of at least 11 men in the 1980s and 1990s before committing suicide in 1996.
Is the Old Bailey still in use?
The Old Bailey was founded in 1674 inside the one square mile in the heart of London. Old Bailey has seen 197,745 ciminal trials and more than it's share of beheadings and hangings to name a few. It is still the hub of court procedings inside the city of London. And although it's not as popular as the Ripper Walks it gets it's fair share of tourists each year.
Why was Claude Duval buried in St Paul's Covent Garden?
Claude Duval was buried in St. Paul's Covent Garden because it was a prestigious location at the time, and he was a famous highwayman who had gained notoriety for his exploits. Being buried there likely added to the allure and romanticism of his legend.
Is Darlie Routier getting a new trial?
Darlie and her staunch supporters, which happen to be most of her family, are trying very hard to gain a new trial. Routier sits on Texas's death row for the stabbing murders of her 2 small boys, in Rowlette, TX.
Obtaining a new trial is not easy. The convicted must prove that there is sufficient new evidence that could prove their innocence. With advances in DNA and other forensics there have been many people that have been released from prison after being wrongfully convicted. But in the case of Routier, the prosecution had physical and circumstantial evidence including DNA and blood spatter evidence that was very damning. So unless something substantial turns up Darlie will remain on death row. Her chances of being executed are pretty good. Texas has one of the highest execution rates in the country.
What is the worst crime city in the U.S.?
According to the FBI's crime stats the U.S. city with the highest murder rate is New Orleans. Followed by Washington D.C. in second and in third place is Detroit, MI. I only included the worst of violent crimes, which is murder.
For statistis on other violent crimes and non-violent crimes in major cities go the the FBI's crime statistics web page.
Note:This was for the year 2009, which was the lastest they had available. It was noted also that 2009 was the 10th straight year that New Orleans had the highest murder rate in the nation.
Who was Josslyn Hay Earl of Erroll and why was he murdered?
On the morning of January 24, 1941 the body of Josslyn Hay, the Earl of Erroll, was found shot in the head, in a car outside Nairobi near Happy Valley, an upper-class enclave of English residents living in Kenya during WWII. One suspect was tried but aquitted until years later when a writer, James Fox, revived the cold case and solved the mystery. The killer was Sir Jock Delves Broughton. Broughton's estranged wife was involved with Hay and there lies the motive. He was brought to trial but was aquitted of the crime. He never was able to reunite with his wife and died a lonely, broken man.
What was the motives for Mark David Chapman?
Chapman went to New York in October 1980 planning to assassinate Lennon. He left the city for a short while in order to obtain ammunition from his unwitting friend Dana Reeves in Atlanta. He returned to New York in November but, after going to the cinema and being inspired by the film Ordinary People, he returned to Hawaii, telling his wife he had been obsessed with killing Lennon but had snapped out of it. He made an appointment to see a clinical psychologist but instead, on December 6, flew back to New York. He offered cocaine to a taxi driver. He reports having re-enacted scenes from The Catcher in the Rye.
On the morning of December 8, 1980, he departed from the Sheraton Hotel, leaving personal items in his hotel room for police to find. Chapman bought a copy of The Catcher in the Ryefrom a New York book store, in which he wrote "This is my statement" and signed it "Holden Caulfield", who is the protagonist of the novel. He then spent most of the day near the entrance to The Dakota apartment building where Lennon and Yoko Ono lived, talking to other fans and the doorman. At one point, a distracted Chapman missed seeing Lennon step out of a cab and enter the Dakota building on the morning of December 8. Late in the morning, Chapman met Lennon's housekeeper, who had just taken their five-year-old son Sean for a walk. Chapman conversed with the housekeeper.
Around 5:00 p.m., Lennon and Ono left The Dakota for a recording session at Record Plant Studios. As they walked towards their limousine on the curb, Chapman shook hands with Lennon and held out a copy of Lennon's new album, Double Fantasy, for him to sign. Photographer Paul Goresh was present when Lennon signed Chapman's album and took a photo of the event. Chapman reported that, "At that point my big part won and I wanted to go back to my hotel, but I couldn't. I waited until he came back. He knew where the ducks went in winter, and I needed to know this" (a reference to The Catcher in the Rye because it is what Holden wonders throughout the story).
Around 10:49 p.m., the Lennons' limousine returned to the Dakota. Lennon and Ono passed by Chapman and walked toward the archway entrance of the building's courtyard. From the street, Chapman turned and fired five hollow point bullets from a Charter Arms .38 Special revolver that he had purchased in Hawaii, four of which hit Lennon's back and shoulder. One of the bullets pierced Lennon's aorta, causing very severe blood loss by aortic dissection. There was an isolated newspaper claim at the time that, before firing, Chapman called out "Mr. Lennon" and dropped into a "combat stance", though Chapman disputes this assertion.
Chapman remained at the scene, took out his copy of The Catcher in the Rye and read it until the police arrived. The New York City Police Department officers who first responded to the shooting recognized that Lennon's wounds were severe, they then decided to transport him in their police car to Roosevelt Hospital. Chapman was arrested without incident. In his statement to police three hours later, Chapman stated, "I'm sure the large part of me is Holden Caulfield, who is the main person in the book. The small part of me must be the Devil."
Lennon was pronounced dead at 11:07 p.m. at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center.
Trial and sentencing
Chapman was charged with second degree murder. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital for psychiatric examination. The conclusion was that, while delusional, he was competent to stand a trial. Nine psychiatrists/clinical psychologists were prepared to testify at his trial - six of the clinical opinion that he was psychotic and three of the clinical opinion that his delusions fell short of the necessary criteria for psychosis. Lawyer Herbert Adlerberg was assigned to represent Chapman but, amid threats of lynching, withdrew. Police feared that Lennon fans might storm the hospital and they transferred Chapman to the Rikers Island jail.
At an initial hearing, in January 1981, Chapman's new lawyer, Jonathan Marks, entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. In February, Chapman sent a handwritten statement to The New York Times, urging everyone to read The Catcher in the Rye, calling it an "extraordinary book that holds many answers". The defense team sought to establish witnesses as to Chapman's mental state at the time of the killing. It was reported that his defense team was confident he would be found not guilty by reason of insanity, in which case he would have been committed to a state mental hospital and received treatment.
However, in June, Chapman told Marks he wanted to drop the insanity defense and plead guilty. Marks objected with "serious questions" over Chapman's sanity, and legally challenged his competence to make this decision, requesting a further assessment of his mental state. In the pursuant hearing on June 22, Chapman said God had told him to plead guilty and that he would not change his plea or ever appeal, regardless of his sentence. Marks told the court that he opposed Chapman's change of plea, but that Chapman would not listen to him. Judge Dennis Edwards refused a further assessment, said Chapman had made the decision of his own free will, and declared him competent to plead guilty.
On August 24, the sentencing hearing took place. Two psychiatrists gave evidence on Chapman's behalf. Edwards interrupted the second psychiatrist, saying the purpose of the hearing was to determine the sentence and that there was no question of Chapman's criminal responsibility, drawing applause from the courtroom. The District Attorney said Chapman committed the murder as an easy route to fame. The defense lawyer said Chapman did not even appreciate why he was there. When Chapman was asked if he had anything to say, he rose and read a passage from The Catcher in the Rye, when Holden tells his little sister, Phoebe, what he wants to do with his life:
"Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around - nobody big, I mean - except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff - I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all."
The judge ordered that Chapman should receive psychiatric treatment in prison and sentenced him to 20 years to life, less than the maximum possible of 25 years to life.
Who were kate ma barkers parents?
Kate "Ma" Barker's parents were John and Elvira Clark. Kate Barker was an American criminal who was the mother of the Barker-Karpis gang, which was active during the early 1930s. She gained notoriety as a formidable criminal and was killed in a shootout with the FBI in 1935.
Darlie Routier is housed at Mountain View Unit just outside of Gatesville, TX. Mountain View is where all condemed women in Texas await their execution. Shortly before a scheduled execution the prisoner is moved to Huntsville* where Texas's death chamber is located.
*Huntsville is the men's prison.
Who was it that killed everyone in the school in Russia?
Breslin, Russia, September 1, 2004, Muslim terrorists stormed a school taking 1200 people hostage. On the third day some of the planted explosives detinated accidentaly, provoking gunfire from both sides. 326 people were killed, 156 of those were children. 700 were wounded and 26 of the terrorists were killed.
How many copies of Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil were sold?
Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil sold 3.3 million copies and spent 216 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
Did Elizabeth Short have a tattoo of a black dahlia?
This is just one of many so-called 'facts' that are repeated so many times that they are taken as the truth. According to the autopsy, Short, also known as the Black Dahlia, had no tattoos of a black dahlia or any other type of tattoo at the time of her death.
Elizabeth Short wasn't called the Black Dahlia until after her death, so she herself never heard this term. She acquired the title because at the same time that her murder was being reported in the newspapers, the movie "The Blue Dahlia", starring Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd was just released and the title displayed in huge letters on movie marquees, while photos of Elizabeth with her black hair, dressed in black dresses were published on the front pages, the press and the public thought the name seemed to suit her and it stuck.
Who is the artist for The Black Dahlia murder?
The Black Dahlia was a real murder in Los Angeles. Elizabeth Short, age 22, was found murdered on January 15, 1947, in an empty lot. The body had been cut in half and drained of blood, and even her face was mutilated. Her murderer was never found.
What is this new evidence that has cleared the Ramseys of the murder of JonBenet?
There is always someone saying there is new evidence exonerating the Ramseys, or proving their guilt, or implicating someone else. This has been going on for years. It is not terribly likely that anything material will come up anytime soon unless someone breaks down and confesses.
This news is very misleading. It's not new evidence at all. It was in the autopsy report and the police have known about it from the very first. There was dirt and unidentified material under JonBenet's fingernails. It didn't match the parent's DNA profile or anyone in the family. But since it was Christmas time, the Ramsey's had been in many different homes in the hours leading up to the murder. Little kids get grime and foreign material under their fingernails all the time. Not only was JonBenet in different homes, the Ramsey's had an open house and had at least 200 people in their home right before Christmas. There was unidentified DNA everywhere in that house from many different persons.
Unfortunately, it does not change all of the other evidence. The FBI states the crime scene was staged, there never was a kidnap attempt, the child was most likely killed by someone that knew her well, ect. The list goes on. So the Ramsey case is as it has been. The Grand Jury that heard the case were of the opinion that there was not enough uncontaminated evidence to be able to successfully prosecute the Ramseys. This is the crux of the whole situation. The crime scene was not preserved like it should have been right from the beginning. There is no way to undo the harm that was perpetrated on the Ramsey house (crime scene) once it was breached.
Francis castillo murder in 1987 ever solved?
Yes, the murder of Francis Castillo in 1987 remains unsolved. Despite extensive investigations at the time, no suspects were identified or charged in connection with the crime. The case remains open and unresolved.
Has there been any new developments with the DB Cooper highjacking?
Skip Porteous (PI) and Robert Blevins claim they have discovered the identity of the famous hijacker. In their book Into The Blast they name the former NorthWest Airline employee Kenneth Christiansen as DB Cooper. Contacted by Christiansen's 77 year old brother Lyle Christiansen they researched Kenneth extensively. He was a former paratrooper in the military and as an employee of the same airline that Cooper hijacked, he knew the plane which allowed him to successfully make the jump and survive.
Although the FBI feels differently, saying Christiansen did not resemble the composite drawings so eliminated him on that evidence alone. Porteous and Blevins were requested by the FBI to forward any evidence they had to back up the claims. They sent an envelope and stamp with DNA but have received no word from. The proof will be in the DNA to either prove or disprove Christiansen was DB Cooper.
Interesting Fact:At the time of the hijacking Christiansen was not working steady due to a strike. After the crime Christiansen suddenly bought a house in Bonney Lake, WA and paid cash.
When is Scott Peterson getting killed?
A death sentence is very complex. There are mandatory appeals that have to play out before a DOE (date of execution) can be set. At least in America, the courts are over-burdened and these appeals take years to move through the legal system.
There is a popular opinion that since Peterson was convicted in the state of California that he may never be executed. California has fewer executions compared to states like Texas and Florida. Only time will tell whether Peterson will pay with his life or remain imprisoned for life.
