New Orleans is a town of mysteries, and there are so many that have permeated our culture over the years. But perhaps the most captivating unsolved mystery in New Orleans was the Axeman. The Axeman of New Orleans was an active serial killer in the city from May 1918 to October 1919. Around 7 people were murdered, and at least 7 injured during this time, almost all attacked with an axe.
Most of the Axeman’s victims were Italian-American, leading some to believe the crimes were mafia related.
http://www.viralnova.com/axeman-of-new-orleans/ But no strict evidence ever tied the mafia to these killings. Most of the crimes were committed in the victim’s home, where the Axeman would smash open their backdoors and commit the murders.
Below is a map detailing where each murder occurred throughout the city.
Wikicommons / Public Domain The crimes took the city by storm, prompting many to speculate on the possible origins of the killer.
Local musician Joseph John Davilla wrote the song pictured below, “The Mysterious Axman’s Jazz” in 1919.
Wikicommons / Joseph John Devilla The song captured the zeitgeist of the time, and continued to be popular well after the killings ended.
The Axeman was a very unique serial killer for a number of reasons, but was perhaps best known for the mysterious letter that was published in the New Orleans newspapers during his crime spree. The letter stated,
http://www.viralnova.com/axeman-of-new-orleans/
But no strict evidence ever tied the mafia to these killings. Most of the crimes were committed in the victim’s home, where the Axeman would smash open their backdoors and commit the murders.
Wikicommons / Public Domain
The crimes took the city by storm, prompting many to speculate on the possible origins of the killer.
Wikicommons / Joseph John Devilla
The song captured the zeitgeist of the time, and continued to be popular well after the killings ended.
“Undoubtedly, you Orleanians think of me as a most horrible murderer, which I am, but I could be much worse if I wanted to. If I wished, I could pay a visit to your city every night. At will I could slay thousands of your best citizens, for I am in close relationship with the Angel of Death.
Now, to be exact, at 12:15 (earthly time) on next Tuesday night, I am going to pass over New Orleans. In my infinite mercy, I am going to make a little proposition to you people. Here it is:
I am very fond of jazz music, and I swear by all the devils in the nether regions that every person shall be spared in whose home a jazz band is in full swing at the time I have just mentioned. If everyone has a jazz band going, well, then, so much the better for you people. One thing is certain and that is that some of your people who do not jazz it on Tuesday night (if there be any) will get the axe.”
The identity of the Axeman was never truly revealed. Crime writer Colin Wilson speculates that it may have been Joseph Momfre, who was murdered in Los Angeles in 1920, but this speculation has never been proven.
With all the violence that continues to plague New Orleans today, it’s interesting to look back and remember the history of vicious crimes that seem to have always followed our city. What do you think about this unsolved mystery in New Orleans? Do you believe you know who the Axeman is and why he did it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We love to hear your feedback.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
