Axeman of New Orleans — the full case file

The Axeman threatened to kill again on March 19, 1919, unless jazz was playing. An unidentified attacker killed and injured multiple people—mostly Italian immigrants and Italian-Americans—in and around New Orleans between May 1918 and October 1919, typically breaking in through a chiseled back-door panel and attacking victims with an axe or razor. The case remains unsolved. In 1911, Press reports later associated similar unsolved killings with the Axeman narrative, though researchers have questioned the connection. On May 23, 1918, Joseph and Catherine Maggio attacked in their apartment; Catherine died from a throat wound, Joseph died shortly after being found. On June 27, 1918, Louis Besumer and Harriet Lowe attacked at Besumer's grocery; both critically injured. On August 5, 1918, Anna Schneider, eight months pregnant, attacked in her home. On August 10, 1918, Joseph Romano attacked in his home; he died two days later. On March 10, 1919, Cortimiglia family attacked in Gretna, Louisiana; infant Mary Cortimiglia killed, parents injured. On March 13, 1919, a letter purportedly from the Axeman published in newspapers, threatening further killing unless jazz was played. On May 1, 1919, Louis Besumer acquitted of murder charges after a ten-minute jury deliberation. On August 10, 1919, Grocer Steve Boca attacked while sleeping. On September 3, 1919, Sarah Laumann attacked in her apartment. On October 27, 1919, Mike Pepitone attacked and killed; last attack attributed to the Axeman. In 1920, Rosie Cortimiglia recanted her accusation against the Jordanos, leading to their release. The case remains unsolved. This case file is kept in memory of its eleven victims and the people they loved. The full sourced case file, with every fact cited, is at casepin dot org.

Transcript from the video’s narration track. For every source, open the case file.