The Axeman of New Orleans: A Chilling Tale of Mystery and Fear

Between 1918 and 1919, New Orleans was terrorized by a figure known as the Axeman. His brutal murders, primarily targeting Italian-American grocers, left six dead and several others injured. The identity of the Axeman remains unknown, making him one of the most enigmatic figures in American criminal history.

The Start of the Killing Spree

The Axeman's attacks began on May 22, 1918, with the murders of Joseph and Catherine Maggio. Their throats were slit, and their heads were bludgeoned with an axe. The killer had broken into their home by chiseling out a panel in their back door, a tactic repeated in subsequent crimes. Bloodied scenes and the lack of theft indicated a killer driven by motives other than robbery.

Louis Besumer and Harriet Lowe were attacked next on June 27, 1918. Both initially survived, but Lowe died from her injuries weeks later. These early attacks shared the eerie characteristic of targeting victims in their homes while they slept, leaving residents on edge.

Fear Grips the City

The Axeman’s victims were often connected by their Italian heritage and association with the grocery trade, leading to speculation about racial motives or business rivalries. This theory deepened when grocers Anna and Joseph Schneider were attacked in August 1918. Despite their injuries, Anna survived and even gave birth just days later.

As the city panicked, the police were baffled. The Axeman left no solid clues and seemed to strike at random, making capture nearly impossible.

The Infamous Jazz Letter

In March 1919, the case took a bizarre turn. A letter, purportedly written by the Axeman, was published in local newspapers. In it, the writer claimed to be a "demon from Hell" who loved jazz. He warned that anyone not playing jazz music on the night of March 19 would risk being killed. This chilling threat led to a citywide jazz frenzy. Homes and clubs were filled with music, and no murders occurred that night. The letter solidified the Axeman’s legend and his macabre sense of showmanship.

Later Attacks

After a brief hiatus, the Axeman struck again in August 1919, attacking Steve Boca, another grocer. Boca survived but could not recall details about his assailant. In September, 19-year-old Sarah Laumann was attacked in her apartment but also survived. Both cases followed the established pattern: nighttime assaults, brutal use of an axe, and no theft or clear motive.

The Final Murder

The Axeman’s last known attack occurred on October 27, 1919, when Mike Pepitone was killed. His wife reported seeing two figures fleeing the scene but could not provide detailed descriptions. After Pepitone’s murder, the killings abruptly stopped, leaving the case unresolved.

Theories About the Axeman

The Axeman’s motives and identity have been the subject of endless speculation. Some believe he targeted Italian immigrants due to racial hatred, while others suggest his killings were acts of insanity or part of a vendetta. Theories even link him to organized crime or mafia disputes, though evidence is sparse. His methods—a blend of premeditation and chaotic violence—make him unique among serial killers.

The Legacy

The Axeman of New Orleans remains a haunting figure in American history. His reign of terror has inspired books, TV shows, and even songs, keeping his story alive more than a century later. Despite extensive investigation, his identity remains a mystery, ensuring his place as one of the most enigmatic killers of all time.