From October 1918 to May 1919 New Orleans was plagued by a number of ghastly murders in which a ax-weilding serial killer known as the “Axeman” broke into homes and bludgeoned his victims to death. Known as the American version of Jack the Ripper, the murder attacked a dozen victims over the stretch of a year, killing 6 of them. Although his legend remains, he was never caught and his identity remains unknown.

The 1911 Axeman Murders

Between 1911 and 1912, a string of similar axe-related murders occurred throughout New Orleans. Thought to be a prelude to the later events, multiple couples, all of Italian decent, were battered to death during the night. It was believed that the Italian mafia had hired an individual to performed these killings throughout New Orleans. This individual also uncovered a fascination for murdering people in a grim and bloody manner.

Axeman Murders 1919

The Axeman Returns

After six peaceful years, the Axeman continued his vengeance on May 22, 1918. It is believed that he attacked without a motive and at random. The following people were his victims:

Joseph and Catherine Maggio: On May 22nd, 1918, Andrew Maggio discovered the slain bodies of his brother and sister-in-law after claiming he heard strange groaning through the wall. The two brothers were neighbors. Upon entering he found both of their throats cut and heads bashed in using an axe. Catherines’ throat had been cut so deep that her head was almost severed from the shoulders.

Louis Besumer and Harriet Lowe: The two secret lovers were having an affair in the back of a grocery store when they were attacked on June 27, 1918. Louis was attacked first, having an hatchet slammed into his temple and cracking his skull in half. Harriet was swung at, clipping her left ear before she fell unconscious. The killer never finished her off.

Mrs. Schneider: She was a young 28 year old who was 8 months into her pregnancy. On the night of August 5, 1918 she awoke to find a strange man standing over her. She was hit and cut repeatedly before the attacker left the home. Her husband found her a few hours later when he arrived from work. She gave birth to a healthy baby 2 days later.

Joseph Romano: On August 10, 1918 the elderly man was attacked while he was staying with a relative. He had been hit in the head a few times causing serious head trauma that resulted in his death a few days later. Police found an axe in the backyard which led them to believe the killer was related to the 1911 attacks.

Charles, Rosie, and Mary Cortimiglia: The immigrant family was attacked on March 10, 1919. The killer hit both Charles and his wife Rosie who ultimately survived their injuries. Their daughter Mary who was only 2 years old was killed with a single blow to the head. After the attack Rosie falsely accused two men (Lorlando and Frank Jordano) of the attack who were found guilty and sentence to prison until Rosie admitted the lie.

Steve Boca: The young grocer was attacked on August 10, 1919. He was hit in the head during the night but survived.

Sarah Laumann: About a month after the attack on Boca, Sarah, a young 19 year old was attacked at home. She would also survive the attack.

Mike Pepitone: Right before Halloween in 1919, Mike’s wife awoke to the sound of a struggle. When she went into the other room she found an axe-wielding man escaping and her husband murdered. He was the last murder recorded by the axeman in New Orleans.

The Threat

Before the attack on Boca, the axeman released a letter informing the town of the following:

Esteemed Mortal:
They have never caught me and they never will. They have never seen me, for I am invisible, even as the ether that surrounds your earth. I am not a human being, but a spirit and a demon from the hottest hell. I am what you Orleanians and your foolish police call the Axeman.
When I see fit, I shall come and claim other victims. I alone know whom they shall be. I shall leave no clue except my bloody axe, besmeared with blood and brains of he whom I have sent below to keep me company.
If you wish you may tell the police to be careful not to rile me. Of course, I am a reasonable spirit. I take no offense at the way they have conducted their investigations in the past. In fact, they have been so utterly stupid as to not only amuse me, but His Satanic Majesty, Francis Josef, etc. But tell them to beware. Let them not try to discover what I am, for it were better that they were never born than to incur the wrath of the Axeman. I don’t think there is any need of such a warning, for I feel sure the police will always dodge me, as they have in the past. They are wise and know how to keep away from all harm.
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.
Well, as I am cold and crave the warmth of my native Tartarus, and it is about time I leave your earthly home, I will cease my discourse. Hoping that thou wilt publish this, that it may go well with thee, I have been, am and will be the worst spirit that ever existed either in fact or realm of fancy.
The Axeman

The Haunted Hotel

The address given to this legend is the location of a place known as the “Haunted Hotel”. According to the stories we heard, this location is believed to be where the Axeman hid out during his infamous murder sprees. The locals believe that his ghost/spirit remains at the hotel. Around the back of the hotel is a small courtyard with a strange energy vibe. Visitors claim to see shadow people, pools of blood, capture strange EVP’s and experience electrical malfunctions.

Thank you to Haunted History Tours for helping with the historical facts behind this legend. To learn more about the Axeman and visit the home/courtyard where his spirit lives, we encourage you to visit http://www.hauntedhistorytours.com/ and take one of their amazing tours. There is no better way to learn about the haunted history of New Orleans.

Try To Scare Me

Haunted Places, Legends and Ghosts

The Axeman : New Orleans, LA

The Axeman : New Orleans, LA

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