The Axeman of New Orleans: The Jazz-Loving Serial Killer

The city of New Orleans, known for its vibrant music scene, delicious food, and rich cultural history, was once terrorized by a mysterious and brutal killer known as the Axeman. This chilling story from the early 20th century remains one of the most bizarre and frightening true crime cases in American history. The Axeman’s reign of terror, which included a bizarre demand for jazz music, left the city in fear and created a legend that endures to this day.

The First Attack

The Axeman’s first known attack occurred on the night of May 22, 1918. Joseph Maggio, a grocer, and his wife Catherine were brutally assaulted in their home. The attacker used an axe that belonged to the Maggios to slash their throats and then deliver fatal blows to their heads. Neighbors discovered the gruesome scene the next morning. There was no sign of forced entry, and the door had been chiseled open. The police were baffled, and the city was horrified.

A Pattern Emerges

Over the next several months, more attacks followed. The victims were mostly Italian immigrants or Italian-Americans who ran small grocery stores. This led some to speculate that the murders were racially motivated or connected to the Mafia. However, no clear motive was ever established. The killer’s method remained consistent: entry was gained by chiseling out a panel in the back door, and the attack was carried out with an axe found at the scene.

One of the most terrifying aspects of the Axeman’s attacks was his ability to vanish without a trace. Despite the best efforts of the New Orleans Police Department and numerous private detectives, no significant leads were found. The lack of evidence and the randomness of the murders added to the growing fear among the city’s residents.

The Axeman’s Letter

On March 13, 1919, the Axeman escalated the terror by sending a letter to the local newspaper, The Times-Picayune. The letter, addressed to “Esteemed Mortal of New Orleans,” was chilling. In it, the Axeman claimed to be a demon from Hell and announced that he would kill again on the night of March 19th, but with a bizarre twist: he would spare anyone in a home where a jazz band was playing.

The letter read:

“Hell, March 13, 1919

Esteemed Mortal of New Orleans:

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 Joseph, 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 and the worst, 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 out on that specific 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”

A Night of Jazz

The night of March 19, 1919, became known as the night New Orleans danced to stay alive. Almost every home and business played jazz music, and dance halls were packed with people trying to keep safe. Jazz bands played in the streets, and the city resonated with the sound of music. Miraculously, no murders occurred that night, and the Axeman’s eerie prediction seemed to hold true.

Continued Terror

Despite the city’s collective efforts on that night, the Axeman’s spree did not end there. Over the next several months, he continued to strike fear into the hearts of New Orleanians. Victims included grocers, their families, and even some who didn’t fit the apparent profile, such as a young married couple, Edward and Rosie Schneider. Rosie, despite being severely injured, survived the attack and gave birth to a healthy baby girl shortly after.

Another notable survivor was Mrs. Mike Pepitone, who discovered her husband brutally murdered in their home. She recalled seeing a large, shadowy figure fleeing the scene but could provide no further details that helped the investigation.

The Final Attacks

The last known Axeman attack occurred on October 27, 1919, when Mike Pepitone was killed. The murder was as brutal as the others, but once again, the killer vanished without leaving a clue. After this, the Axeman seemed to disappear as mysteriously as he had appeared. No more murders fitting his pattern were reported, and the case gradually went cold.

Theories and Suspects

Over the years, numerous theories have emerged about the identity of the Axeman. Some believed he was a crazed lunatic, while others thought he might be a member of the Mafia, exacting revenge on grocers who had refused to pay protection money. The theory that the Axeman was targeting Italian immigrants also gained traction, given the ethnic background of many of the victims.

One suspect who gained attention was Joseph Mumfre, a criminal with a history of violence. Mumfre was killed in Los Angeles in December 1920 by the widow of Mike Pepitone, who claimed he was the Axeman. However, there was never any solid evidence linking Mumfre to the New Orleans murders, and the police remained unconvinced.

The Legend Lives On

The legend of the Axeman of New Orleans has become an integral part of the city’s folklore. His story has been the subject of books, documentaries, and even an episode of the television series “American Horror Story.” The combination of his brutal methods, the eerie letter, and the inexplicable demand for jazz music has cemented his place in the annals of American true crime.

Conclusion

The Axeman of New Orleans remains one of the most terrifying and enigmatic figures in the history of American crime. His brutal attacks, mysterious disappearance, and bizarre connection to jazz music continue to captivate and horrify those who hear his story. While the true identity of the Axeman may never be known, his legend endures, a chilling reminder of a time when a city danced to stay alive.

The Axeman’s story is not just a tale of horror but also a testament to the resilience and spirit of New Orleans. In the face of fear and uncertainty, the people of the city came together, using music to protect themselves from a seemingly unstoppable force. This unique blend of terror and community spirit makes the Axeman of New Orleans a haunting and unforgettable chapter in the city’s history.