In the early 20th century, New Orleans was a city rich with a blend of cultures, music, and vibrancy.
But beneath its lively surface, a dark and terrifying chapter unfolded that has since embedded itself in the annals of American true crime. The Mad Axeman of New Orleans, a mysterious figure who prowled the city’s streets from 1918 to 1919, left a trail of blood and fear. The identity of the Axeman remains one of the most chilling mysteries, with the killer’s motives and methods deeply rooted in the macabre.
A Reign of Terror: The Victims and the Murders
The Axeman’s reign of terror officially began on the night of May 23, 1918, when the first known victims, Joseph and Catherine Maggio, were brutally attacked in their home. Joseph, a grocer, and his wife were found with their throats slit by a razor and their skulls brutally bashed with an axe. The weapon, which belonged to the couple, was left at the scene. Though still alive when discovered by Joseph’s brothers, the Maggios succumbed to their horrific injuries shortly after.
The next known attack occurred on June 27, 1918, when Louis Besumer and his mistress, Harriet Lowe, were struck with an axe while they slept. Although both victims survived initially, Harriet later died from complications following surgery. In a bizarre twist, Harriet, while on her deathbed, accused Besumer of being a German spy, but this claim led to no substantial evidence. The true identity of their attacker remained a mystery.
These early attacks set a terrifying precedent: the killer targeted Italian immigrants, particularly those who owned grocery stores, and used their own axes to attack them in their homes. Over the next year, the Axeman struck again and again, leaving the city gripped with fear. Some of the most notable victims included:
– Anna Schneider was attacked on August 5, 1918, while eight months pregnant. She was found with her scalp cut open but miraculously survived and later gave birth to a healthy child.
– Joseph Romano, an elderly man who was attacked on August 10, 1918. He died two days later from severe head injuries.
– Charles and Rosie Cortimiglia were attacked on March 10, 1919, in their home in Gretna, across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. Their two-year-old daughter, Mary, was killed, but both parents survived.
– Sarah Laumann was attacked on September 3, 1919. She was found unconscious with severe head injuries but managed to recover.
The last known victim was Mike Pepitone, who was attacked on October 27, 1919. Pepitone was discovered by his wife, covered in blood, with the walls splattered from the force of the blows. Unlike previous attacks, his wife did not see the attacker, only a large figure fleeing into the night.
The Investigation: A Puzzle with No Pieces
The New Orleans Police Department faced intense pressure to solve the string of murders, but dead ends plagued the investigation. The Axeman left few clues behind—no fingerprints, no witnesses who saw his face, and no consistent pattern other than the use of an axe and the targeting of Italian grocers. In some cases, the murderer seemed to enter through a chiseled-out panel in the back door, suggesting a degree of planning and skill.
Theories about the identity of the Axeman varied widely. Some speculated that he was a deranged madman, possibly a butcher due to the precision of the attacks. Others believed he might be linked to the Mafia, given that many of the victims were Italian-Americans. However, no concrete evidence ever surfaced to support these theories.
At one point, an anonymous letter allegedly from the Axeman was published in a local newspaper. Dated March 13, 1919, it was addressed to the citizens of New Orleans and warned of another impending attack. The letter claimed that the Axeman would spare anyone playing jazz music in their home on the night of March 19. The city’s residents took the threat seriously—jazz music echoed through the streets as terrified citizens did everything they could to avoid the axe. True to his word, no one was killed that night, further adding to the mystique surrounding the killer.
Despite the police department’s efforts, including numerous arrests and interrogations, no one was ever charged with the murders. Some suspects, like Frank “Doc” Mumphrey, were later identified in theories, but none were conclusively proven to be the Axeman. Mumphrey, in particular, was linked to the murders by a crime writer in the 1940s, who claimed that he had been killed by Mike Pepitone’s widow in Los Angeles, but these claims were never substantiated.
The Suspects and Possible Motives: A Web of Theories
Given the lack of concrete evidence, the list of suspects in the Axeman case was long and varied, ranging from organized crime figures to deranged individuals acting out of personal vendettas. However, no single theory has ever been universally accepted.
One of the most enduring theories involves the idea that the Axeman was targeting Italian-Americans specifically, perhaps as part of a vendetta or connected to organized crime. The majority of the Axeman’s victims were Italian immigrants or their descendants, many of whom owned grocery stores. Some historians have suggested that the murders could have been linked to extortion schemes prevalent in the Italian-American community at the time, but this remains speculative.
Another theory posits that the Axeman was a thrill-seeker driven by a desire for notoriety. The publication of his letter in the newspaper and his apparent relish in playing with the city’s fears lend some credence to this idea. The killer’s possible affinity for jazz, as suggested by the letter, also hints at a complex personality who was deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of New Orleans.
The possibility that the Axeman was mentally ill has also been considered. The seemingly random nature of the attacks, combined with the brutal method of killing, could indicate a person suffering from severe psychological issues. However, the precision and care with which the Axeman entered homes and avoided capture suggest a level of cunning that complicates this theory.
Cultural Impact: The Legacy of Fear and Fascination
The Mad Axeman of New Orleans has left a lasting legacy on both the city and popular culture. The murders, though horrifying, have become part of New Orleans’ folklore, discussed in books, documentaries, and even television series. The city’s unique atmosphere—its mystery, voodoo, and jazz blend—has only amplified the mythos surrounding the Axeman.
One of the most significant cultural impacts of the Axeman’s reign of terror is the link to jazz music. The night of March 19, 1919, when jazz played across the city to ward off the Axeman, has since become a symbol of New Orleans’ resilience and love for music. The story of the Axeman and his supposed connection to jazz has been immortalized in numerous songs and works of fiction.
The Axeman’s tale continues to fascinate because it encapsulates the fear of the unknown. Unlike many serial killers who are eventually caught or identified, the Axeman remains an enigma—a phantom who appeared and disappeared without a trace. The lack of resolution in the case has kept it alive in the public imagination, as people continue to speculate about the killer’s identity and motives.
In a city known for its ghosts and legends, the Mad Axeman of New Orleans stands out as one of the most terrifying figures. Over a century later, the mystery remains unsolved, and the legend of the Axeman endures—a dark reminder of the horrors that once gripped the Crescent City.
