The Axman of New Orleans

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In the early 20th century, the city of New Orleans was gripped by fear as a mysterious and brutal serial killer, known as the Axman of Louisiana, terrorized its residents. From 1918 to 1919, this unidentified assailant struck fear into the hearts of many, leaving a trail of gruesome murders and a legacy that continues to captivate true crime enthusiasts and historians alike. In this article, we will delve into the chilling tale of the Axman of Louisiana, examining the crimes, theories, and the lasting impact this enigmatic figure had on the city.

The Reign of Terror Begins

The Axman's reign of terror began on May 23, 1918, when Joseph and Catherine Maggio, an Italian grocer and his wife, were brutally attacked in their home while they slept. The killer used an axe, found in the backyard, to bludgeon his victims. Both Joseph and Catherine succumbed to their injuries, leaving the city in a state of shock.

The Axman Cometh: A Detailed Account of the Murders

The Maggio Murders - May 23, 1918

   The Axman's first recorded victims were Joseph and Catherine Maggio, an Italian grocer and his wife. In the early hours of the morning, they were attacked with an axe while they slept in their home. The killer left the murder weapon behind, which was discovered in the backyard. The viciousness and brutality of this attack set the stage for the horrors to come.

The Cortimiglia Murders - June 27, 1918

   Charles and Rosie Cortimiglia, another Italian-American couple, fell victim to the Axman's wrath. Their home was invaded, and they were attacked with an axe, suffering severe head injuries. Charles managed to survive, but Rosie succumbed to her injuries. This attack further intensified the growing fear and paranoia within the city.

The Schneider-Marchand Murders - August 5, 1918

   The Axman targeted the home of Louis Besumer Schneider and his pregnant wife, Anna Harriet Marchand. Both were assaulted with an axe while they slept, resulting in their deaths. Anna Harriet was also in the late stages of pregnancy, making this crime all the more tragic. The Axman's ruthlessness spared no one.

The Cordi-Carreza Murders - March 10, 1919

   On a fateful night in the Lower Ninth Ward, the Axman struck again, this time claiming the lives of Frank Cordi and his mistress, Rosie Carreza. The couple was discovered in their home, their heads battered by a merciless assault. The Axman's choice of victims seemed indiscriminate, as evidenced by this attack on an interracial couple.

The Harriet Lowe Attack - September 3, 1919

   In the final recorded incident, the Axman targeted Harriet Lowe, a pregnant woman. She woke up to find the Axman looming over her, but managed to fight him off, screaming and alerting her neighbors. The attacker fled the scene, leaving Harriet shaken but alive. This failed attempt marked the end of the Axman's known reign of terror.

Analysis and Patterns

By examining the details of each crime, certain patterns emerge. The Axman targeted predominantly Italian-American households, choosing victims who were asleep and vulnerable. The weapon of choice was often an axe, though a straight razor was also utilized. Additionally, the removal of a panel from the victim's door became a recurring method of entry.

The Mysterious Letter

In March 1919, the Axman sent a letter to the local newspaper, claiming responsibility for the murders and threatening to strike again. In the letter, the killer stated that he was a "demon from the hottest hell" and that he spared those who played jazz music in their homes during the designated night of March 19, 1919. This bizarre condition gave rise to an eerie atmosphere, as the city's inhabitants took up their instruments and played jazz throughout the night, hoping to appease the Axman and avoid becoming his next victims.

This is what the letter said:

Hell, March 13, 1919

Editor of  The Times-Picayune, 

New Orleans:

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 fell demon from hottest hell. I am what you Orleanians and your foolish police call the axman.

When I see fit, I shall come again and claim other victims. I alone know whom they shall be. I shall leave no clue except my bloody ax, besmeared with the 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 in which they have conducted their investigations in the past. In fact, they have been so utterly stupid so as to amuse not only 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 never were born than for them to incur the wrath of the axman. I don’t think there is any need of such a warning, for I feel sure that your 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 to 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 o’clock (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 the 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 house a jazz band is in full swing at the time I have just mentioned. If everyone has a jazz band going, well, well then, so much the better for the people. One thing is certain and that is some of those persons who do not jazz it on Tuesday night (if there be any) will get the ax.

Well, as I am cold and crave the warmth of my native Tartarus, and as it is about time that I have left your homely earth, 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 the realm of fancy. 

—The Axman

Possible Suspects and Theories

Despite the intense police investigation and the hysteria that surrounded the case, the Axman of Louisiana was never definitively identified or apprehended. However, several theories and suspects have emerged over the years.

One notable suspect was Joseph Mumfre, an Italian grocer and a known ax-wielder with a criminal past. Mumfre was shot and killed during an attempted break-in, and some believed he may have been the Axman. However, there was no concrete evidence linking him to the crimes, and the killings continued even after his death.

Another theory suggests that the Axman may have been a member of the mafia, targeting rival gangsters or those who refused to pay protection money. This theory gained traction due to the predominantly Italian-American victims and the brutality of the attacks. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.

Legacy and Influence

The Axman of Louisiana left an indelible mark on the city of New Orleans. The fear and panic that consumed the city during the Axman's reign of terror left a lasting impact on the community. The legend of the Axman has since become a part of New Orleans folklore, with stories and accounts passed down through generations. The image of a shadowy figure wielding an axe continues to haunt the collective imagination of the city's inhabitants.

The case of the Axman also highlights the power of media and the public's fascination with true crime. The sensationalized coverage of the murders, particularly the Axman's letter, captivated the public's attention and fueled the growing fascination with serial killers.