All Hallow on the Eve 2026 - Unknown True Crimes - The Axeman of New Orleans

Probably one of the most terrifying serial killers to come out of the south in America. An individual who leaves notes for the press to pick up and publish much like that of Jack the Ripper in England. A murderer whose body count still remains unknown to this day, with a possible range of victim's deaths at a minimum of 6, to a maximum of 17, with others injured during his renegade. And like other serial killers mentioned throughout this year's All Hallow on the Eve event, he was never caught...

This is the story of the Axeman of New Orleans. A man who did not discriminate against his targets, nor did he solely go after women, prostitutes, or otherwise. A man who the police had claimed was in business with a jazz club downtown due to the murderer not attacking any place that was performing jazz music at the time. Worst of all, his murder weapon was never his own. His weapons always belonged to the same people that he would kill, usually an axe and sometimes a straight razor.

Claims were made that the Axeman had been killing since 1911, but more recent research has proven that these murderous acts were carried out between May of 1918, until October of 1919. In most cases, the Axeman would chisel their way through the panels of backdoors before attacking the inhabitants inside (typically within their own homes). Again, the Axeman's main weapon would be an axe usually found along the premises in which he would stage his murders. Yet, during the times that no axe could be found, the Axeman would instead utilize a straight razor to conduct his killings.

The Axeman never robbed anyone, nor did he engage in sexual acts of violence. Their sole purpose was the act of murder, nothing more...

Though one particular fact gives way to his actions being of the ethical variety. Most of the Axeman's victims were Italian immigrants, leading to the suspicion of ethically motivated actions, while others went on to assume that he worked with the Mafia. Other detectives on the case had also noticed the large amount of his victims being women, thereby leading to sexual sadistic allegations. However, both theories were never proven to be more than just that, theories.

It's no surprise or wonderment that women (especially around the 1900's) were much easier targets than men. And the fact that a large number of Italians were migrating to the south might've been coincidence rather than strictly motivated. Though, at times while a house was broken into, the woman of the household would be attacked and possibly killed, while the man of the house remained relatively untouched.

Another, somewhat popular, theory about the Axeman is that his murders were carried out to promote the jazz scene in New Orleans. Yes, this does sound as strange as it is, but speculation occurred when a jazz club that had been going under had suddenly financially recovered shortly after the murders.

In fact, on one infamous night the Axeman had left a letter to the press stating that "he would spare the lives of those who played jazz in their homes". That same exact night most people within the New Orleans area would either play jazz on their radios, overcrowd jazz clubs, or amateurly perform jazz themselves. And after that night, no murders had been committed.

Although, I was withholding a vital piece of information regarding that story. The Axeman had also claimed that they would murder again fifteen minutes before midnight unless jazz music was being played. Again, it seems as though most people heeded his warning and played jazz or visited a club.

Speaking on the Axeman's letters, one letter in particular has garnered more attention than the rest. That is the letter, written from Hell (just as Jack the Ripper had addressed his letters) was sent to the press and immediately was published the following day. It reads as follows:

Hell, March 13, 1919

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 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 fantasy.

-The Axeman

Whether the Axeman was a Mafia assassin, racist against the Italian community, a woman killer, a lover of jazz music (obviously), or the spirit/demon that he views himself to be, he has left quite the impression on the south and in particular New Orleans. The murderer himself has a featured role in an episode (or a few, I really didn't care to research this much...) of the hit television show "American Horror Story". He's had numerous books written or relating to him, and he has been seen as a cultural icon, both by the distinct acts of his murders or by his love for jazz.

Either way, it's safe to say that music can speak more languages than what's known to most people. Music pierces the soul, engages with feelings and emotions that would otherwise be sheltered within our own minds. Of course I'm not condoning murder whatsoever, but killing in the name of jazz is a much better cause than killing for, well... much else, I suppose?

All Hallow on the Eve 2026 - Unknown True Crimes - The Axeman of New Orleans