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The Murder of Benjamin J. Burton: A Gilded Age Tragedy

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

The Murder of Benjamin J. Burton: A Gilded Age Tragedy

The Victim: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur

Benjamin J. Burton was a prominent figure in Newport, Rhode Island, during the Gilded Age. As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, he had amassed a considerable fortune and was widely regarded as the wealthiest Black businessman in the state. Burton had established several businesses, including an express and transfer company that became a vital part ofNewport’s transportation system.

The Crime: A Brutal Murder

On October 6, 1885, Burton was found dead in his home on Levin Street. He had been shot twice, once in the head and once in the chest. The murder shocked the community and sent ripples of fear and uncertainty through Newport.

The Investigation: A Web of Suspicion

Authorities initially suspected suicide, but further investigation revealed inconsistencies in this theory. Burton’s family members and close associates insisted that he had been in good spirits and had not expressed any suicidal thoughts.

Patrick J. Galvin, a young defense attorney known for his advocacy for the underprivileged, became involved in the case and began to suspect foul play. He convinced the authorities to exhume Burton’s body and conduct an autopsy, which revealed that the gunshot wounds were not consistent with suicide.

The Suspects: A Husband and Wife with Secrets

Galvin’s investigation soon focused on Burton’s daughter, Maria Burton Dorsey, and her husband, Allen Dorsey. Allen was a medical student who had recently married Maria. The couple had been struggling financially, and there were rumors that Allen had been pressuring Burton for a substantial dowry.

The Trial: A Battle of Wits

Allen and Maria Dorsey were arrested and charged with Burton’s murder. Their trial became a sensational event, with prominent attorneys William Paine Sheffield Jr. and Patrick J. Galvin representing the defense and prosecution, respectively.

Galvin presented compelling evidence that Allen Dorsey had killed Burton in order to obtain the dowry. He called witnesses who testified to Allen’s financial troubles and his threats against Burton. Maria Dorsey eventually confessed to her involvement in the plot, revealing that she had overheard her father discussing a life insurance policy that could provide Allen with the money he needed.

The Verdict: Guilty

After a lengthy trial, the jury found Allen and Maria Dorsey guilty of murder. They were both sentenced to life in prison.

The Aftermath: A Legacy of Tragedy

Burton’s murder left a lasting scar on Newport. His legacy as a trailblazing entrepreneur was overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of his death. Allen Dorsey maintained his innocence until his dying day, claiming that his motive was a secret that he would take to his grave. Maria Dorsey died in prison two years after her conviction.

The case of Benjamin J. Burton is a reminder of the dark underbelly of the Gilded Age, a time of great wealth and prosperity but also of hidden secrets and desperate acts.

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True Crime

The Unsolved Murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer: Secrets, Scandals, and the Changing Face of Georgetown

by Kim
written by Kim

The Murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer and the Secrets of Georgetown

The Unsolved Crime

On a fateful October day in 1964, the tranquil Georgetown neighborhood was shaken by the murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer, a prominent figure in Washington society. Her body was discovered on the towpath of the C&O Canal, a bullet wound to her head. The case remains unsolved to this day, with conflicting theories and unanswered questions.

The Victim: A Complex Woman

Mary Pinchot Meyer was a woman of both privilege and intrigue. Born into a wealthy and influential family, she was the ex-wife of Cord Meyer, a top CIA official, and had a rumored affair with President John F. Kennedy. Meyer was also an artist and a seeker of new experiences, immersing herself in the counterculture of the 1960s.

The Suspect: Ray Crump Jr.

Ray Crump Jr., a black man from Southeast Washington, was initially arrested and charged with Meyer’s murder. However, he was acquitted due to lack of evidence. Some believe Crump was a scapegoat, while others maintain his guilt.

Conspiracy Theories: The Oliver Stone Solution

In the absence of a clear suspect, conspiracy theories have proliferated around Meyer’s death. The “Oliver Stone Solution” posits that Meyer was killed by a shadowy cabal linked to the Kennedy assassination and other government secrets.

The Richard Wright Solution: Systemic Racism

An alternative theory, the “Richard Wright Solution,” sees Meyer’s murder as a manifestation of the systemic racism prevalent in 1960s Washington. Crump may have been wrongly accused because he was a black man in a predominantly white and powerful neighborhood.

Gender Dynamics in Washington

Meyer’s life and death shed light on the complex gender dynamics of Washington society at the time. Women were largely relegated to a subservient role, but Meyer’s independence and unconventional choices challenged established norms.

Women Ascending: Katharine Graham and Cissy Patterson

Katharine Graham, the publisher of The Washington Post, and Cissy Patterson, the editor of The Washington Herald, were two influential women who broke down barriers and paved the way for future female leaders.

A Personal Perspective: Elise Morrow

The author’s mother, Elise Morrow, was a prominent social commentator who interacted with many of the same people as Mary Meyer. Morrow’s own experiences provide insights into the societal pressures and expectations faced by women in Washington.

The Legacy of Mary Meyer

While her murder remains a mystery, Mary Pinchot Meyer’s life and death continue to resonate. Her story highlights the complexities of gender, race, and power in American society, and serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of women who dared to challenge the status quo.

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True Crime

The Notorious Mob Murders That Shocked the World: A Historical Deep Dive

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

The Most Notorious Mob Murders of All Time

The History of Organized Crime’s Deadliest Hits

Throughout history, organized crime has been a dark and violent force, leaving a trail of infamous murders that have captivated the public imagination. These killings not only eliminated rivals but also sent shockwaves through the underworld and beyond.

Paul Castellano: The “Howard Hughes of the Mob”

Paul Castellano, known as the “Howard Hughes of the Mob,” was the head of the Gambino crime family. His ruthless tactics and lavish lifestyle made him a target. In 1985, a crew led by John Gotti assassinated Castellano outside his Staten Island home, signaling the decline of the Gambino family.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: A Gangland Bloodbath

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre remains one of the most infamous mob murders in history. In 1929, Al Capone’s men disguised as police officers raided a garage owned by rival gang leader George “Bugs” Moran, killing seven of his associates. The massacre solidified Capone’s control over the Chicago underworld but also led to his downfall.

Angelo Bruno and Antonio Caponigro: A Treacherous Betrayal

Angelo Bruno, known as the “Gentle Don” for his aversion to violence, headed the Philadelphia crime family. However, his consigliere, Antonio Caponigro, sought greater profits from drug trafficking and ordered Bruno’s assassination in 1980. Caponigro’s betrayal led to his own demise, as he was murdered by a hitman hired by Bruno’s associates.

Albert Anastasia: The “Mad Hatter” and “Lord High Executioner”

Albert Anastasia, known as the “Mad Hatter” and “Lord High Executioner,” was responsible for countless murders as the head of Murder, Inc., a group of contract killers. In 1957, he was assassinated in a barbershop by unknown assailants, possibly ordered by a rival crime family.

Carmine Galante: A Ruthless “Cigar”

Carmine Galante, known as “The Cigar,” was a feared boss of the Bonanno crime family. Despite his small stature, Galante’s reputation for cruelty and psychopathy earned him the respect of even the most hardened criminals. In 1979, he was gunned down in a Brooklyn restaurant, the result of a power struggle within the Five Families.

Bugsy Siegel: The “Father of Modern Las Vegas”

Bugsy Siegel was a notorious mobster known for his womanizing and his role in the development of Las Vegas. In 1946, he invested heavily in the Flamingo Hotel, hoping to attract wealthy tourists and elites. However, mismanagement and construction delays led to its failure. Siegel was murdered in 1947, his body found with a hole blown through his left eye.

The Impact of Mob Murders

Mob murders have had a profound impact on American society. They have shaped the history of organized crime, influenced popular culture, and sparked debates about the role of violence in society. The legacy of these infamous killings continues to fascinate and horrify, serving as a chilling reminder of the dark underbelly of the criminal world.

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True Crime

Unveiling the Untold Stories of Jack the Ripper’s Victims: Beyond the Myth of Prostitution

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Jack the Ripper’s Victims: The Untold Stories

The True Stories of Jack the Ripper’s Victims

Contrary to popular belief, the five women who fell victim to Jack the Ripper were not all prostitutes. They were individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by their struggles and their tragic ends.

The Myth of Prostitution

Maya Crockett of Stylist debunks the myth that Jack the Ripper’s victims were all prostitutes. In reality, only one of the five, Mary Jane Kelly, was a sex worker at the time of her murder. Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, and Catherine Eddowes had no evidence linking them to prostitution.

Poverty and Abuse: The Common Thread

Daisy Goodwin of The Times notes that the common thread among these five women was not their occupation, but their shared experiences of poverty and hardship. Born into poverty or reduced to it later in life, they endured faithless and abusive husbands, endless cycles of childbearing and childrearing, and alcohol addiction.

Polly Nichols: From Respectability to Homelessness

Polly Nichols, the Ripper’s first victim, was born into a blacksmith’s family and raised in a respectable neighborhood. However, her husband’s infidelity and her own disgust at his behavior led her to leave home for a workhouse, where she eventually ended up on the streets of Whitechapel.

Annie Chapman: Alcoholism and a Fallen Life

Annie Chapman, the Ripper’s second victim, had the potential for a middle-class life, but her addiction to alcohol destroyed her. She lost six of her eight children to health issues related to her alcoholism, and her marriage crumbled. By the end of her life, she was a “fallen woman,” living on the streets of Whitechapel.

Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes: Mental Health and Domestic Abuse

Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes, victims three and four, were murdered within hours of each other. Stride had a troubled past, potentially including mental health issues and syphilis. Eddowes, on the other hand, came from a more stable background but suffered abuse from her common-law partner.

Mary Jane Kelly: The Ripper’s Last Victim

Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim, was the only one to be labeled a prostitute on her death certificate. She was significantly younger than the other victims, at just 25 years old. While there is limited reliable information about her life, research suggests she may have narrowly escaped sex traffickers.

Silencing the Ripper: The Importance of Victim Stories

Hallie Rubenhold, author of “The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper,” emphasizes the importance of bringing the victims’ stories to life. By doing so, we can silence the Ripper and the misogyny he represents, and shed light on the societal issues that continue to impact women today.

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True Crime

The Getty Kidnapping: A Controversial Reaccounting of a Dark Chapter in History

by Kim
written by Kim

The Getty Kidnapping: A Tale of Wealth, Deception, and Tragedy

The Getty Family and Their Vast Fortune

The Getty family was one of the wealthiest in the world during the 20th century, thanks to their vast oil fortune. The patriarch, J. Paul Getty Sr., was a notoriously eccentric and parsimonious figure, known for his extravagant lifestyle and his refusal to pay ransoms for kidnapped family members.

The Kidnapping of John Paul Getty III

In 1973, J. Paul Getty Sr.’s teenage grandson, John Paul Getty III, was kidnapped in Rome. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $17 million, which would be equivalent to over $100 million today.

The Faked Abduction Theory

The FX series “Trust” presents a controversial theory that the kidnapping was actually a hoax orchestrated by Getty III himself. According to the series creator, Simon Beaufoy, Getty III was heavily in debt and saw the kidnapping as a way to extricate himself from his financial troubles.

The Mafia’s Involvement

However, things quickly spiraled out of control when the Mafia became involved. Getty III was sold to the Mafia in southern Italy, who threatened to harm him if the ransom was not paid.

The Severed Ear

As a chilling reminder of their seriousness, the kidnappers sent Getty III’s severed right ear to his family. The ransom demand was then reduced to $3.2 million, with the threat that weitere body parts would be sent if it was not paid within ten days.

J. Paul Getty Sr.’s Refusal to Pay

Despite his grandson’s desperate pleas, J. Paul Getty Sr. steadfastly refused to pay the ransom. He feared that doing so would make all of his 13 grandchildren targets for kidnapping.

The Negotiation and Ransom Payment

Eventually, Getty III’s father, J. Paul Getty Jr., negotiated a ransom of $2.9 million for his son’s release. However, Getty Sr. remained unyielding in his refusal to contribute any funds.

The Lack of Empathy

Many people condemned Getty Sr.’s actions, accusing him of being a heartless monster. However, Beaufoy argues that Getty Sr. was simply playing a logical game with the kidnappers, believing that paying the ransom would only encourage further kidnappings.

The Psychological Impact on the Family

The Getty kidnapping had a profound impact on the family. Getty III suffered from drug addiction and mental health issues for the rest of his life. The family’s reputation was also tarnished by the scandal.

The Cultural Impact of the Getty Kidnapping

The Getty kidnapping has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows. It has also sparked discussions about the ethics of ransom payments, the psychology of kidnappers, and the social impact of extreme wealth.

The Legacy of the Getty Kidnapping

The Getty kidnapping remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, deception, and the pursuit of wealth at all costs. It also highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and the value of family.

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