True crime, most of the time.
A few days ago Channel 5 screened another episode of Hidden History of Britain. Presented by former politician Michael Portillo, the episode covered Shepton Mallet Prison and the case of Leroy Henry. Shepton Mallet should be familiar to readers of Crimescribe, as should Leroy Henry who I've previously covered. You can watch it here. I … Continue reading Leroy Henry, Shepton Mallet and the curious case of George Edward Smith.
All in all, a sorry fate for a man who'[d once shown such promise.
Executioners are seen as a strange breed. Usually tolerated, sometimes celebrated, frequently feared and often despised, the man (for it usually is) who drops the blade, swings the axe, pushes the lever or throws the switch remains a breed apart. With their particular profession in mind, you might think that, death being touted as a … Continue reading Executed executioners; the biters bit.
As regular readers know, I do like crime's more unusual case, the firsts, lasts and onlys. Minnesota's George Sitts is certainly one of those. Born in Leroy, Minnesota on October 29, 1913, he was a serial felon, escape artist and double cop-killer. He was the first, last and only inmate to sit in South Dakota's electric … Continue reading On this day in 1947; George Sitts, (appropriately named).
West Virginia has never been known as a hard-line death penalty State, abolishing capital punishment in 1965. After 1899 there were 104 hangings and, with a change in method, nine electrocutions. Elmer Brunner's, on April 3, 1959 was the last. Brunner wasn't a notable murderer in himself. His crime, murdering homeowner Ruby Miller, was … Continue reading On This Day in 1959; Elmer Brunner, the last execution in West Virginia.
So, the State of South Carolina (previously responsible for executing then exonerating 14-year old George Stinney) is considering dusting off Old Sparky. Difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs have caused a backlog on Death Row. South Carolina has numerous condemned inmates, wants to start executing them, but can't obtain the legally-approved means to do it. … Continue reading Sparky’s Revenge; South Carolina considers reinstating the electric chair.
It's been quite some time since I last posted ere, but I have been extremely busy with paid work and earning a living. Part of that has been writing my first book. Criminal Curiosities is a collection of crooks, all with something about their crime, trial or punishment that is singular to them. The … Continue reading I wrote a book.
We had a strict code of honour. You didn't shoot down a cripple and you kept it a fair fight. Captain Wilfred Reid May, Royal Flying Corps, 13 victories Fighting in the air is not sport. It is scientific murder. Captain Edward "Eddie" Rickenbacker, U.S. Air Service, 26 victories Edward ‘Mick’ Mannock, René Fonck and … Continue reading The First World War – The ‘Ace’ Myth.
Crime, it’s a part of human existence. It’s in our culture, our art, our literature, our entertainment. For some of us it’s in our blood. It’s also crossed over into our language. Seemingly normal everyday phrases, the kind most people use without even thinking about their origin, can often have the darkest, most disturbing meanings. … Continue reading On Crime And Conversation – Criminal Slang In Everyday Use.
The race is over, but the flags are still flying, the airhorns are blowing and the fans are cheering.. The crowd will drift back to the campsites soon, either heading back tonight on the ‘ferry dash’ or for one last night on the beer before it’s all over for another year. The winning drivers have … Continue reading Leaving Le Mans