On this date in True Crime History, December 7th has seen a number of shocking and somber events. This day is notorious in the sphere of true crime due to the incidents of well-known bank robbers and distressing abductions that gripped global audiences. Let’s dive into the next selection of intricate and sinister narratives from the annals of criminal history.

0043 BC: 📜 Illustrious Roman Orator Cicero Meets a Thwarted End

On this day in 43 BC, Cicero, one of the most prominent figures in Roman history and reputed for his exceptional eloquent expressions, had an ill-fated end. His murder was commanded by Marcus Antonius, which led to the termination of a tumultuous phase in Rome’s political scene. His last days were characterized by his comeback to the political scene, promoting a general absolution and trying to manipulate Octavian (the future emperor Augustus) for political gains. He strongly objected to Mark Antony’s domination over Rome post-Julius Caesar’s assassination. Octavian learned of an unfortunate statement from Cicero stating, “The youngster should be granted commendation, honours — then be discarded.” The forming of the Second Triumvirate in October was the final nail in Cicero’s coffin. He was seized and assassinated near Caieta on December 7, 43 BC. His head and hands were exhibited on the speakers' platform of the Forum in Rome. 🌟🗡️🏛️

1869: 🤠 The Illustrious Bank Robbery and Retribution Murder by Jesse James

On this day in 1869, Jesse James, assumedly alongside his brother Frank, executed a notorious bank heist at the Daviess County Savings Association in Gallatin, Missouri. The haul from their theft was fairly moderate. However, things turned violent as Jesse James lethally shot the bank’s cashier, Captain John Sheets, wrongly identified by Jesse. Jesse misjudged Sheets for Samuel P Cox, a militia officer behind the killing of Bloody Bill Anderson, a dreaded Confederate guerrilla leader during the Civil War in Missouri, whom Jesse aspired to be like. This robbery and the adventurous escape from the pursuing mob catapulted Jesse James into the limelight, making him one of the most notorious outlaws of the Wild West. 🤠💰🔫

1972: 👠 First Lady of the Philippines Has a Close Brush with Death

On this day in 1972, a bold assassination attempt was made on Imelda Marcos, the First Lady of the Philippines 🌺. A perpetrator, having hidden a bolo knife in his left coat sleeve, made a sudden and violent attack on Mrs Marcos, wounding her twice. The attacker subsequently wreaked havoc, slashing at those around him until he was shot dead by security personnel 🗡️🚑. Later, Imelda Marcos gained attention due to her impressive collection of 3000 pairs of shoes, symbolizing her extravagant lifestyle as opposed to her country’s turmoil. 🥿👠

1982: 📅 The Suriname December Murders

On this day in 1982, fifteen standout young Surinamese men who voiced their criticism against the then military dictatorship paid with their lives in an event famously known as The December murders. Thirteen of the victims were coercively taken from their homes between 2 am and 5 am, as per accounts from their families. The rest of the two victims were already in custody due to their participation in a countercoup attempt in March 1982. The captives were transported to an ill-conceived “trial” presided by sergeants acting as judges by soldiers loyal to Dési Bouterse, the dictator of Suriname during that period. Post the farcical “trial”, the captives experienced ruthless torture before ultimately being shot dead. The specifics surrounding their demise still remain clouded in uncertainty. The dictator Bouterse announced a few days later on national television that all the captives were shot while allegedly attempting to run away. The December Murders led to global protest, with many Surinamese leaving their homeland for the Netherlands out of fear for their safety. 🕯️🌍 In 2019, President Bouterse was convicted to 20 years in prison by a military court. Charged in absentia, Bouterse submitted an appeal in August 2021, which upheld his sentence.

1982: 💉 First Execution by Lethal Injection in the U.S

On this day in 1982, Charles Brooks Jr became the first man in the United States to be executed by lethal injection 💉. His execution in Texas marked a shift in capital procedures, introducing lethal injection as a seemingly more humane method. Before his execution, the doomed man had the last meal, which included a t-bone steak, french fries garnished with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, biscuits, peach cobbler, and iced tea 🥩🍟🍑🍹.

2003: 🚍 Distressing Disappearance in Queensland

On this day in 2003, a distressing episode cast a shadow over Australia when Daniel Morcombe was kidnapped whilst waiting for a bus under an overpass in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The investigation into this incident went on for several years, casting a pall over the community and capturing national attention. A comprehensive secret operation led to the arrest of Brett Peter Cowan, whom the police had earlier interviewed in 2006. He was sent to prison after guiding undercover police officers to Daniel’s remains in 2012, putting a gloomy end to the investigation. 🕵️‍♂️🔍

As we conclude the narration of December 7th’s true crime history, keep these historical events as sombre memories of the past, guiding principles for the present, and warning signs for the future. Glad to have you with us on a Dark Stories True Crime Tour soon!