Delve into the annals of True Crime history on November 9th, revealing a robust collection of Australian execution tales and the thrilling story of the abduction and ransom saga revolving around renowned beer entrepreneur, Alfred Heineken!
1854: The Singular Public Execution at Gallows Flat, Geelong has Unfolded
Circa 1854 on this exact day, the enigmatic personality called “Crankie Gunn,” infamous for his rude and haphazard persona, met with a gruesome ending. His life was taken as a consequence of the act of murdering Samuel Harris in Warrnambool using a cane sword. This incident holds the record as the one and only public execution ever undertaken in Geelong, carried out at the infamous Gallows Flat, with a gathering of 2,000 spectators.
1888: The Life of George Syme was Claimed for his Mother-in-Law’s Murder
Today, George Syme met his fate for the act of killing his mother-in-law by shooting her, back in 1888. In the tranquil town of Lilydale, as a blacksmith, Syme was perturbed by his mother-in-law’s constant interference in his life, leading to increasing unrest and exacerbated by excessive alcohol consumption. Although some of the jurors pleaded for leniency, Syme was found guilty of homicide. A local clergyman also made appeals for mercy, citing the unfortunate timing of conducting an execution during Australia’s centenary celebration. Throughout his trial, Syme stayed resolute, penning a remorseful letter on the eve of his execution, seeking forgiveness for the familial discord he instigated.
1888: The Final Victim of Jack the Ripper, Mary Kelly succumbs
Today, in 1888, the notorious serial killer, referred to as Jack the Ripper, claimed his fifth and believed to be his final victim, Mary Kelly (also known by the aliases Marie Jeanette Kelly, Fair Emma, Ginger, Dark Mary and Black Mary). Contrary to his prior killings on the streets, Mary Kelly met her horrific end within her dwelling premises. Like his former victims, she was a sex worker and struggled with alcohol addiction.
1942: The Demise of Melbourne’s Infamous Brownout Strangler, Eddie Leonski
Today, in the year 1942, Eddie Leonski, the Brownout Murderer of Melbourne, Australia, faced justice for his gruesome deeds. His horrific crimes primarily targeted women and occurred during the wartime practice of “brownouts,” where streetlights were dimmed to minimize the risk of enemy bombings.
1965: Protestor Roger Allen LaPorte Performs a Fiery Self-Sacrifice in front of the United Nations
Today, in 1965, Roger Allen LaPorte, a 22-year-old ex-seminarian and member of the Catholic Worker Movement, executed a shocking self-immolation act against the Vietnam War.
1983: The Notorious Kidnapping Incident of Beer Titan Alfred Heineken
On this day, November 9, 1983, Alfred Heineken, the distinguished beer brewer from Amsterdam, unraveled the climax of a carefully plotted and audacious kidnapping that bound the world’s attention.
1998: A Landmark $1.3 Billion Settlement in NASDAQ Price Fixing Case
On this day in 1998, an important legal landmark was achieved as 37 brokerage houses were ordered to pay a monumental $1.3 billion civil settlement. This ruling marked the largest civil settlement in U.S. history until that date. The settlement was in response to accusations of price fixing in the NASDAQ stock market.
In the meantime, consider joining us for a trek down memory lane on a Dark Stories True Crime Tour soon!
