Summary

This episode of Killer Curiosity delves into the chilling story of the Axeman, a mysterious figure who terrorized New Orleans in 1918. The narrative unfolds with the brutal murder of Joseph and Catherine Maggio, leading to a series of attacks that left the city in fear. The Axeman's identity remains a mystery, with various theories suggesting connections to organized crime. The episode highlights the panic that gripped the city, culminating in a bizarre letter from the Axeman that urged residents to play jazz music to be spared. Despite numerous attacks and investigations, the true identity of the Axeman remains unknown, leaving a haunting legacy in American crime history.

Sources

• Times-Picayune Archives (March 1918–1919) – original crime reporting and publication of the Axeman’s letter.

• St. Tammany Library Blog – Historical News Articles: The Axeman’s Letter (sttammanylibrary.org)

• A Fortean in the Archives – Fresh Light on the Axeman of New Orleans (includes reprints of the 1919 letter). (aforteantinthearchives.wordpress.com)

• The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) – The Mysterious Axeman’s Jazz (archival collection highlights). (hnoc.org)

• Smithsonian Magazine – The Axeman Preyed on Italian Immigrants (historic context, immigrant community focus). (smithsonianmag.com)

• Country Roads Magazine – The Axeman of New Orleans. (countryroadsmagazine.com)

• Legends of America – The Axeman of New Orleans. (legendsofamerica.com)

• Crime + Investigation (UK) – The Axeman of New Orleans: Overview & Analysis. (crimeandinvestigation.co.uk)

• People Magazine – “Jazz It Out — or Get the Axe” Inside the Story of a Serial Killer and a Chilling Ultimatum. (people.com)

• Library Journal – Review of The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story (notes use of archival newspapers & records). (libraryjournal.com)

Welcome back to Killer Curiosity: A True Crime Binge,where we dive into chilling cases that keep you guessing long after the storyends.

In this episode, I’m your host Paige, and we’re travelingback to the late 1960s, when a quiet Michigan college town was gripped by fear.One by one, young women began to vanish. Their bodies were discovered in brutalfashion, and for two years, students and parents lived in terror. The presswould dub him the “Ypsilanti Ripper.”

Join me as we unravel the timeline of the Michigan Murders,follow the investigation that led to John Norman Collins, and explore thetheories that still surround the case today. Was Collins truly responsible forall of the murders — or could there have been more than one killer?

SourcesAnn Arbor District Library “OldNews” Archive – Ann Arbor News trial coverage & verdict reporting.

Detroit Free Press (2019),“Michigan Murders: John Norman Collins’ story.”

People v. Collins (Mich.Ct. App. 1972) – forensic testimony & appeal.

People v. Collins (Mich.Supreme Court 1972) – conviction upheld.

Wikipedia: “Michigan Murders”(victim timeline; cross-checked).

CBS/AP (2005) – Jane Mixer DNAcase & conviction of Gary Leiterman.

Step inside Killer Curiosity: A True Crime Binge withyour host Paige — where curiosity meets crime, and every case will leave you questioning the truth.