Guy Hadleigh's Blog, page 6
August 21, 2024
Sleepwalk Slayers
The following is an extract from Infamous True Crimes and Trial Volume #1 - Sleepwalking Slayers by Guy Hadleigh available on Amazon here
The steamy stillness of a midsummer Kentucky night is shattered. A madman, guns blazing, has broken into the home of 16-year-old Jo Ann Kiger. But it’s all a dream: Jo Ann wakes... she has shot and killed her father and brother. The unconscious is no respecter of law.
One of the most valuable assets any detective can have is the ability to imagine himself in the position of the criminal he is hunting. "What would I do if I were in his place?” That is the line of thought which brings success to so many crime investigations. “If I wanted to rob that bank... if I intended to kill that man... how would I set about it?”
Many detectives commit the crime, time and time again, inside their own minds. Some become so absorbed that their lives are dominated by their current cases. They work on the cases through the day. They mull them over as they drift into the limbo-land of sleep. And, just occasionally, there is a danger of them becoming obsessed.
Robert Ledru, a brilliant murder detective, did become a victim of his own dedication. It began to manipulate his mind —and it transformed him into a Sleep-Walking Slayer.
Courts of law, on both sides of the Atlantic, have returned "not guilty” verdicts on men and women accused of a wide variety of crimes —although the people concerned admitted the act and were seen committing it. These have involved allegations of...Read More
August 15, 2024
Trip of Death
Trip of Death
by David Anderson
Edited and additional material by Guy Hadleigh
Tiny snowflakes danced in the headlight beams. The tires crunched over snow ruts as the Buick sedan labored slowly toward the top of a hill a few miles outside Walden, New York,
“It's deathly quiet, isn’t it Bill?” breathed Phoebe Stader when the car reached the crest. For miles around the countryside lay asleep under the white blanket.
Bill Frazer brought the car to a halt. "Let's sit here awhile," he said. He took a bottle of applejack from the seat beside him. Lifting it in a salute, he smiled at Phoebe. “A toast to death."
“Why, Bill.” said Phoebe reproachfully, “you've been drinking too much. You're morose."
He put the bottle to his lips and drank deeply. Then he handed it to the woman beside him. Unknowingly, she, too, drank a toast to death.
When she finished, Bill Frazer, his eyes heavy lidded, faced her squarely. "You don't love me anymore, do you?" He spoke deliberately, like one declaring a truth.
Phoebe turned on him sharply. "I’m not going to spoil a perfectly nice evening by listening to that kind of talk.”
"Well it’s true," snapped Frazer. "Now that my inheritance is gone, you’re through with me, aren’t you?" Her silence aggravated him. He shook her. "Aren’t you? You’re through with me.”
"You’re drunk, Bill Frazer." Phoebe looked through the windshield at the falling snow. Tears came to her eyes. "I’ve broken up my home because of you," she said. "I’m going to throw away seven years of married life and get a divorce because of you. That’s how much I love you."
Frazer relaxed his hold on her. "Sometimes, Phoebe,” he said, "I lose my temper just thinking about you. I feel that something will come up to keep us from going through with the life we want. It’s like in...Read More
August 6, 2024
Donald Nielsen
The Early Life and Influences of Donald Nielsen
Donald Neilson, born as Donald Nappey on August 1, 1936, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England was the man who would later come to be known as 'The Black Panther', one of UK's most infamous criminals. His early life was marked by harsh circumstances and a challenging environment that arguably played a significant role in shaping his future.
Neilson was the only child of his parents, and from an early age, he was subjected to strict discipline. His father, a former soldier, believed in rigid routines and hard discipline which often included physical punishment. This severe upbringing is said to have left deep psychological scars on young Neilson.
At school, Neilson had a reputation for being diligent but reserved. He did not interact much with his peers and preferred to keep to himself. Despite his shy demeanor, he demonstrated an exceptional talent for technical subjects such as woodwork and metalwork. These skills would later serve him in his criminal activities.
When he turned 14 years old, Neilson dropped out of school to work at a local motor repair shop where he further honed his mechanical skills while also developing an interest in firearms - another aspect that would significantly impact his future life.
During these formative years, Neilson faced constant belittlement from his father which resulted in low self-esteem. He sought solace in solitary activities like reading adventure novels filled with stories of daring exploits and thrilling escapades. These fictional tales ignited within him a desire for excitement beyond the monotony...Read More
August 4, 2024
Radiant Jade
On October 10, 1911, the Wuchang Uprising overthrew the Qing Dynasty, ending two millennia of imperial rule in China. This upheaval would forever change the life of a young Manchurian princess named Ching Piu-Hui, born in 1895, who would later become known as Radiant Jade.
Jade was a striking beauty from birth. Her Mongolian Manchu heritage blessed her with high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes of deep brown, and silky black hair. Raised in the opulent surroundings of the Forbidden City, she was accustomed to a world of silk robes, jade ornaments, and intricate court etiquette. Her father, Prince Su, was known for his progressive views and unpopular alliance with the Japanese.
The Wuchang Uprising shattered Jade's privileged world. At just 16, she witnessed the brutal murder of her sister in the imperial gardens, a moment that would haunt her for life. The scent of jasmine, once associated with the tranquility of the gardens, became forever linked with violence and loss in her mind.
To protect his young daughter, Prince Su arranged for the Japanese military to smuggle her to safety. Jade was taken to Ryojun (Port Arthur) and placed under the care of Mitsuru Toyama, Chief of the Black Dragon Society. Toyama saw in Jade the potential for a perfect agent - beautiful, intelligent, and with a burning desire for revenge against those who destroyed her family.
Jade's assassin training was rigorous and multifaceted. She learned the art of silent movement from Ninjutsu masters, studying how to blend with shadows and move without detection. Her...Read More
July 27, 2024
Harry McKenny - London's Hitman
The following is a shortened version of 'The Hitman', one of the 9 true tales of crime in British Killers Volume #1 by Guy Hadleigh
In the 1970s, Harry McKenny and his partner John Childs established themselves as ruthless contract killers in London's criminal underworld. Their reign of terror came to light following a seemingly routine armed robbery investigation, unveiling a series of brutal murders that shocked even hardened detectives.
The Fateful Robbery
In June 1979, a well-organized team of gunmen hijacked a Security Express van in Hertford, forcing the guards to continue their rounds before tying them up and escaping with over half a million pounds. The robbers made a crucial mistake - leaving behind boiler suits containing a key to a BMW 320. This led police to Philip Cohen, a wealthy East London greengrocer, who quickly implicated the rest of the gang, including John Childs and the elusive "Big Harry" McKenny.
When Flying Squad detectives interviewed the captured robbers, they got more than they bargained for. Cohen, desperate to avoid a lengthy sentence, revealed that McKenny, Childs, and Terry Pinfold had been involved in multiple murders over the years. This shocking claim opened the door to a much darker investigation.
The Murders
As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered a series of disappearances linked to McKenny and Childs:
1. George Brett and his 10-year-old son Terry: A well-known haulage contractor and his son who vanished in January 1975 after going to a business meeting.
2. Terence "Teddy Bear" Eve: A soft toy businessman who disappeared in October 1974, allegedly killed so McKenny could take over his lucrative business.
3. Robert Brown: A former professional wrestler who went missing in January 1975 after reportedly witnessing the aftermath of Eve's...Read More
July 25, 2024
Murder of Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin, a Russian mystic and self-proclaimed holy man, has been the subject of countless tales, myths, and speculations. His influence over Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, coupled with his unorthodox lifestyle and mysterious death, have fascinated historians for over a century. This article titled "Unveiling the Shadows: An In-depth Investigation into the Murder of Rasputin" aims to shed light on Rasputin's life and influence within imperial Russia, explore the political motivations behind his assassination, provide a detailed account of the night he was murdered, analyze how his death impacted Russia's political landscape, and debunk various myths surrounding this enigmatic figure.
The Life and Influence of Grigori Rasputin
Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin, born in 1869 in Siberia, Russia, was a Russian mystic and self-proclaimed holy man who gained considerable influence in late imperial Russia. Raised in an isolated rural environment, he embarked on several pilgrimages across Russia during his early adulthood, eventually making his way to St. Petersburg.
Despite his lack of formal education and uncouth appearance, Rasputin managed to captivate the Russian aristocracy with his charisma and alleged healing abilities. His life took a significant turn when he met Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra. The royal couple was desperately searching for a cure for their only son Alexei's hemophilia—a disease that modern medicine at the time could not treat.
Rasputin claimed he could heal the young heir apparent, which endeared him to the Tsarina. As Rasputin's influence grew within the royal court, so did public scrutiny—his unconventional lifestyle often clashing with societal norms of Imperial Russia.
His perceived control over the royal family became a source of concern among politicians and led to resentment among the masses who felt alienated by their rulers' reliance on this mystic figure. However,...Read More
July 20, 2024
The Cyanide Mohan Murders
Who is Cyanide Mohan?: A Brief Background
Cyanide Mohan, whose real name is Mohan Kumar, is a notorious serial killer from India who wreaked havoc in the South Indian state of Karnataka between 2003 and 2009. Before his life took a dark turn, Mohan was an ordinary man working as a school teacher in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada district. He was known to be well-educated and personable, traits that would later serve his sinister purposes.
Mohan’s heinous crimes were marked by their distinct modus operandi - the use of cyanide to kill his victims. His targeting of vulnerable young women and subsequent manipulation using the promise of marriage earned him the infamous moniker "Cyanide Mohan."
Interestingly, it wasn't just his unique method of murder that set him apart but also his ability to live a double life. On one hand, he maintained an image of a respectable school teacher; on the other hand, he was a cold-blooded murderer who preylessly hunted for his next victim.
His nefarious activities came to light only after the mysterious death of several young women across various towns in Karnataka started raising suspicion among law enforcement authorities. Post-mortem reports revealed lethal doses of cyanide in all victims' bodies. This connection paved the way for an extensive investigation leading to Cyanide Mohan's arrest in October 2009.
The case created shockwaves not only within India but around the world due to its chilling nature and the audaciousness with which Mohan executed his crimes. The Cyanide Murders served as a harsh reminder of humanity's darker side and brought attention to issues surrounding safety measures for women in India.
The Chronology of Cyanide Murders: A Timeline
The timeline of Cyanide Mohan's horrific murders stretches over a period of five years from 2003 to 2009, during which he claimed the lives of at least 20 innocent women. The chilling chronology begins in...Read More
July 18, 2024
Serial Killers of Argentina
Marcelo Antelo: The Twisted Journey of a Murderous Mind
Marcelo Antelo, known as "The San La Muerte Killer" or "Marcelito", terrorized Argentina in the late 1980s. Born in 1965 in Buenos Aires, Antelo's early life was marred by extreme poverty and neglect, factors that likely contributed to his criminal path.
Between 1987 and 1989, Antelo allegedly murdered eleven people across Buenos Aires Province. His victims were seemingly chosen at random, with no discernible pattern or motive beyond the act of killing itself. This randomness made him particularly difficult for law enforcement to track.
Antelo's methods were brutal and varied. He often struck late at night, using different weapons and approaches with each victim. This inconsistency in his modus operandi further complicated efforts to link the murders and identify the perpetrator.
One of Antelo's most chilling aspects was his apparent lack of emotion or remorse. Survivors who encountered him described a cold, detached demeanor that sent shivers down their spines. This emotional void led some psychologists to speculate about possible psychopathic tendencies.
The hunt for Antelo intensified as the body count rose. Police struggled to connect the dots between the seemingly unrelated murders. It wasn't until November 1989 that a breakthrough came when one of Antelo's victims survived an attack and provided a description to the authorities.
Antelo's capture involved a dramatic confrontation with police. He attempted to evade arrest, leading to a tense standoff before finally being apprehended. His arrest brought a sigh of relief to a terrified populace and marked the end of one of Argentina's most notorious killing sprees.
Florencio Fernández: A Tale of Terror and Deception
Florencio Fernández, infamously known as 'The Argentine Vampire,' spread fear throughout Argentina during the 1950s. Born in the slums of Buenos Aires,...Read More
July 16, 2024
The Green Bicycle Mystery
The Green Bicycle Mystery and the Unsolved Case of Bella WrightBella Wright's death was initially treated as an unfortunate accident until further examination revealed a bullet wound in her head, turning the case into a murder investigation. The mystery deepened with the discovery of the green bicycle, believed to be connected to her last known companion—a man seen riding with Bella on another bicycle shortly before her death. This unknown man, referred to as "the Green Bicycle Man," quickly became the central figure in the case.
Despite extensive police efforts, including tracing and questioning numerous owners of green bicycles across the region, definitive answers remained elusive. The lack of modern forensic technology and clear motives added layers of complexity. Over time, what seemed like straightforward clues led only to dead ends and more questions than answers.
The intrigue surrounding the Green Bicycle Case stems not only from its unsolved status but also from its timing during a period of great social change post-World War I. The case has since become one of England's most enduring mysteries, prompting debates among amateur sleuths and crime historians alike about possible suspects and scenarios that might explain what truly happened to Bella Wright on that fateful day.
Who Was Bella Wright? - Profile and Background
Bella Wright, often referred to as the "Green Bicycle Mystery" victim, was born in 1897 in Stoughton, Leicestershire. She was one of seven children in a rural working-class family. Despite the limitations typically imposed by her socio-economic background during that period, she was known for her independence and strong work ethic.
Educated at the local village school until the age of twelve, Bella soon took on various jobs to help support her family. She worked as a factory hand in Leicester, which was common for women of her time, especially during the World War I era when industrial...Read More
July 15, 2024
The Nithari Killings
Horrifying serial murders occurred in a small village on the outskirts of Noida, India, between 2005 and 2006, shocking the world due to their sheer brutality and scale. The main suspects were Surinder Koli and his employer Moninder Singh Pandher, who lived in house number D-5 in Sector 31, adjacent to where skeletal remains linked to at least 16 victims were found.
Unveiling the Nightmare: An Introduction to the Nithari Killings
The Nithari killings, named after a small village in the city of Noida, India, are a chilling series of serial murders that unfolded between 2005 and 2006. The gruesome events shocked not only the local community but also garnered international attention due to their sheer brutality and scale.
Nithari, located on the outskirts of Noida in Uttar Pradesh, is a typical Indian village characterized by narrow lanes and closely packed houses. It was within this unassuming setting that one of the country's most horrifying crimes took place. The victims were primarily children and young women from poor families who went missing under mysterious circumstances.
The discovery of skeletal remains in a drain adjacent to house number D-5 in Sector 31 catapulted this otherwise quiet village into national headlines. These remains would later be linked to at least 16 victims who had disappeared over an extended period. However, some estimates suggest that the actual number of victims could be much higher, possibly exceeding 30 or even 40.
The main suspects were Surinder Koli and his employer Moninder Singh Pandher, residents of D-5. Koli served as Pandher's domestic help; however, his role extended far beyond ordinary household chores. According to subsequent investigations and trials, Koli was directly involved in luring victims into the house where they were sexually assaulted and brutally murdered. In some cases, he allegedly indulged in cannibalism, which added an even more horrifying dimension to...Read More
