On the night of July 17, 1917, a sinister presence creeps through the streets of New Orleans. Inside their home, Joseph and Catherine Maggio lie unsuspecting of the horror about to unfold. The Axeman of New Orleans, a figure who would later haunt the city, makes his first confirmed attack, leaving Joseph dead and Catherine brutally injured. The chilling sound of an axe slicing through the air marks the beginning of a terrifying spree that will grip the city in fear.
In the following months, the Axeman’s reign of terror escalates, casting a dark shadow over the vibrant city. Citizens live in constant dread, their imaginations fueled by newspaper headlines and whispered rumors. The Axeman’s method is both brutal and intimate, targeting victims in their own homes, often using their own tools against them. The uncertainty of his next move keeps the community on edge.
As the city grapples with the horror, the police work tirelessly to track down the elusive killer. Yet, the Axeman’s identity remains a mystery, his motives as cryptic as his attacks. The legacy of fear and intrigue left behind by the Axeman becomes an indelible part of New Orleans’ history.
Story Source: Non-fiction book titled “The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story” (Chicago Review Press)
