By Jon Tait Sim Armstrong of Whithaugh He was Scottish organised crime’s Mr. Big TWO CENTURIES before the Sicilianmafia was formed. With links to cattle and sheep rustling, coin counterfeiting, robberies, protectionrackets and murders, Sim Armstrong of Whithaugh was one of the most dangerousand notorious reivers from just over the border in the lonely LiddesdaleContinue reading “Meet The Medieval Mafia #1”
Tag Archives: True Crime
Murder in Vermont
By Donald Guadagni In 1981 Wade Willis was sixteen years old, he attended North Country Union High School with his cousin Roy Bullis and like most high school boys he had a girlfriend. Her name was Terri Weed she also attended North Country Union High School. One afternoon while smoking pot together at the homeContinue reading “Murder in Vermont”
Beauty Brings Beasts
By Emily Kitazawa “Beauty is a curse on the world. It keeps us from seeing who the real monsters are.” – The Carver WHEN EVELYN WAS a young girl, she remembered the strangely exotic feel of her mother’s hair-prickled calves on her tender hands, evoking the same fascination of one’s first time touching a hithertoContinue reading “Beauty Brings Beasts”
Murder in Evansville
By Chris Bunton I was in the Aspen Drive neighborhood of Evansville, Indiana recently. It is what I would call an upper middle class community. A place where you can imagine kids riding up and down the street past well manicured lawns. It’s a peaceful slice of Americana. It’s not a place where you wouldContinue reading “Murder in Evansville”
Historical True Crime: Sam Hildebrand
By Chris Bunton “There seems little room for doubt that the desperado, who was recently killed at Pinckneyville, the particulars of which, our local correspondent of that town, has heretofore furnished our readers, was the real “Sam Hildebrand” of Missouri notoriety”—Du Quoin Tribune, April 11, 1872 Sam Hildebrand was born on January 6, 1836 atContinue reading “Historical True Crime: Sam Hildebrand”
Savage Murder at Taliesin
By Chris Bunton Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous architects in the world. He lived and worked between 1867 and 1959. His works have inspired millions, but at the same time, his life had dark tragedies. I have been a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright for quite some time, and try toContinue reading “Savage Murder at Taliesin”
The Education of a Young Gentleman
By Charlie Jacobson And I eat men like air.—from Plath, Sylvia. “Lady Lazarus.” 1962. *** “Charles!” “Uh?” “Richie has a flat.” I rolled out of bed and stumbled after my mother into the kitchen. She thrust a receiver into my hand and lit a Chesterfield. I grunted. “Richie?” “Git your ass over here.” The lineContinue reading “The Education of a Young Gentleman”
Serial Killer: Joseph Paul Franklin
By Chris Bunton When I travel, I typically add “Crime” as a point of interest at my destination. This is what I call “Crime Travel”. So, along with museums, restaurants, and all the normal travel sites, I will also look for crimes or infamous criminals that might have been in the area. So, I wasContinue reading “Serial Killer: Joseph Paul Franklin”
In Loving Memory of Sherry Lewis
By Dennette Bender (Russell), Edited by Andy Betz It was not a typical Friday in 1994. It was the first day of the annual Decatur Celebration, a day many in central Illinois looked forward to. It was the marking of another great midwestern summer. Local corn harvesting, farming, and vacations were coming to an end.Continue reading “In Loving Memory of Sherry Lewis”
Missing in Orlando: What Happened to Jennifer Kesse?
By Molly McGuigan When one hears someone mention Orlando, Florida, the first image to come to mind is probably princess castles, looping roller coasters, and family fun. Because of the opportunities, those interested in working in the hospitality industry flock to the Orlando area; there is no shortage of theme parks, recreational activities, and hotelsContinue reading “Missing in Orlando: What Happened to Jennifer Kesse?”