Axeman of New Orleans - Louisiana 1918-1919
The Axeman of New Orleans was an unidentified serial killer who terrorized New Orleans, Louisiana, and surrounding areas between May 1918 and October 1919. The killer, who primarily targeted Italian-American grocers and their families, would break into homes and attack victims with an axe, often one found at the crime scene. The Axeman was never caught, and the murders remain unsolved to this day.
Timeline
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November 2025 — 2 developments
Survivors described the Axeman as a White, working-class male in his 30s, believed to be responsible for up to 17 attacks.
Survivors described the Axeman as a White, working-class male in his 30s, believed to be responsible for up to 17 attacks. There were also similar attacks reported in 1910-1911, and the last known attack was the murder of Mike Pepitone on October 27, 1919.
The Axeman gained entry by removing door panels and often left the victims' own axes at the crime scene.
The Axeman gained entry by removing door panels and often left the victims' own axes at the crime scene. Valuables were rarely stolen, and no clear motive was ever established for the attacks.
October 2025 — 1 developments
A new theory suggests the Axeman of New Orleans may have been Lewis Oubicon, a suspect at the time who was released due to insufficient evidence.
A new theory suggests the Axeman of New Orleans may have been Lewis Oubicon, a suspect at the time who was released due to insufficient evidence. This theory is based on physical and mental descriptions.
November 2024 — 1 developments
New theories suggest the Axeman's attacks may have been racially motivated, Mafia-related, or a mob tactic to extort protection money from Italian grocers.
New theories suggest the Axeman's attacks may have been racially motivated, Mafia-related, or a mob tactic to extort protection money from Italian grocers.
February 2018 — 1 developments
Evidence suggests the Axeman struck elsewhere in Louisiana, killing Joseph Spero and his daughter in…
Evidence suggests the Axeman struck elsewhere in Louisiana, killing Joseph Spero and his daughter in Alexandria in December 1920, Giovanni Orlando in DeRidder in January 1921, and Frank Scalisi in Lake Charles in April 1921.
October 1919 — 1 developments
Mike Pepitone was found dead in his bedroom after being struck in the head with an axe.
Mike Pepitone was found dead in his bedroom after being struck in the head with an axe. This marked the last of the alleged Axeman assaults.
March 1919 — 3 developments
On the night the Axeman threatened to strike again, jazz music filled the city as residents played music in their homes and clubs.
On the night the Axeman threatened to strike again, jazz music filled the city as residents played music in their homes and clubs. No one was murdered that night.
A letter, allegedly from the Axeman, was published in The Times-Picayune newspaper.
A letter, allegedly from the Axeman, was published in The Times-Picayune newspaper. It threatened another attack on March 19 but promised to spare anyone in a home where a jazz band was playing.
Charles and Rosie Cortimiglia were attacked, resulting in the death of their two-year-old daughter, Mary.
Charles and Rosie Cortimiglia were attacked, resulting in the death of their two-year-old daughter, Mary. Rosie Cortimiglia later accused two innocent men, Iorlando and Frank Jordano, who were convicted but later exonerated.
August 1918 — 2 developments
Joseph Romano, an elderly man, was attacked in his home and died two days later from his injuries.
Joseph Romano, an elderly man, was attacked in his home and died two days later from his injuries. His nieces witnessed the assailant fleeing.
Anna Schneider, who was eight months pregnant, was brutally assaulted in her home but miraculously survived.
Anna Schneider, who was eight months pregnant, was brutally assaulted in her home but miraculously survived.
June 1918 — 1 developments
Louis Besumer and Harriet Lowe were attacked in Besumer's grocery.
Louis Besumer and Harriet Lowe were attacked in Besumer's grocery. Both were critically injured, and Lowe later died. Besumer was initially suspected and arrested, but later acquitted.
May 1918 — 1 developments
The first widely attributed attack occurred when Joseph and Catherine Maggio were found brutally assaulted in their home.
The first widely attributed attack occurred when Joseph and Catherine Maggio were found brutally assaulted in their home. Joseph's throat was slit, and Catherine was severely beaten; an axe belonging to the Maggios was left at the scene. Joseph died shortly after, and Catherine succumbed to her injuries later.