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The Axeman of New Orleans: When Jazz Saved Lives | The Missing Archive
In this episode of The Missing Archive, host Sandra Cohen explores the chilling and enigmatic case of the Axeman of New Orleans, a serial killer who terrorized the city between 1918 and 1919. This true crime deep dive examines how jazz music may have literally saved lives during a period of intense public panic. The narrative traces the brutal attacks on Italian immigrant families, including the Maggio and Besumer households, where victims were struck with axes and razors but no valuables were stolen, pointing to a ritualistic rather than financial motive.
We analyze the bizarre letters sent…
The skinny
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