In 1902, Edward Walton married Edith Hanna in Joliet, Illinois. Their union was short-lived, leading to a separation that lasted approximately two years. In August 1904, Walton sought reconciliation, but upon Hanna's refusal, he traveled to her residence at 81 South Peoria Street in Chicago. There, in a fit of rage, he shot her. Hanna succumbed to her injuries three days later without regaining consciousness. ((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Walton_%28serial_killer%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Following the murder, Walton fled Chicago, evading immediate arrest. He continued his criminal activities across multiple states, ultimately being apprehended for the murder of Beulah Martin in West Virginia in 1908. Upon his arrest, Walton confessed to the murders of five individuals, including Edith Hanna. He was subsequently executed by hanging on July 17, 1908, in Moundsville, West Virginia. ((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Walton_%28serial_killer%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Records from the Cook County death records indicate that Edith Walton, a 36-year-old African American domestic worker, died on August 22, 1904, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Her residence was listed as 81 South Peoria Street. This aligns with the details of Edith Hanna's case, suggesting that she was also known by her married name, Edith Walton. ((https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215505143/edith-walton?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
