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Description
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Charles Panzram: A Life of Violence and Murder

Introduction

Charles Panzram was one of the most ruthless serial killers in American history. Born in 1891, he spent most of his life in and out of prison, committing heinous crimes across the United States and beyond. His reign of terror included murder, rape, arson, and burglary, leaving behind a trail of victims before his execution in 1930.

Early Crimes and Criminal History

Panzram's criminal activities began early in life. He was first arrested at the age of 12 for burglary and sent to the Minnesota State Training School. The abuse he suffered there only hardened him, fueling his hatred for society. Over the years, he committed numerous burglaries, assaults, and arsons before escalating to more violent crimes.

Murders and Victims

Panzram claimed to have killed at least 21 people, though only a few of his murders were officially confirmed. Below is a list of his known victims:
  • 1907 - Minnesota: Panzram allegedly committed his first murder as a teenager, though details remain unknown.
  • 1920 - New Haven, Connecticut: Panzram murdered a man during a burglary. The victim's name is unknown.
  • 1920 - Angola, Africa: While working on a ship, Panzram claimed to have hired six men to go on a crocodile hunt. He shot and killed all six before feeding their bodies to the crocodiles.
  • 1922 - New York: Panzram beat and strangled a young boy to death after luring him from the streets.
  • 1923 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: He claimed to have shot and killed a man during a robbery.
  • 1928 - Salem, Oregon: Panzram murdered a young boy named George Henry McMahon after sexually assaulting him. This was one of the few confirmed murders.
  • 1928 - Baltimore, Maryland: He confessed to killing a man named Alexander Lisowski.
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Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (4)
  • Henry McMahon Age: (12), Date of Death: July 18, 1922
  •     ...View 3 additional victims
    Suspected Victims:
  • John Doe Age: (11-12), Date of Death: 1921
  • John Doe Age: (?), Date of Death: July-August 1928
  • Links to Additional Sources (14)
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    Killer's Details

    Charles

    Panzram

    June 28, 1891 East Grand Forks, Minnesota, United States

    September 5, 1930 (aged 39) Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, United States

    Executed by hanging

    Carl Baldwin, Cooper John II, Harry Panzram, Jack Allen, Jeff Davis, Jeff Rhodes, Jefferson Baldwin, Jefferson Davis, Jefferson Rhodes, John King, John OLeary

    6 ft (1.83 m)

    Male

    White

    First degree murder

    Death

    5 confirmed, 21 confessed, 100+ suspected

    1899 - 1929

    Connecticut, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas

    Luanda (Angola)

    Clinton Correctional Facility — Dannemora, New York, Leavenworth Federal Prison (US Disciplinary Barracks), United States Penitentiary, Minnesota State Prison, Montana State Prison — Deer Lodge, Montana, Oregon State Penitentiary — Salem, Oregon, Sing Sin

    07/03/2025